simPRO staff step together for STEPtember 2020

Last month, twelve teams from simPRO’s five global offices participated in STEPtember. For the second year running, simPRO joined the event which supports the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and raises funds for vital equipment, research and therapy for people living with cerebral palsy.

With each team made up of a mix of employees from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, the simPRO steppers attempted the challenge of walking ten thousand steps every day.

The teams also had a goal of outdoing their incredible efforts from last year. So, did they achieve their goal?

People Operations Manager and simPRO’s STEPtember organiser, Sonja Neal, said a combined fundraising goal of AU$5,000 was set, with the final fundraised figure coming in at a phenomenal AU$6,429.71!

“I’m really proud of the way everybody has participated this year. They have all done a great job,” she said.

“It feels great to give back to the community. And if we can do it by doing something as simple as walking and fundraising for a great cause, while knowing we have the backing and support of our employer, then I think it gives everybody a greater sense of belonging to something that is worthwhile.”

simPRO Solutions Architect, Aleisha Moore, finished STEPtember as the top simPRO stepper and fundraiser. She said the cause motivated her to move every day, even when she didn’t feel like it.

“Stepping 10,000 steps each day was definitely quite the challenge for me,” she said.

“I love a challenge and a little friendly competition as well, so I felt motivated to achieve the step goal day-by-day and also keep up with others who enjoyed the step challenge.

“Many of us can take for granted the ability to move and perform tasks every day. For those living with cerebral palsy, this can be a big challenge. It was important for me to fundraise for STEPtember to support the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.”

What’s Aleisha’s advice for those thinking about participating next year?

“I would say to definitely do it because it’s great to work with others in your team toward a common goal. It promotes teamwork and a little friendly competition in the office, which is always fun.

“I find it incredibly rewarding to look back on what everyone involved in the challenge has achieved both individually and as a team.”

Business Development Manager and fellow simPRO stepper, Alan Fidler, also loves the challenge of STEPtember.

“I have been doing it for many years,” he said.

“It is a great way to ensure you get out of your seat and get active.

“Being fit and healthy makes you feel better and act better towards your peers.”

For Learning and Development Manager and simPRO stepper, Kate Doherty, STEPtember has been a year-long goal.

“Last year when simPRO participated in STEPtember, I was recovering from spinal surgery. The surgery was an attempt to fix an issue that made it incredibly difficult and painful to walk,” she said.

“One of my recovery goals was to be able to step alongside my fellow simPEEPS and help raise awareness and funds for cerebral palsy.”

Kate said for her, participating in STEPtember has been life-changing.

“I only received permission from my doctor three days before the challenge to start exercising, so I was uncertain if I could achieve the 10,000 steps a day,” she said.

“However, with the help of my partner, family and work colleagues, I made 10,000 steps each day of the challenge. At the beginning, even short walks were difficult. I succeeded by breaking these up throughout the day. But, by the end, I completed a 5.5km walk/hike and then continued on my usual Sunday.

“We even started a family tradition of Sunday morning bush walks, which will continue beyond STEPtember.”

Kate encourages anyone thinking about joining STEPtember next year, to go for it.

“Supporting such a phenomenal cause and helping to raise awareness for cerebral palsy is a fulfilling experience,” she said.

“It's very easy to take mobility for granted and this is a great challenge to remember to get up from our desks and move!”

Interested in signing up for STEPtember next year to support this incredible cause? Visit the STEPtember website.