“Order your tiny ULD now - and support charity 🎄” the email subject line urged. What was that all about? A unique initiative in support of a highly worthy cause, it turns out, and an
excellent example of Social Responsibility and the ESG 3 goal of Good Health and Wellbeing.
CargoForwarder Global (CFG) contacted the man behind the emails, Mike van Berkel (MvB), Account Manager at VRR | Innovative air cargo solutions by day, VRRunners Team Captain and Runner
by night, to find out more about the team’s initiative.
CFG: How long have the VRRunners been around? What was the initial trigger to put a team together?
MvB: The concept for the VRRunners took shape this year. It all started with my participation in the Roparun with another team. As we are a company that wants to give back to the
community, my colleagues were intrigued with the idea to participate also. Of course, it helps that we are a relatively sporty company. Many of my colleagues run or cycle a lot. So, we decided to
explore the possibility of forming our own team for the following year. By September, we had our team together!
CFG: It is the first time that you are participating in the Roparun. Who chose the event, why, and what is it all about?
MvB: Since our team is brand new, this will be the first Roparun experience for most members. The event itself has a rich history, dating back to 1991, with its iconic relay from
Rotterdam to Paris (RoPa). Apart from its long-standing tradition, what drew us in is the Roparun's significant support for various charities aiding terminally ill people — a cause that resonates
with everyone at VRR.
CFG: 500 km as a non-stop team relay race? How does that work? How big does a team have to be?
MvB: Indeed, it's a non-stop relay covering 500 km. Our team comprises 8 runners, 6 cyclists, 5 chauffeurs/navigators, and 5/6 support crew members. While team composition may
vary, a minimum of 8 runners and at least 4 cyclists is mandatory. The team operates in two sub-teams, with one on the track while the other rests. During the run, one runner and two cyclists are
on the track simultaneously, switching after a set distance until reaching a rest point, where the other team takes over.
CFG: Your team is split into runners, cyclists, and drivers - how many kms does each individual cover during the race, and how many legs?
MvB: Each runner covers approximately 65 km, while cyclists tackle half of the total distance, exceeding 250 km. Drivers cover a distance similar to cyclists since they are
continuously on the track with their respective sub-teams. Our plan involves covering 50 km per stint (per sub-team), so we need at least 10 handovers per team to cover the full distance of the
Roparun.
CFG: Are you all training together? How can one best prepare for a PAR-RTM run? What are you learning while training?
MvB: To ensure optimal preparation, we've appointed Ben Lakerveld, our sales manager and seasoned marathon runner, as the point of contact for runners. He organizes training runs
every Wednesday after work and shares training schedules for other days. For cyclists, Michael Heijmer, an avid cyclist, will oversee their training, which is yet to commence. Training focuses on
injury prevention, and the experience gained during these sessions is invaluable.
CFG: What is VRR's company policy on Social Responsibility? And how is it supporting this activity?
MvB: VRR serves as the primary sponsor, offering us the flexibility to prepare during work hours, with certain essentials already sponsored by the company. Our commitment to
Social Responsibility has taken a large place in our company strategy. We care deeply about all the people around us, which makes our company purpose very clear: We inspire to care. Our employees
are given many means to stay or become more vital. By means of (among other things) a healthy lunch every week, a free gym in house, a bicycle plan, a vegetable garden on our own ground, and
chair massages. Also, we feel the need to give back to community. The Roparun is actually the first real project to do this, but in 2024, we will be looking into other possibilities.
'Sustainability' is something we have been serious about since about 2 years, but we recognize things take time. You can read more about our goals here: Sustainability at VRR
CFG: Who came up with the idea of Christmas baubles? Is there any special story about how and where they are made?
MvB: The concept of Christmas baubles was a collective effort. With the recent acquisition of a 3D printer for rapid prototyping, we explored its potential uses. Wanting to
create something unique and relevant to VRR, we settled on a ULD.
CFG: Given that VRR is so plastic-conscious, can you tell us a bit about the sustainability aspect of these baubles?
MvB: Absolutely, sustainability was a key consideration. Our Christmas ornaments are crafted from Bambu PLA, a recyclable and biodegradable material, ensuring they align with
VRR's commitment to environmentally conscious practices.
CFG: Have the VRRunners done any previous charity events? What are a few highlights?
MvB: As a newly formed team, this is our very first! And we are so happy with the success up until now! In the beginning of 2024 we will probably organize more events, but we're
still working on that.
CFG: Your target charity money is €20,000 - how confident are you that this will be achieved? And what is your message to our readers?
MvB: Achieving our €20,000 target presents a unique challenge as a starting team, since there is so much to set up. Also, everything we spend on materials, food, etc., is
deducted from the charity money. So, next to the fund raising, we search for sponsors to help us provide for all things needed for free. This way we hope to reach our goal. We have a strong
network (within the aviation industry) and are counting on all our stakeholders to want to be a part of this very special charity event! More information for sponsoring can be found on our
website: Sponsors - VRRunners
CFG wishes you the best of luck in reaching your target and every success to the team!
And to our readers – why not add a little air cargo glamour to your tree, this year, and support a charity that brings much-needed
comfort and care to terminally ill people and their loved ones during their final days?
Brigitte Gledhill
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