CHALLENGE #3.3-SUPPORTING CHARITIES/DONATION FOR A GOOD CAUSE

I (Anita) always enjoyed painting animals, florals and abstracts. I wanted to build a purpose-driven brand. I had a growing interest in sustainable fashion brands so I started an eco/sustainable kids clothing line with ethical supply chains in mind I scan and edit my artwork into designs and sold it via various platforms and a dedicated website-www.pupuyuandco.com.

As a mother, I look for comfortable, adaptive, long lasting clothes for my kids and not something that is drowning in logos, embellishments, and glitter. Creating a clothing line that offers the same to other mothers was truly inspiring. 5% of our profits are donated to Children charitable organizations. 

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During festive events, we work on large scale charity for children projects.
   
Started an eco/sustainable kids clothing line.

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CHALLENGE #3.2-SUPPORTING CHARITIES/DONATION FOR A GOOD CAUSE 

Our firm’s regular corporate social responsibility activities cover a range of needs from special needs children, orphanages, old folks’ homes, supplying provisions to indigenous communities etc. 

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Our firm provided breakfast to primary school children at a local school on a quarterly basis

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Provided breakfast

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CHALLENGE #3.1-SUPPORTING CHARITIES/DONATION FOR A GOOD CAUSE 

Our firm’s regular corporate social responsibility activities cover a range of needs from special needs children, orphanages, old folks’ homes, supplying provisions to indigenous communities etc. 

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For the Mackrell challenge, our firm donated monies /provision to a local charity for underprivileged families.

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Donated monies/ provisions

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CHALLENGE #2.3-KEEPING CULTURAL TRADITIONS ALIVE

Participating in traditional-themed games/activities & reminded each other the importance of embracing and remembering our cultural roots….. 

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Puneetha & Visha joined forces to make a decorative “Kolam” at the entrance of our office. ‘Kolam’ is an Indian form of traditional decorative art that is drawn by using rice flour as per age-old conventions. It is also drawn using white stone powder, chalk or chalk powder, often along with natural or synthetic colour powders. It is usually drawn at the main entrance of one’s abode to bring prosperity. The use of rice powder was to invite birds and small creatures to feast as a welcoming other beings as a tribute to harmonious co-existence.

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Kolam art

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CHALLENGE #2.2-KEEPING CULTURAL TRADITIONS ALIVE

Participating in traditional-themed games/activities & reminded each other the importance of embracing and remembering our cultural roots…..   

Yati & Aizzat challenged themselves to a traditional game of “congkak” lasting about half hour. Dressed in typical Malay costumes, they sit on a ‘tikar’ or mat which was a common feature in Malay homes during olden days when furniture was scarce. Congkak is a traditional Malay game that is often played in pairs of 2, as an indoor activity or as a competition.

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Congkak activity for half an hour

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CHALLENGE #2.1-KEEPING CULTURAL TRADITIONS ALIVE 

Participating in traditional-themed games/activities & reminded each other the importance of embracing and remembering our cultural roots…..

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Amanda sporting a traditional costume, baked/steamed a Traditional Egg Sponge Cake called “Zheng Ji Dan Gao/ Kueh Neng Ko” (Total 1 hour including preparation time).

This delicious and healthy dessert is also known as the ‘smiling cake’ because of the cracks made on top of the cake. Chinese families usually offer these cakes during prayer session and festivities. (The world could do with a lot of smiles indeed!)

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Traditional Steamed Egg Sponge Cake

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CHALLENGE # 1- PHYSICAL & STEPPING OUT OF COMFORT ZONE

Prolonged lockdowns were emotionally draining and team members challenged themselves to get physical and burn some energy… We stepped out of our comfort zone and turned inaction into action.

Amanda, Rozie, Janet and Syah -Ran and Jogged around neighborhood for a total distance of 40.28km (Miles ends with smiles)

Mariyam hiked up Gunung Angsi (Angsi Mountain) for 5.9 km ( refreshing climb)

Caroline Francis painted the picket fences surrounding her house (under the glorious sun)

Kathryn signed up for cycling class (tone those abs)

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Ping Pong

Ping-Pong as a sport which requires a high level of concentration and resilience with the players being fairly social-distanced mirrors also unfolding of this ongoing pandemic, an unusual chapter of the human history.

Many of us used to much practise this sport when we were school boys/girls in 80s or 90s. Back then, Ping-Pong was almost the only affordable team sport for many Chinese schools and we developed many “non-classical” ways to play Ping-Pong. My colleagues and I went out to replay such “wild practice” recently to raise the funds for the MI charities.

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Throwing Pots

5 pots thrown this month!

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Team Effort

On a bike, on foot, on a motorcycle, at the gym. By spending time with family, with friends, while hiking alone. Our lawyers actively participate in a charitable initiative organised by Mackrell International.

In the last two weeks, we walked, ran, and cycled over 2200 km! Many hikes in the mountains, walks, workouts at the gym - all to collect donations for children in need of our help.

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110 km walking and cycling in the ridiculous heat of the Dubai desert showing us how to meet a challenge under the sun.

The JBA team has been very busy during the month of October. The challenge we set ourselves was for our team to travel the equivalent of over 1000 km during the month of October by a combination of walking, cycling and swimming.

One team member climbed Kilimanjaro during October, which is a fantastic way to get those kilometres under her belt (well done Michelle!). Deepa has read 3 books:  The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff... and it's all small stuff by Richard Carlson and Dee has painted 5 pictures  as their contribution towards the team’s goal, as they couldn’t participate fully in the physical challenge.

I am pleased to say that the JBA team has smashed the initial goal of 1000 km, having travelled a grand total of 1772 km in October, and so far has raised in excess of AED 7,500 (£1500) for Larchfield and Unicef which is also far more than the goal of AED 2,500 we hoped to achieve. Well done everyone!

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White Water Rafting

We went white river rafting as a team building activity and raced each other down the river - it was a lot of fun to do something outdoors with the colleagues.

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Golfing Mate

I enjoy golf so decided to challenge myself to go golfing at least 3 times a week from my twice a month usual throughout October. I can say that it was hard, especially with my busy schedule but i love a challenge and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

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3 rounds

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Sunset Hike

The team and our partners went for a wonderful late afternoon hike in Northcliff. It was a great team building experience and a nice break from the office environment.

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Just the Beginning

This month Gertrude has walked over 32 km, usally hiking up Accra's countryside mountains and to work. Gertrude says "it has been easy... especially for someone who doesn't walk a lot. I am absolutely proud of myself. This is just the beginning. I am hoping to hit 80 km by the end of the month".

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32 km

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Walking up the Avenue - 'Every Day'

Five months of walking up what I call 'The Avenue', a country walk 200 metres from our house. I've been taking a photo of the same group of trees almost every day for two years, here are the results from June - October 2021.

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50km?

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First Attempt at Sea Kayaking

Having ticked off roads and skies from my CtWC list, my next adventure was sea kayaking in Bosham Harbour. Bosham, a beautiful village on the South Coast dating back to Roman times, floods twice daily as the tide comes in from the English Channel. All was going well until the wind picked up. Just after this photo-op I dug in a little too deep with one of the oars, the wind caught me and I capsized the kayak - in full view of the patrons of the local harbour-side pub and ice-cream stall.

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Undeterred by my early swim, I climbed back on board and managed a full afternoon of kayaking in deeper waters and glorious sunshine before visiting Goodwood motor racing circuit early evening for 5 laps on my bike.

Energetic day!

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30km

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Paddle to success

We managed to rope in 10 players for this good cause. So if you add up all the steps 10 players take in 2 hours we've surely raced from Vejle to Horsens to Copenhagen - Denmark is covered.

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2 hours of exhausting dashing about.

67 miles off road

Generally, my mountain biking falls into the category of, “weekend warrior,” a couple of hours, 25 miles ploughing up and down trails in south Oxfordshire with a group of other MAMILs (Middle Aged Men in Lycra).

So tackling 67 miles off road, semi-competitively in one hit was always going to be a bit of a challenge – but since I was doing it for the Connect the World Challenge, I wanted both to amass some MIles and encourage friends and contacts to sponsor me for our two charities, Larchfield Children’s Home and UNICEF.

Well… suffice to say, I was suitably challenged!  The ride took 6hrs and 2 mins in the saddle, bouncing over up-and-down single-track, hardened chalk ruts (scary on the downhill; a battle on the uphill) and lumpy and stony trails… but, whenever there was a chance to look up, the views across the English countryside in the weak sunshine, were spectacular.  I was propelled along by 2 caffeine gels, 4 protein bars, 2 bananas, a handful of date rolls and a simple desire to finish and not do a disservice to this magnificent MI endeavour that is the Connect the World Challenge.  Completing it was great and the support and sponsorship from friends and contacts made it even better – oh, and for once, I didn’t fall off my bike!

Protecting the environment and connecting the world

During the Belgian “week of mobility” we have organised a day around alternate mobility where all members of our firm were encouraged to come to the office without a car or motorcycle. This way we could collect as many miles as possible for the Mackrell International CtWC, all while contributing to the environment.

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We had people walk, run, cycle, mountain bike, hike, … their commute to work and topped off at a collective total of 425km travelled. Knowing that a lot of the firm members either live relatively close to the office or worked from home, you can rest assured that some heroic efforts were put in to boost those kilometres.

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Run for the Elk

Rebeca Miller from Pietragallo in Pennsylvania has combined her love of running with the challenge.

I decided to participate in a virtual half marathon on behalf of my firm called “Run for the Elk” in Emporium, PA and to dedicate it to the Connect the World Challenge and to our beautiful wildlife here in Pennsylvania. 

At our firm, we believe in bringing international legal communities closer together. We pride ourselves in our diversity and for being a resource to the world. Because of our involvement with Mackrell International, we love to believe that every attorney around the world has a home here in Pittsburgh, PA. 

For these reasons, we also believe in providing donations and fundraising to such a wonderful international community. Every mile helps close the distance. 

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Embracing Nature and the Big Outdoors

Azim Chowdhury from Keller and Heckmann in Washington DC have, like many of us choosing our challenges, embraced nature and the big outdoors.

My wife Amrin and I have continued our goal of “hiking for charity” once a month - here we are at the top of Raven Rocks in Bluemont, Virginia (along the Appalachian Trail).

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How much am I bid?

This year has been a marvellous year in my vegetable garden. I have had veggies galore and a huge variety too.  So, to raise money for CtWC I have held various ‘vegetable auctions’ over the summer and sold off lots of healthy veggies and pickles.

What a wonderful ‘win,win’.  I enjoy time in nature in the garden and raise funds for our charities.

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A Selection of Activities

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Lawyer by day, chef and baker by night

Baking and cooking takes a different type of patience and time management. It is a relaxing way to focus our attention and get a delicious result at the end of the process.

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A collection of hikes

We challenged ourselves to go on 10km to 15km hikes to enjoy the outdoors - a nice break from the office environment. The hikes challenged us physically but the scenery made it so worth it.

A driving experience to remember

The challenge was to learn how to drive professionally on an off-road track. This taught us the technical skills to utilise when going on outdoor adventures. The BMW driving experience was a very different, yet rewarding, challenge from our day to day challenges faced.

A day of golf

There's no better way to challenge ourselves than through a round of golf. It is a technical sport that requires concentration, diligence and skill. We enjoy the challenge of a great outdoor activity.

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Watch our video

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Over 80's knitting club

I challenged my Mum's over 80's coffee morning club to knit something inspiring or useful for our World Challenge. The veteran ladies came up with some superb work. One retired Captain, three much needed health care workers and a carpenter/builder (very hard to find one available in the UK at the moment). I am now looking for the knitting pattern for this Ferrari F355. 

https://scene360.com/art/16654/knitted-ferrari/ 

According to the test drive the handling is a bit woolly and the ride a touch soft. If you fancy taking up a real knitting challenge, what about this - a knitted royal residence!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-norfolk-57334420

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Each of our team members has chosen a different activity to help raise funds for the Connect the World Challenge and the photos of our achievements really showcase the natural beauty and exceptional outdoor endeavours available in British Columbia

We caught fish, we ran trails, we hiked up mountains and some of us even caught ferries!!

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Watch the videos:

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Video 1

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Video 2

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Video 3

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Video 4

First steps!

Capsized! Sometimes things don’t go as planned.

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30 nautical miles on a rainy day.

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Another 3 pots!

I'm throwing pots on the wheel for the challenge. Here are another 3 pots - which I tried to throw with decreasing weights of clay, while maintaining the shape/height. I haven't decided whether to keep them (for memory's sake) or to chuck them and try again.

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Old bones - aching hips, creaking knees and sore feet

Hurrah - I've done it. Over the last 4 months I've been walking the North Downs Way, a medieval Pilgrims Route from Farnham to Dover to raise funds for our charities. Passing many milestones and many four legged friends along the way I finally made it on a sunny day last month and arrived at the finish line. Thanks to everyone who sponsored me.

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​212km of ups and downs and ins and outs in wind, rain, sun and one day a bit of thunder - eek

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Family Trip to NW of our Country

Fifth Leg: 180 Kilometres through the Yungas from Salta to Jujuy (arrived in Ticara)

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( Swimming ) Mercy Karumba

I hour 20- 30 laps

I enjoy teaching and practicing swimming. However, butterfly stoke has always been my weakness. I gave it my best shot and it seems like I have one more style for my next lesson.

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Martin Gigoni "Becoming one with Nature"

Hiking for  5km

Hiking peaked my interest (pun intended) as it is a great way to replenish the body and relax the mind as you connect with nature and all things peaceful and wonderful. I chose to trek the 5Km journey of one of Kenya's most beautiful trails at the heart of the capital city to get away from the daily hustles of capitalism and reengage myself nature.

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Volunteering and Travel

I had the honor of driving Miss Maggie and Mister Cody from Indianapolis, Indiana to Lexington, Kentucky for check-ups in July. Both are service-dogs-in-training with Indiana Canine Assistant Network and were fabulous passengers. It was a twelve-hour day, but I would be their chauffeur any time! I logged 7 hours in July volunteering with Little River Wetlands Project. For one project, I monitored a trail in Eagle Marsh, searching for monarch butterflies, whether in the egg, caterpillar, pupa, or adult stages. This study is done in cooperation with Monarch Joint Venture; the more we know about the health and numbers of monarchs, the more we can understand about the wellbeing of our environment for monarchs and for other species, including humans! So far, I have seen one egg, one newly hatched caterpillar and 10 adults. The study will continue into September for those of us in Indiana. I also have helped with testing of a river tributary in Eagle March, including chemistry tests and scooping for aquatic species, to help us gauge the health of the water and the local ecosystem. After their photo op (their presence is uploaded to a database), all the creatures were quickly and safely returned from the ice cube tray to their creek.

Up, up and away

Whilst air travel that starts and ends at major airports is complicated at the moment, taking to the sky from a local airfield is much less hassle. All you need is a fine day and a facemask. With husband Alan at the controls we took an afternoon helicopter trip over the South Downs and South Coast of England. A very enjoyable way to cover 100km without traffic jams.

It has been a busy couple of summer months in Canada. Many Canadians have spent the summer in "staycation" but I still managed to walk 298 km across the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia with the help of a virtual app. Fortunatley our health clubs, have opened up so I have been able to swim (10 k) and work out on the ellipical (30k). My little garden is now overflowing with beef steak and san marzano tomatoes. Many have already been put up for the winter months as Italian tomato sauce, my simple recipe here... https://downtonabbeycooks.com/easy-italian-tomato-sauce/

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298 k walking, 5 k swimming, 30 k elliptical, 30 hours gardening, 3 hours canning

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Family Trip to NW of our Country

Third leg: 200 Kilometres through Quebrada de las Conchas (Cafayate-Salta)

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Family Trip to NW of our Country

Second Leg: 200 Kilometres through Valles Calchaquies (Tucumán-Cafayate)

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Well over half way - many balls struck many miles covered

I played 14 rounds of golf from multiple courses in Reno as well as one in Las Vegas. Then I had four more rounds scheduled between one course here at home and 3 in San Diego — sadly no photo op with Phil Mickelson but one day someone famous will notice me! A few more rounds to go but I'm really enjoying the challenge - come on golfers out there join me in multiple rounds for a good cause.

Photos courtesy of Robert Beck who has had a number of Sports Illustrated covers. We were very fortunate to have such an accomplished sports photographer follow us around free of charge.

https://robertbeckphotography.com/

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18 Rounds and still going

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Family Trip to NW of our Country

First leg: 1,200 kilometres from Buenos Aires to Tucuman. Visited the House of Tucuman where independence was declared in 1816

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Family Trip to NW of our Country

Sixth Leg: 180 Kilometres to Salinas Grandes

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BBQ for my team

I decided to start the challenge with BBQ for my team

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Golf with my sons

One of the few sports I can keep up with my sons, okay the only sport, is golf. My dad taught me how to play, and I can remember the great times we shared on the course together. Wanting to share the same experiences, my boys picked up the game a few years ago. It's difficult to find the time to play, particularly living in a cosmopolitan city like Shanghai, but after finding a 9-hole course in the city (one we never knew existed!), I am using the Mackrell Connect the World Challenge to get us back out there with my boys. We played our first round of the summer yesterday, and I am looking forward to squeezing in a few more (and raise some money for our charities in the process!).

Hitting my goal for the week!

Other than working as a lawyer, I am an aspiring potter. I started learning just before Covid-19 and have been loving every bit of it. My challenge is to throw 2 pots on the pottery wheel every week.

Here are my 2 pots for the week! It's the first time I'm trying a new weight and a new shape on the wheel.

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Family Trip to NW of our Country

Fourth Leg: 400 Kilometres through Cuesta del Obispo (Salta-Cachi-Salta)

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Run, jog, walk, cycle, climb, sail, row, swim, golf , yoga, fly, drive your dream car (or motorbike and sidecar), knit, sew, and bake. See the video here

Well, Meryl asked meto sign up to three challenges each on a different favourite activity. This weekend was my first fave - cooking; and even better cooking BBQ. The surprise part of the BBQ was that all of our friends got to put money into the 'Connect the World Challenge' bin to donate to our charities. I'd like to think they all had a good time, good food and did a good deed along the way.

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Burgers, Sausages, Kebabs, Salads, Cakes and much more cooked and served in the sun

2 hours - Canada Day Saskatoon Tarts and Rhubarb Strawberry Muffins from the Garden. Recipe links: 

http://ow.ly/VkpT50Fp324

http://ow.ly/otXO50Fp326

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1 hour - Pickleball (racquet sports) - It is harder than you think!

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2 hours - weeding flower beds and pruning tomato plants

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Walking - 28.13 k June 21 to June 27

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Jillian Ndirangu Caving in Suswa

Caving for  3km

This month's challenge I wanted to cave and get the thrill of small and tight places for new adventure. I also wanted to find out if I could tolerate the smell of bat guano.

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Weeds in the paving. Gone.

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40 plants - planted or moved.

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Vegetables sown.

My crazy ‘crew’ and I have decided to sell our home in Whistler and take the whole family on an offshore sailing adventure.

We’ve haunted up and down the east coast of the Baja Peninsula in the Sea of Cortez, surrounded by whales, dolphins and rays. We will ride our hurricane season (until November) here in the Sea, with the hopes of seeing some whale sharks, and then we’ll cross to mainland Mexico and start making our way toward Panama. The Sea of Cortez has blown our minds, and we’re so, so, so grateful every day that we have the unique privilege to make these choices for our family.

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We’ve covered over 1200 nautical miles since January,

Driving

40 km in Canada Day parade with local mayor and members of parliament visiting long term care homes across Burlington, Ontario.

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Mowing - 2.2k mowing and trimming our 100+lawn..still working on getting my lines straight

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Walking - 5k - 7th July. Enjoying a quiet casual 5k walk along the promenade next to Lake Ontario in Burlington, ON.

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Walking - 18.25k = 6th July

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Neighbours with Cool Cars

Over the weekend I met my neighbour Mark. We had both been out for a drive in the very early morning sunshine while the traffic police were still snoozing. His new wheels are a lot smarter than mine. A quick catch up over and much admiration of his new car on my part, I found myself being offered a trip out in his latest Ferrari - a 488 - I have never actually been out in a Ferrari before, so this was fun! As usual with male drivers we had to experience just how fast it could accelerate and the fact that we had only tapped the throttle etc . I was admiring the spanky leather interior and the gloss red paintwork - women! Whilst we only drove 25km to add to the Challenge mileage, we did cover it in a very short time! Want one.

Walking down "The Avenue".

Named by me after The Avenue Middelharnis by Hobbema.

Weeds in the paving. Need to go. Full upper body work out.

2 banana breads. low fat on the left and low carb on the right. 1.5 hours: Recipes https://downtonabbeycooks.com/neverfail-healthy-banana-bread/ and https://downtonabbeycooks.com/gluten-and-sugar-free-banana-bread/Baking Keto buns and crackers - 2 hours

Mowing the lawn - 1 hour

Tennis - 1 hour

Walking - 5km

Gardening - 2 hours

Gardening - 3 hours

Baking - 30 scones

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This is where we will be posting our regular updates - what succeeded, what may not have gone according to plan and what is next on your list.

This is where we will be posting our regular updates - what succeeded, what may not have gone according to plan and what is next on your list.

This is where we will be posting our regular updates - what succeeded, what may not have gone according to plan and what is next on your list.