The Body Shop Foundation

London 2 Paris Riders : introducing Bert Smith

Adelle — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:42:19 +0000

Now, The Body Shop is an international company renown not just for its exceptional beauty products but also its stance when it comes to its Values – from its Community Fair Trade programme, to its campaigning. From its environmental approach to us, its charitable trust – all these things add up to one heck of a stance when it comes to giving back to the world we live and trade in.

So it should come as no shock that the staff who work for The Body Shop have very similar ideals, beliefs and a pride in the values – no matter where they are in the world. Like Bert Smith, for example. Bert is the Vice President for Finance for The Body Shop in America, working out of the Head Office there at Wake Forest, North Carolina. Bert is a strong believer in the values of the company and has actively worked with The Body Shop Foundation in the past so we were utterly thrilled (and a little bit speechless) when Bert stepped up to the block and signed up for the London 2 Paris challenge.

We’ve had a great response from our international friends with cyclists taking part from Kuwait, our Asia Pacific Zone and the wonderful Bert, coming all the way over from the USA to be part of the team changing the lives of vulnerable children here in the UK. Bert, we salute you.

Here’s a little more about him in the 10 questions we ask absolutely everyone…

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

A watch for my wife at Christmas

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Turning up late for the 2011 100 Leaders meetings (two days in a row!)

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

End hunger

If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Go to the White House and listen to what Barack Obama says behind closed doors

If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

United Way

When was the last time you cried? Last time I watched the movie “UP”

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

Jason Feldman; I can’t repeat it.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Pascal

What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

Doing great things in such fun and innovative ways

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

I have a really great “church singing voice” (but awful every where else)

Our brilliant cyclists are tackling the tarmac on behalf of AFRUCA, a premier charity which promotes the rights and welfare of African children living in the UK. For more information about the charity, visit www.afruca.org.

So if you believe like we do that Bert is utterly awesome, why not give him a little support on his fundraising page. It can be found at at www.virginmoneygiving.com/BertSmith and we know he’ll appreciate anything you can give him reach his goal. Go for it Bert!

London 2 Paris Riders : introducing Jo Laker

Adelle — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:25:52 +0000

Now some of you will by now know the lovely Jo – our Fundraising Manager here at The Body Shop Foundation. She ran the Brighton Marathon for us (with her husband, Simon) in 2010, she completed the Sumatra Jungle Challenge this year and has now decided rather than just arrange this challenge, she wants to take part!!

We call her ‘Tigger’ in the office because of her boundless energy so came as no surprise to us that her excitement for the 237 mile, 3 day challenge from London 2 Paris turned into determination to actually do it!

Having met Debbie Ariyo from AFRUCA and discussed the issues and difficulties faced by children in the UK, this really strengthened Jo’s resolve to take part, get involved and make a difference. Way to go Jo….

Here’s a little more about the enthusiastic, energetic Jo with her answers to the 10 questions we ask absolutely everyone…..

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

A watch for my husband

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Farting whilst doing star jumps – not good in an aerobics class

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Greed and Laziness – the two seem to go hand in hand

If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Jump of a plane to the States and see what really goes on in the White House

If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

The Cats Protection

When was the last time you cried?

A month ago

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

My Husband ‘Hello!!??’

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Connie – no idea why but love it !

What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

Everything they do they do with passion, they are not afraid to stand alone and believe 100% in what they do – that in this world is a very rare thing –one reason why I wanted to join The Foundation

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

I love using a sewing machine – no comments please!!

The cyclists are tackling the tarmac on behalf of AFRUCA, a premier charity which promotes the rights and welfare of African children living in the UK. For more information about the charity, visit www.afruca.org.

So go on, give Jo a little support! Her fundraising page can be found at www.virginmoneygiving.com/JoLaker and we know she’ll appreciate anything you can give her reach her goal. Ride like the wind, Tigger!

London 2 Paris Riders : introducing Carl Moore

Adelle — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:12:00 +0000

Sound the trumpets – its time to introduce ANOTHER challenger! Today sees us introduce you to the lovely Carl Moore….Carl meet our supporters and friends….Friends and supporters, this is the fantastic Carl.

By day, Carl is the Financial Management Accountant for the Europe, Middle East and Africa Zone of The Body Shop International. By night, however, Carl swaps spreadsheets for cycling shorts, exchanges balance sheets for aerodynamic head gear and pounds the pedals for child protection. He is, in short, an all around good guy.

Here’s a little insight into Carl in his answers to the 10 questions we ask everyone….

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

Short term, it’s the engagement ring I bought for my fiancée Katy (we’re getting married next year), but I’ve got a feeling that the two kittens we’ve just bought might turn out to be more expensive in the long term!

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

See question 6!

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Maybe move Paris a bit closer to London to make this challenge easier?!

If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Go to a cinema and watch a film for free? Either that or go out on my bike – just to see people’s reactions when the bike goes past with no-one on it

If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

Mine! Afruca is a great cause, it’s been great to have the opportunity to learn about their work and I’m really looking forward to contributing towards helping them in the work they do

When was the last time you cried?

I’m a real dog lover, and I’ve been told that I was starting to shed a tear towards the end of ‘Marley & Me’! I’m sticking to the whole “dust in my eye” line, though…

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

From my best man-to-be Ben – who is also helping with my fundraising – saying that he has a couple of ideas for venues for a fundraising night for this event in Coventry – having the support of family and friends is going to be vital to raise this money!

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Smudge. Ah no, hang on – I think I’ve been trying to think of names for our kittens for a bit too long recently…

What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

Their support for some smaller charities and causes, especially when some of them are in their early stages – it really makes a massive difference to the smaller charities to have support from a much bigger organisation

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

Not sure if this qualifies as a skill/talent, but I’m a three-time Countdown winner; I had a bet with friends when I was at University to see who could get on national TV first, and I ended up going on and winning three shows!

Our brilliant cyclists are tackling the tarmac on behalf of AFRUCA, a premier charity which promotes the rights and welfare of African children living in the UK . For more information about the charity, visit www.afruca.org.

So if you believe like we do that Carl is a bit of a star, show him with a little support to his fundraising page. It can be found at at www.virginmoneygiving.com/CarlMoore1 and we know he’ll appreciate anything you can give him reach his goal. Way to go Carl!

Feedback : IfF-REFUFIO Munchen e.V

Adelle — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:10:42 +0000

We’re often asked about the impact of our funding and what has happened as a direct result of our involvement.

We ask all the groups we fund to complete monitoring and evaluation reports – six months into their grant (to be kept abreast of the progress) and one year after they have received their funding (so that they can feedback on the results).

It’s a very simple process but it allows us to really see and enjoy what the groups have and are achieving with our donation.

Like IfF-Refugio, for example. Refugio is a centre for treatment, counselling and psychotherapy of exiled victims of torture and violence.

We gave them funding for a project for vulnerable asylum seekers with severe traumatic disorders and aims to initiate psychotherapeutic treatments and empowerment processes. The short term aim is to stabilise clients and give the chance of a new stable home environment. The long term aim is complete rehabilitation which can take up to four years. Read their update here: ME Report Juni 2013

London 2 Paris Riders: introducing Jez Prior

Adelle — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:43:48 +0000

Jez and Kate are a pretty incredible couple, I think you’ll agree. We met the lovely Jez through Kate, his partner and Jez has only gone and agreed to be part of the cycling team taking on the London 2 Paris challenge, all for child protection.

Jez has got a wicked sense of humour (it’s a real shame we can’t reveal some of his original answers to these questions – we were howling in the office) and is totally up for the challenge of riding 237 miles in just three days, through English countryside and Paris traffic!

To give you an insight into Jez, please see below his answers to the 10 questions we ask everyone. We think Jez’s attitude and humour will make him an invaluable member to the team, so welcome onboard Jez!

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

A three day cookery course with a professional chef.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

There have been many … During a summer job many years ago, letting the Arun ferry, which I was driving at the time, drift off down river, because I didn’t tie it up properly – a very large dredger coming the other way had to take evasive action. Another was chasing a ‘burglar’ through the grounds of Lambeth Palace, telling all my colleagues about it on the radio only to find the culprit was a very frightened fox…Another more recent one was falling off a running machine at a very exclusive gym, in front of an all female legs, bums and tums type class….

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

For every child to grow up knowing they were truly valued and able to change the world for the better in their own way….and in the words of Gracie-Lou Freebush – of course world peace!

If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Sneak into the Situation Room in the Whitehouse to see just how realistic The West Wing was.

If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

Any charity that raises funds to enable people to help themselves or a charity that encourages community sport activities for kids / less well-off

When was the last time you cried?

A hundred times during London 2012, Olympic and Paralympic events.

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

Colleague from work – ‘can you come in we have a new complex child sex abuse enquiry underway’.

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Brian…and my wife’s also Brian…or Gracie-Lou Freebush.

What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

It holds the building up…?! Seriously, my least favourite thing is that it doesn’t publicise all the fantastic work it does widely enough…for me it is marketing gold-dust but not many outside The Body Shop get to hear about it…. (okay rant over)

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

I was the skid pan champion on my advanced driving course

So if you believe like we do that Jez is a bit of a star, show him with a little support to his fundraising page. It can be found at at www.virginmoneygiving.com/JezPrior and we know he’ll appreciate anything you can give him reach his goal. Way to go James!

London 2 Paris Riders: introducing Kate Upshon

Adelle — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 08:20:28 +0000

Cycling from London to Paris might be seen as too much of a challenge for some…but no, not for our Kate!

Kate signed up, along with her partner Jez, to really tackle the tarmac and go the distance, in the name of child protection. They mean business folks!

We love couples like Kate and Jez who walk (well, cycle) their talk and are totally values driven. Let’s find out more about the delightful Kate with her answers to the 10 questions that we ask absolutely everyone….

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

computer

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

So many to choose from. Realising after the event that I was in full view of the US State Department representatives with whom I was waiting to go on a video conference and, whilst waiting, was eating a large pack of biscuits then brushing crumbs off my chest and picking it out of my teeth. Or a dog peeing on my leg while I was standing on the beach.

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

I would take away fear.

If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Sit in on a COBRA meeting and see if it’s like 2012

If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

Animal protection

When was the last time you cried?

Watching Glee (maybe that should be the most embarrassing moment of my life)

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

Partner asking what time i would be home (very boring)

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

The Right Honourable

What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

Spirit

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

Shooting – received marksman award at school

So go on, give Kate the push off she deserves. Her fundraising page can be found at www.virginmoneygiving.com/KateUpshon and we know she’ll appreciate anything you can give her reach her goal. Ride like the wind, Kate!

London 2 Paris Rider: introducing Adam Broomfield

Adelle — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:18:59 +0000

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again; this call for charity challengers really has brought us the most amazing group of people.
Like this cool customer : the one, the only Adam Broomfield, for example. Adam is a Sign & Display Sales Manager from L & S Printing (a trusty supplier of The Body Shop International) in Worthing, West Sussex. When we shouted out for cyclists ready to battle the tarmac for child protection, he was right there at the front of the pack (we hope this is a sign of things to come Adam!)

He’s keen, committed and enthusiastic and ready to get on his bike and take on 237 miles of tarmac from London 2 Paris. He’s helping out other cyclists with some fundraising materials and is, it has to be said, one of the nicest guys you’re likely to meet.

Here’s a little bit more about Adam in the 10 questions that we like to ask everyone….

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

My fiancés engagement ring.

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Being spotted by a coach load of tourists running naked around the pinicals in OZ (well if Billy Connelly can do it why can’t I !!!!)
If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

The pace everything seems to be needed to be done at.
If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Vanish!
If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

British Heart Foundation
When was the last time you cried?

1/5/13 (my Nan’s funeral)

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

My fiancé asking if I wanted to go to the pub quiz tonight.
If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Matt
What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

Great that they get people engaged in raising money for great charities.

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

I haven’t found this skill myself!!!

Our brilliant cyclists are tackling the tarmac on behalf of AFRUCA, a premier charity which promotes the rights and welfare of African children living in the UK . For more information about the charity, visit www.afruca.org.

So we think you’ll agree, Adam is a total star to get involved with this and we’re so thankful to L & Printing for their support to. If you’d like to help him on his way and make those blisters and aches a bit more bearable, please show him with a little support to his fundraising page. It can be found at at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AdamBroomfield and we know he’ll appreciate anything you can give him reach his goal. Way to go Andy!

London 2 Paris Riders: introducing Emma Shuttleworth

Adelle — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:53:03 +0000

It’s that time again when we introduce a new cyclist into the fold and you lot go wild with mass cheering and celebrations for their loveliness.

Emma Shuttleworth is no exception to this. Emma has joined the challenge after what we believe has been a bit of ‘gentle persuasion’ from our Fundraising Manager, Jo. She’s keen to get stuck into the challenge, has already started her training and can’t wait to get stuck into the challenge itself.

As you know by now, we like to know a little bit more than most – here’s Emma’s answers to the 10 questions we ask everyone….

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

Mulberry Handbags (I am a little obsessed) or Holidays (I am also obsessed) (We’re obsessed with her handbags too, she has a lovely …)

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Has to be falling over at a friend’s wedding, in front of everyone on the dance floor, taking the bride out with me – opps!!!!! Luckily she is still my best friend (BBM red Face!!)

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

There would be enough food to go around and that everyone had 3 solid meals a day!

If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Firstly I would have breakfast with the queen, then I would spend a few hours in M15 followed by a short trip to Harrods for a shopping spree – is that allowed?

If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

I wouldn’t, I would give it to a homeless person.

When was the last time you cried?

I cry all the time at things on the TV and films, however the last time I cried was on holiday last week with my Husband and friends and we laughed so much we cried at my husband getting Sally Ryder the charity shop a little confused and call it Jeff Ryder – LOL!!

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

My friend, thanking me for her thank you card I sent her for the birthday card she sent me – oh and arranging a time for a catch up!

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Millie or Hattie

What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

The People!!!

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

What you see with me is what you get so I don’t have any hidden talents – So I will let you pick what you think my talent is!!

So go on, give Emma the support she deserves. Her fundraising page can be found at www.virginmoneygiving.com/EmmaShuttleworth and we know she’ll appreciate anything you can give her reach her goal. Way to go Em!

London 2 Paris Riders: introducing Andy McAuliffe

Adelle — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:31:24 +0000

The Body Shop International has always campaigned on issues close to their hearts, where they believe they can make a real difference. This attitude towards the values of the company is part of our DNA, started way back in the beginning by Anita and her activist spirit.

That spirit is still very much alive in the staff today, from store staff tirelessly campaign to those at Head Office who support the different markets and Zones.

Like Andy McAuliffe, for example. Andy is the Europe, Middle East & Africa Zone Finance Director and he has joined our team of pedal punching cyclists, all biking for child protection. Find out more about Andy in his answers to the 10 questions we ask absolutely everyone….

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?

My motorbike!! Serves no practical purpose, but is great fun going for a blast at the weekends!

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Tripping up on stage and breaking my ankle on the opening night of a University theatre production…

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

I would get rid of money- I believe a world where the accumulation of wealth does not influence how people live their lives would be a better place. Sounds strange coming from a Finance Director I know!

If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Sneak into the House of Commons and sit at the shoulder of the Prime Minister, pretending to be the voice of his conscience… (we love this, btw)

If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

The first one I came across- every pound that goes to a charity makes a difference (but we especially love this. Nice one, Andy)

When was the last time you cried?

Watching Watership Down with my kids at the weekend- the ending gets me every time…

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

It was from my dad- it said ‘arrived ok- weather hot and sunny as ever’. Designed to make me jealous and it succeeded!

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

It would have to be something memorable and absurd- how about Bod?

What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

The Foundation ensures that we all get to input into the causes we support, so we can feel a sense of ownership

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

I can make my eyeballs wobble really fast (and it drives my wife crazy when I do it)

Our brilliant cyclists are tackling the tarmac on behalf of AFRUCA, a premier charity which promotes the rights and welfare of African children living in the UK . For more information about the charity, visit www.afruca.org.

So if you believe like we do that Andy is a bit of a star, show him with a little support to his fundraising page. It can be found at at www.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyMcAuliffe and we know he’ll appreciate anything you can give him reach his goal. Way to go Andy!

London 2 Paris Riders: introducing Lucy Boreham

Adelle — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:52:24 +0000

Our latest challenge literally pushes all our cyclists to their limits, tackling the tarmac over 237 miles from London to Paris in just three days.

Our riders are all linked with a common purpose; to raise awareness and funds for child protection in the UK, battling the roads as a team.

One of the first people to sign up for this demanding challenge and embrace the pedal power was the rather lovely Lucy Boreham. So let’s take some time to get to know the lovely Lucy in her 10 questions we ask everyone…..

Apart from your home and car, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve ever bought?
1. Boats!

What’s been the most embarrassing moment of your life?

Do I have to say??? Doing a handstand in a night club in a dress (not very glamourous at all!)

If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?

Stop people fighting over religion

If you were invisible for a day, what would be the first thing you’d do?

Buckingham Palace to see behind the scenes

If you had a pound to give to charity, which collection tin would you pop it in?

Cirdan Trust (a charity that takes disadvantaged children on sailing experiences)

When was the last time you cried?

Supplier day ( at work in Feb - severe pain in joints and too many painkillers)

Who did you last receive a text from and what did it say?

My friend Murph – this morning, telling me what time he’s going to be in Southampton this evening

If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?

Crystal (its all Louise’s fault for that suggestion!)

What is your favourite thing about The Body Shop Foundation?

Supporting the little known charities / organisations

What one skill or talent do you have that no-one knows about?

I don’t think I have any hidden talents! (can I come back to you on this?)

So go on, give Lucy the support she deserves. Her fundraising page can be found at www.virginmoneygiving.com/LucyBoreham and we know she’ll appreciate anything you can give her reach her goal. Way to go Lucy!