Volkswagen is organizing its first “International Health.Care.Run.” in 11 countries around the world, involving employees from 21 locations. The run aims to support a charitable cause, with the company making a donation for every kilometer run. The event began in mid-May at the plant in Bratislava, Slovakia, and will conclude in late June in Anchieta, Brazil. The runs will take place on company premises, providing employees with the unique opportunity to jog through the plant and past their own workplaces.
Dr. Lars Nachbar, Head of Volkswagen Group Health Care and Occupational Safety, expressed delight in organizing a shared sporting experience for employees worldwide after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizing team expects around 20,000 participants globally. The length of the run varies at each location, with employees in Wolfsburg, for example, being able to choose between a 3,300-meter and a 5,800-meter lap.
Christian Vollmer, Volkswagen brand Board of Management member for Production and an avid athlete, is the patron of the international run. Vollmer emphasized that sport connects people and provides an opportunity to unwind from work. He encouraged colleagues worldwide to participate, hoping to make a substantial donation collectively. Volkswagen will calculate the donation based on the total number of kilometers run by employees during the Health.Care.Run.
The funds raised will support the “a chance to play” project, which benefits disadvantaged children and young people near Volkswagen plants. The project focuses on preventing violence and providing learning and educational opportunities. The initiative has been carried out for over 20 years in collaboration between the Group Works Council and the international children’s charity Terre des hommes, adhering to internationally recognized standards.
The International Health.Care.Run. schedule includes various locations such as Zwickau and Bratislava in May, Kassel in June, and other locations worldwide throughout the month. The Wolfsburg and Braunschweig runs are scheduled for June 17. The event will conclude on June 28 in Anchieta, Brazil. Volkswagen hopes that the run will not only promote employee well-being but also contribute to a meaningful cause.