Our ESG Initiatives
From "Ride With Aryza" to "Secret Santa": Our Commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact
The "Ride with Aryza" event has brought together Aryza employees, customers and partners globally in a significant cycling challenge. From January 1st to June 30, 2024, this initiative sets out for cyclists to collectively cover 42,000 kilometers, the equivalent of circling the Earth. Beyond the physical challenge, the event is dedicated to supporting the battle against cancer.
Mark Roberts from Aryza spearheaded this initiative, motivated by a personal connection to cancer. "The journey began with an idea to cycle from Toronto to Dubai in memory of the father of my best friend," Mark Roberts explained. "As the conversation expanded, the project grew, acknowledging that many of us have individuals in our lives who deserve to be remembered and honored."
"Ride with Aryza" is fundamentally about transforming cycling efforts into financial support for cancer charities. Each kilometer completed by the participants contributes to fundraising efforts, linking their physical efforts to the support of those battling cancer. This effort reflects Aryza's broader commitment to making a positive impact on the community.
Roberts emphasized the significance of cherishing the influence of those important to us, especially in times of loss. The event is inclusive, welcoming cyclists of varying abilities and encouraging participation from all, underlining that every effort counts. With routes designed for different skill levels, it invites everyone to take part, from casual cyclists to those seeking more strenuous challenges, underscoring the collective effort's importance.
As the event progresses, excitement builds not only around achieving the distance goal but also around the impact on the fight against cancer, honoring memories, and supporting those in need.
If you don't have a Strava account yet, sign up at Strava's website.
Once you're logged in, visit our club page Aryza (https://strava.app.link/ajTKNjThwFb) and click on the "Join Club" button.
You're now a part of our community! Explore and connect with other members.
We have setup Strava Challenges for each individual route which will help you keep track of the overall goal with people who are taking part in the same route. Due to some limitations with Strava Challenges being publicly available, you will need to follow our organiser, Karen Emmett, and she will invite you to all challenges where you can select which one you would like to join.
Once invited you can look for our challenges, there is one for each route, and click on "Join Challenge". You can only find these on the Strava app.
Get ready to crush those fitness goals! You can track your progress and see how you stack up against other participants.
Join our GoFundMe fundraising team: GoFundMe/SignUp/
You will then have the option to share the page with a unique link to you. This will allow your supporters to donate and they can select they were referred by you. This will allow you to keep track of how much you have raised.
Share the fundraiser help reach our goals.
Donations will be distributed to cancer charities within Aryza locations across the globe.
The return of our Charity initiative Secret Santa in 2023 has been a resounding success, benefiting a total of 35 charitable organizations. These organizations span a variety of causes, including support for children, animal welfare, cancer research, homelessness, and mental health services.
The Secret Santa initiative operates on a unique premise. Instead of exchanging traditional Christmas gifts, colleagues put forward wishes on behalf of charities close to their hearts. These wishes were then anonymously fulfilled by other colleagues, fostering a spirit of giving and community. Among the numerous heartfelt and creative contributions, two initiatives received special recognition based on a vote by colleagues. The first initiative involved a Secret Santa delivering meals on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to elderly individuals in their local community who would otherwise spend the holiday alone.
The second highlighted effort supported the St Vincent De Paul organization by providing gifts to children and young people from seven underprivileged families. Notably, one child's wish for a sold-out Squishmallow Cow (photo) was fulfilled by a Secret Santa who sourced it from the UK. Colin Brown, CEO of Aryza, has announced that all monetary donations will be matched and doubled, further amplifying the impact of this initiative.
Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club Mini & Juniors section has partnered with Aryza to offer young individuals throughout Birmingham an invaluable chance to partake in rugby, even when faced with financial difficulties.
The partnership between Aryza and Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club sees Aryza provide funding for memberships and kits for up to twenty young people who couldn’t otherwise afford to join a rugby club and play. Paul O’Sullivan, Global Head of Banking and Lending at Aryza said: "Aryza are committed to the financial health and wellbeing of our customer’s customers around the world. The connection between financial well-being and physical health is profound, and our commitment to global support is carried out at both the individual and community levels, fostering stronger individuals and communities worldwide. As such, teaming up with Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club to provide young people with the opportunity to benefit from playing a sport they would otherwise not be able to enjoy is completely aligned with our mission as a business.”
Louise Baggeley, Chair of Birmingham Moseley Mini & Juniors section added: "Our mission at Birmingham Moseley Mini & Juniors is to provide young people with the opportunity to play rugby in a safe and fun environment, whilst growing a love for the game. We firmly believe in the transformative power of rugby to make a positive impact on our community, and we recognise the profound importance of expanding these efforts. Rugby is an inclusive sport, and with Aryza's support, we can extend our reach to provide opportunities for more young individuals to engage in the game, ensuring that those in our community facing financial challenges are not left behind. Combined with our work in schools through the Birmingham Moseley Community Foundation, we can continue to make a real difference.”
