Channelscaler was immensely proud to recently present a cheque for $85,639 to a representative from Make-A-Wish, marking the culmination of a truly global fundraising effort by the Channelscaler team. This moment was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the collective effort, commitment and generosity that made this achievement possible.
Cheque Presentation
During the cheque presentation, we heard firsthand about the inspiring and compassionate work carried out by Make-A-Wish: granting life-changing wishes to children living with critical illnesses and providing moments of joy, hope and relief at a time when they are needed most.
We were also privileged to watch a moving video of seven-year-old Michael, a passionate sports fan whose wish became a reality when he met his hero, Rory McIlroy. Knowing that our fundraising will directly help make more of these wishes come true made every step of the challenge even more meaningful.
The Challenge: Turning Miles into Smiles
Over the course of 12 weeks, colleagues across India, Ireland, the UK and the US collectively clocked thousands of kilometres through walking, running, cycling and hiking, all in pursuit of our shared goal: to collectively cover 40,075 km – the circumference of the Earth. This journey culminated in pinnacle team events in each location, designed to bring everyone together for a final push to get us over the line.
UK Team
The UK team took to the streets of London to see if they really were paved with gold – all in support of Make-A-Wish. Their route zig-zagged across bridges spanning the Thames and took in some of the city’s most iconic sights, including Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Navigating bustling streets, weaving past cyclists, endless buses, and a seemingly endless stream of tourists was all part of the experience, before the team rounded off the day by celebrating a collective total of over 100 km at an 800-year-old pub – the very spot where Samuel Pepys once watched the Great Fire of London unfold.
Ireland Team
In Ireland, 50 team members came together to take on a challenging group hike through Benbulben and the Glencar Waterfall in County Sligo. The route tested the team’s stamina and determination, battling steep climbs, rapidly changing conditions, and winds reaching speeds of up to 75 km/h. Along the way, the elements claimed the occasional hat, scarf – and even a shoe – but spirits remained high as the group pushed on together!
Despite a few tired legs and blustery conditions, the team was rewarded with stunning views across the Sligo landscape and a strong sense of shared achievement. By the end of the day, the Irish team had successfully added their final kilometers to the global total – an impressive 516km collectively.
India Team
In India, the team marked the final day of the challenge with an energetic and feel-good pickleball tournament, bringing colleagues together for a lively mix of competition and camaraderie. Making the day even more special, a Make-A-Wish child joined the team on court, taking part in the fun and reminding everyone exactly why they were there. The event captured the true spirit of the challenge – coming together as a team to create moments of joy while fundraising for a meaningful cause.
US Team
Being a fully remote team didn’t slow our US colleagues down. Spread across states, team members clocked their kilometres through walking, hiking and cycling, turning local routes into meaningful contributions towards our shared goal. From waterfalls in Seattle and coastal bike rides in California, to crossing the Ohio River in Louisville, walking with family and friends in Missouri, strolling the streets of Savannah, and hiking tree-lined trails outside Atlanta, the team covered an impressive range of terrain. Proving that distance is no barrier to impact, every mile logged helped us turn miles into smiles in support of Make-A-Wish.
About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish believes that a wish is more than just a moment of happiness – it can be a powerful source of strength, helping children and their families cope with the challenges of serious illness. From dream trips and meeting heroes to once-in-a-lifetime experiences, each wish is carefully designed to bring comfort, confidence, and lasting memories.
