April 9, 2024
When it comes to healthy competition among co-workers, Andrew Bentley is all for it. The Director of Sales at Long View has signed up to run 10 kilometres in the upcoming Scotiabank Calgary Marathon.
“So far, there are over 40 of us registered on our corporate team,” says Bentley. “Giving everyone a challenge to take on together is a great way to build team spirit.”
But this test is about more than crossing the finish line. It’s about raising money for an organization that is changing lives. On May 29, Bentley and the rest of the team will race towards ending homelessness, donating all the money they raise to Inn from the Cold. The team’s goal is $20,000 – which includes a $10,000 match from its employers.
“So far, we’ve raised almost $4,000 and the pledges keep pouring in,” says Bentley. “It makes me proud to be associated with an organization that believes so strongly in philanthropy, and it feels good knowing that there’s a direct correlation between running in the race and helping homeless families rebuild their lives.”
The corporate team, Long View/NetApp, is the result of two organizations coming together in support of the Inn. NetApp, Inc. specializes in computer storage and data management, and Long View is an IT company that resells NetApp’s products.
Team captain Dave Botterill says the partnership made sense.
“NetApp and Long View are business partners but we also share a passion for supporting the Inn. It was the perfect opportunity to put our energy and efforts together to raise money and awareness for a great cause.”
“The support of corporations is vital to the Inn,” says Yvette Rasmussen, Executive Director, Inn from the Cold. “This partnership shows how businesses can really make a difference when they join forces and encourage employee participation. We’re so proud of the Long View/NetApp team and what they’ve accomplished so far.”
About 11,000 runners and walkers are expected to take part in this year’s Scotiabank Calgary Marathon and hope to raise about $275,000 for participating charities.
To learn more about the race or to register, visit http://www.calgarymarathon.com/.
About Inn from the Cold: For 15 years, Inn from the Cold has served the needs of Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens through the provision of shelter, help and hope. At the Inn, homeless families and others in need find a place of compassion – where their immediate needs are met. Through its Emergency Family Shelter and community-based temporary emergency shelter program, families and singles begin to rebuild their lives and end the cycle of homelessness, while becoming equipped with the skills and resources to build an independent and successful future. The Inn’s vision is a community where no family is homeless.