Young Bristol's Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre celebrated its 25th anniversary last week, marking a quarter-century of providing outdoor activities to Bristol's young people.
On Thursday 3rd - Friday 4th July, Burges Salmon took on the 25for25 challenge, raising over £32,000 for Young Bristol in celebration of our Outdoor Activity Centre's 25th anniversary.
Over 240 people from across Burges Salmon, donning sparkles and fancy dress, flocked to the water to undertake a 25-hour continuous canoe relay along the River Avon and Bristol Docks, with the aim to raise money to support the future of the centre. Supporting Burges Salmon was our team of Outdoor Activity Instructors and staff team, who accompanied all paddlers throughout the 25-hour period.
Jamie Cameron, a director in the Employment team and head of community engagement at the firm, canoed for over 6 hours. He comments:
"Our 25for25 challenge was about highlighting the importance of providing accessible and engaging activities for young people and our challenge has raised awareness of the inspiring work Young Bristol does through its Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre.
Our initial aim was to raise £25,000 to support Young Bristol’s vital work at the centre and their development plans. Thanks to the immense generosity of our people and the public we have exceeded this target, and we are looking forward to seeing how Young Bristol use these funds to continue to change lives through their work at Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre.
We’d also like to say a huge thank you to all the Young Bristol team for cheering us on and for keeping us safe throughout the challenge. We worked as one team and their support and enthusiasm kept us going.”
Kevin Kennedy, partner and chair of Burges Salmon’s charity committee, adds:
“The event was a fantastic display of Burges Salmon’s culture and commitment to responsible business at its best, bringing our team and firm together for a common cause.
It was fantastic to see people from across our firm and all our offices paddling at all hours and the land support from colleagues and curious onlookers was also terrific.
The event created quite the buzz, not only around the office but alongside the whole harbourside and we’re immensely proud to have worked with Young Bristol on such a brilliant initiative. Our efforts are making a significant difference in the lives of many young individuals.”
Since opening on July 4, 2000, our award-winning Pooles Wharf Outdoor Activity Centre has grown to become one of Bristol’s premier providers of adventure activities, offering 16 water and land-based activities that support young people’s physical and mental wellbeing through free and low-cost outdoor experiences. The Centre also works with schools, colleges, pupil referral units, youth groups and corporates and, with increased reach, the centre hopes to make a difference to even more people across the city.
Lee Williams DL, Chief Executive at Young Bristol, comments:
“The support from Burges Salmon through their 25for25 fundraising challenge has been nothing short of incredible! The challenge saw Burges Salmon’s people come together to canoe for 25-hours, raising £32,000 to support our work with young people – a truly memorable event.
The support of corporate supporters such as Burges Salmon is vital to our charity, helping to not only spread awareness of our work, but to develop our provisions and support our work to thrive.
The money raised will allow our Outdoor Activity Centre to continue to provide life-changing outdoor experiences. Thank you to everyone at Burges Salmon for your fantastic fundraising efforts!”
A big well done and thank you to everyone who has taken on this incredible challenge in aid of Young Bristol! To support the 25 Hours for 25 Years challenge click here.
