From left to right: John Rendel, Phil Andrews, Chris Lavy and Ian Walkden

COINS 3 Peaks Construction Industry Challenge and COINS Foundation update

On Tuesday evening there was a very special session to present the COINS 3 Peaks Challenge and the work of the newly-formed COINS Foundation.  Larry Sullivan, COINS Chairman and President of the COINS Foundation, opened the session with a powerful statement. “The Foundation was formed,” he said, “for two simple reasons - because the need out there is great, and we are in a position to help.” Larry added, “Even in these tough times, COINS will continue to invest time, money and passion in supporting the wider community in need. We will always do this,” he said.

Larry welcomed to the stage guest speakers from all the projects who had received funds from the 2008 3 Peaks event. 

John Rendel, Chief Executive from PEAS explained the need for High Schools in Uganda. He explained that the government provides free education only for under 12’s. This creates a huge gap in the national infrastructure of Uganda - fewer than 20% of children over 12 are able to afford High School education. Thanks to last year's 3 Peaks Challenge, COINS Foundation is building PEAS’ 4th High School in Uganda.

Ian Walkden, Chief Executive from Habitat for Humanity UK thanked the audience for their continued support of the COINS 3 Peaks Challenge event and the COINS Foundation.  He explained how Habitat for Humanity offers a “hand up and not a hand out” to families who are offered a home.  With funds raised, Habitat for Humanity will build 200 new homes in Zambia, Uganda and Mozambique which will help as many as 1200 orphans and vulnerable children in supported housing.

Chris Lavy, Orthopedic Surgeon for CURE International  gave a visual (and graphic!) presentation which showed where the illness is in the world resides – 25% of the world’s disease occurs in sub-Saharan Africa but only 1% of total funds spent on healthcare goes to this region!  Professor Lavy gave a shocking account of the diseases and impairments that are commonplace and showed how CURE sets out to change the lives of young people by correcting conditions such as club foot, hydrocephalus and spina bifida. CURE also contributes to the infrastructure of local health care by training local surgeons.

Claire Greenwood and Pauline Sargent from the COINS 3 Peaks Challenge Team offered the audience an inspiring insight into the COINS 3 Peaks challenge – they explained what was involved and emphasised how achievable and rewarding the experience is for participants. This was echoed by Phil Andrews, IT Director from Geoffrey Osborne, who explained why his company has taken part in the Challenge four times! “We are committed to continuing,” he explained, “the event is fantastic fun. Everyone has the opportunity to get involved through our fundraising activities. I have no doubt that taking part is hugely beneficial for team-building within the business.”

Ric Law, Chief executive for the COINS Foundation (pictured left), closed the session. He thanked everyone for their fantastic support so far and set out the Foundation’s vision. “We aim,” he said, “to build Inclusive communities by developing sustainable programmes which support the most disenfranchised groups in the world.” Ric finished with a quotation from the social reformer Margaret Mead, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed people can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has.”

Our thanks to all our guest speakers.