‘We will triumph again’

As we near week five of our 2019 Ops Fundraising Challenge, we’re pleased to introduce our regional team leads and their directors.

Business manager, Jo-Anne Madden plans to lead her team in the North to victory. ‘Our team is up for the challenge,’ she said. ‘North for the win!’ while service delivery director – North, Rob Jenson, said: ‘The North has a proud tradition of supporting our communities and, in particular, people in need.

‘The Ops Challenge is a great opportunity for our new teams to work together and demonstrate their fundraising prowess.’

In the South, business manager, Danny Harrison is spearheading his team to win. ‘We’re working hard to ensure the South is crowned this year’s winner.’

National Service Delivery Director, Ricky McAulay, said: ‘Our operational units and colleagues in the South have done an amazing job in previous years in responding to the Ops Fundraising Challenge.

‘This year, Action for Children is our worthy cause and l know we will come up with fun and creative ways to raise money for this great charity partner. Royal Mail operates in the heart of communities so it’s a great opportunity for us to make a difference to those children who need our support.’

In the Central region we have service delivery leader, Stephen Molloy, leading the team forward. Service delivery director - Central, Geoff Braden, said: ‘The company is at its best when our people, our managers and our unions work together for our customers and our charity partner. The central zone is all about caring for both the colleagues we work with and the customers we serve - I believe this will make all the difference in helping us raise as much money as we can.’

Aiming to deliver success for the Logistics & International team are Anne O’Connor and Bob Lawrence respectively. Here’s what they had to say: ‘Logistics had a phenomenal, remarkable, and simply incredible fundraising journey last year, raising more than £37k for Action for Children, and coming second in the campaign against the outstanding Parcelforce team!’ said Anne.

‘We’re buzzing with new fundraising ideas, all geared around increasing the amount of money raised for this worthwhile charity. And we can’t wait for this opportunity to collectively engage across the wider Logistics team, hopefully increasing the amount of money raised!’

‘We’ll be doing our very best to hit the top spot this year with Logistics,’ said Bob. ‘Our people in International are a very generous bunch – especially for such a worthwhile charity.’

Logistics director Euan McMurdo, said: ‘Let’s make sure we win the challenge and bring the trophy back to Logistics.’ International director, Richard Snowden, said: ‘The Ops Fundraising Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for people across our International team to really show how well we engage with each other. Team International are always up for a challenge and this year, we’ll be aiming to bring the trophy home.’

Parcelforce Worldwide former champion Louise Brinklow, is a force to be reckoned with. She said: ‘Parcelforce are still riding high on the success of last year’s Ops Challenge! We raised just shy of £50K and had a great deal of fun doing it. Don’t think we’re going to be giving up our title (and trophy) easily so we want to let the other teams know that we’re going for it again this year!

‘We can promise lots of baking, raffling, running, golfing, selling and laughing around our depots, hubs and offices over the next three months. Bring it on!’

Gary Simpson, managing director, Parcelforce Worldwide, said: ‘Last year, Parcelforce Worldwide took part in the Ops Challenge for the first time – and came first, by a country mile! This year, our operations colleagues will defend our title as fundraising champions. With your enthusiasm and support, we will triumph again!

To support your teams along the way, Action for Children's Vicky Tuff and Alsye Roberts are on hand at royalmail@actionforchildren.org.uk to help and provide you with all the fundraising ideas, hints and tips, materials and support you need to smash your targets.

Colleagues at Bristol mail centre have already raised more than £500 from raffle sales, while the East Midlands team have raised £200 so far with a dress-down day and cake sale.