RedR

On 26 April 2008 international relief charity RedR is holding a two-day ‘Disaster Relief Challenge’ in which teams from the UK’s leading engineering firms will take part in a weekend of technical, physical and mental challenges. The various activities will see the teams of the four battle it out while testing their ingenuity, skill and stamina. The event will be run by RedR members, who have spent time on assignment and have real emergency response experience. 

The aim of the weekend is to provide RedR supporters with the opportunity to gain some of the technical and operational planning skills necessary when operating in disaster scenarios while raising vital funds for the charity. Teams will need to use a combination of practical skills, good planning and teamwork to get through the challenge. The Disaster Relief Challenge is the perfect team-building exercise for anyone interested in the area of disaster relief.

While the weekend is about employees working together and having fun, it also carries a serious message and highlights the challenges aid workers can face when out in the field.  Mark Tindale, an ex-participant of the Disaster Relief Challenge who currently works for RedR Patron Arup, commented: “The challenge simulates the sort of work that often needs to be done in the field and raises many of the issues that relief workers face”.

The changing face of disaster relief

Engineers have been flying out to help with global disasters for years. However, the way in which aid agencies respond to disasters is changing, with a focus on providing sustainable solutions and training for local and international aid workers.  It is therefore more important than ever for engineers and other international relief workers to have the right skills and experience to be able to hit the ground running when disaster strikes. Practical skills are paramount to providing an effective response to disasters, as is the ability to cope with limited resources and difficult conditions. Having knowledge of cross-cutting issues such as security and management is also becoming increasingly important and aid agencies are often looking for engineers with both practical and managerial skills.

RedR provides training for aid workers of all levels in technical subjects, but also in areas such as disaster management. The charity has a register of 1700 skilled, qualified members who are ready to be called on to react to an emergency. The Disaster Relief Challenge involves a number of issues which are fundamental to disaster response including: shelter, camp planning, water and sanitation, and first aid. Teams pay £500 to enter and challenges held in previous years have raised close to £20,000, enabling RedR to continue providing aid workers with the skills they need to make a difference to those whose lives are affected by disaster worldwide. 

Get involved

Fundraising Development Manager Tom Colborne states: “We have already had a lot of interest in this year’s event which we hope will be just as successful, rewarding and memorable as previous challenges.  As well as highlighting issues aid workers face when in disaster areas, the challenge also raises awareness of the vital role engineers play. Participants really do get a lot out of it and some even become inspired to consider heading out on assignment themselves.  The benefits are also considerable for corporate sponsors; the event provides them with the opportunity to invest in their staff and improve teamwork and morale.”

If you think you have got what it takes and would like to apply for the challenge or would like to find out more about RedR’s work, please get in touch with Tom or read more here.