Smurfit Kappa employees get on their bikes for gruelling challenge

TWO Smurfit Kappa employees have completed an 8,500km cycle to raise funds for Ukrainian communities impacted by the conflict with Russia.

Philippe Rechoulet (from France) and José Luis Tani Stanghellini (from Italy) set off from Gibraltar and went on to cross ten different countries before finishing in Nordkapp, the most northerly point of Norway.

The challenge lasted from May to August and the duo visited 36 Smurfit Kappa sites along the way.

The purpose was to provide support for Ukraine and raise awareness of climate change and the benefits of an active lifestyle, which is a pillar of Smurfit Kappa’s Wellbeing for Life initiative.

The Nordkapp charity cycle is one of many projects Smurfit Kappa has committed to as part of its work to positively impact the lives of vulnerable and underprivileged people through health and nutrition, basic care and early education. 

Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit Kappa Europe, said, “This ambitious fundraiser, that was devised by the guys themselves, is testament to the good-hearted and caring nature of our employees here at Smurfit Kappa. Giving back to the community is something that we care about deeply, and the Nordkapp Objective Project is one of many initiatives we have in place across the globe to provide support where it is needed. I am so proud of Philippe and José’s awe-inspiring achievement.” 

Philippe Rechoulet said, “To have been part of the Nordkapp Objective Project has been one of the best moments of my professional career. There were so many special moments including receiving such great support and motivation from the Smurfit Kappa plants that we passed along the way.”

José Luis Tani Stanghellini added, “I think that it is important to give back where you can. A project like this is at the core of what Smurfit Kappa does and it was great to be able to contribute to such a worthy cause and memorable experience.”

Smurfit Kappa matched the €52,500 raised by the cyclists bringing the total sum to €105,000, which will be donated to Médicins Sans Frontiéres in Poland.