A team of 19 CAF colleagues and rail industry partners has completed a 22km walking challenge along London Underground’s Branch Line route to raise money for Railway Children.
The group walked from Alperton station to King’s Cross this month as part of the Rail Trail Walk, supporting the charity’s work with vulnerable children in the UK, India and Tanzania.
The team set a fundraising target of £1,000, with half of that sum secured before the walk began. CAF agreed to match the target, taking the total raised to £2,000.
Supporting frontline safeguarding
Railway Children works with children at risk of homelessness, exploitation, abuse, neglect and trafficking, including those encountered around transport networks. Its outreach teams provide early intervention, safeguarding and longer-term support.
Kimberley Sweet-Roberts, CAF’s social value manager, said: “At CAF, we are proud to support Railway Children and the life-changing work they deliver.
“This challenge brought together colleagues from across our rolling stock, rail services and supply chain teams, united by a shared commitment to making a positive difference. Every mile walked and every pound raised will help Railway Children continue reaching vulnerable young people, and we’re proud that our efforts will have generated at least £2,000 to support this essential work.”
She added that the event gave staff an opportunity to connect with colleagues, promote physical activity and support their wellbeing.
“While the walk raised vital funds for Railway Children, it also provided an important opportunity for colleagues to step away from their daily routines, connect with peers and support their own wellbeing,” Sweet-Roberts said. “It promoted physical activity, strengthened team relationships and reinforced a shared sense of purpose through supporting a cause that changes young lives.”
CAF said its wider contribution included an effective £5,000 in staff volunteering time and about £5,000 in gifts in kind to enable staff participation.
“It was a fantastic example of how social impact and employee wellbeing can go hand in hand,” Sweet-Roberts said.