One Good Turn 

When COVID-19 took hold, mental health services suffered, charity fundraising capabilities were significantly reduced, and our people were isolated. We wanted to connect our people and help raise much needed funds for mental health organisations across Ireland, while getting active and supporting our local economy during an  exceptionally difficult time. 

The One Good Turn (OGT) team brought together employees across the Deloitte Island of Ireland organisation for a common goal - to build connections across all five of our offices, providing a focus for our people to work on a goal of completing all or part of a 750km cycle, supporting their own mental health, while also raising vital funds for five local mental health charities.  

 The challenge took place over five days and the cycling route was specifically chosen to link each office – from Cork to Limerick onto Galway then Belfast, and finishing in Dublin – so that everyone, including new colleagues, could build and maintain a sense of connection.  116 of our people hit the road to take on part, or all, of the 750km cycle. Some even joined remotely from their homes on the Zwift cycling platform.

Through our sponsorship of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, cyclists were joined by an Olympian each evening to help motivate and encourage them on their journey. We also had the support of other athletes and coaches in advance of the week, with advice on nutrition and training in preparation for the cycle.  

There was a huge sense of comradery, particularly important during a time when we were all working remotely. Mental health was openly discussed on the bikes, and teamwork and pride for one another and the firm was felt in abundance.  

But most importantly, €145,000 was raised for our five mental health organisations across Ireland – A Lust for Life, BlueBox Creative Arts Therapy, Cork Counselling Services, Jigsaw, and Simon Community Northern Ireland. These funds helped each organisation to deliver mental health services to vulnerable cohorts including young people, children and parents affected by domestic violence and homelessness.  

In addition to the cycling challenge, all our people were invited to participate in a photography competition showcasing the beauty of Ireland. In total there were 150 entries covering the themes of Connections, My Hometown, Sports/Exercise, The Natural World Reflections, and of course cycling!