Pogačar & Plume team up to raise €550,000 for Children Affected by Turkey/Syria Earthquake

September 22, 2023 admin-dominor

In a heartwarming show of solidarity and determination, Tadej Pogačar and his fiancé and fellow professional cyclist Urska Zigart were humbled to join forces with Plume® as it recently completed its third annual #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge, an exhilarating five-day ride through the challenging mountain passes of Switzerland and France. What makes this achievement truly remarkable is not just the breathtaking landscapes the cyclists conquered but the staggering €550,000 they raised for a noble cause. The funds raised will help build a school in one of the areas most affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria in February 2023.

Tadej Pogačar, Fahri Diner, Mike Fries &amp Urška Žigart

Tadej Pogačar: “In the hectic world of professional cycling it’s important for me to find time to give back to young people who have experienced a great deal of suffering in their lives,” said Tadej Pogačar. “I was honored to ride again alongside Plume’s employees and its partners to promote such a worthy cause. I am delighted that we exceeded the fundraising expectations and can contribute to making a big difference to families rebuilding their lives.”

Follow the leader

PlumeStrong: From Pandemic Health Initiative to Social Responsibility Powerhouse
Founded in 2020 as an initiative to promote physical and mental well-being among Plume’s employees during the global COVID-19 pandemic, #PlumeStrong has evolved into the cornerstone of Plume’s corporate social responsibility program. Last year’s #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge saw 50 riders covering 675 kilometers through the Swiss Alps, raising €250,000 to provide safe spaces, known as Inclusive Learning Hubs, for refugee children in Ukraine and Moldova through the non-profit organization Street Child.

Tadej Pogačar joins the peloton

Surpassing Expectations: €550,000 for Earthquake Relief
This year, Plume pushed the boundaries further. Partners, including Liberty Global and Sagemcom, joined hands with Plume in this noble endeavor. The cyclists collectively covered an astonishing 19,090 kilometers, a distance nearly halfway around the world. They conquered an elevation gain of 325,017 meters, equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 36 times. The saddle time clocked in at 849 hours and 57 minutes, which is akin to riding for 35 days, 9 hours, and 57 minutes.

The heat is on

Building Hope and Resilience: A School for Affected Children
All the funds raised during this remarkable cycling challenge will be dedicated to providing vital educational support to children affected by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. With more than double the amount raised compared to last year’s event, #PlumeStrong is committed to building a school in one of the most severely impacted regions, offering these children a chance to rebuild their lives through education.

All riders groupshot with Tadej Pogačar

Tadej Pogačar Joins the Cause
Adding star power to this noble cause was none other than Tadej Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France winner and the reigning No.1 ranked cyclist in the world by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). His presence and contributions amplified the impact of #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2023.

Plume’s Founder & CEO, Fahri Diner

The Visionary Minds Behind #PlumeStrong
Fahri Diner, Founder & CEO of Plume, expressed his elation, stating, “Following the resounding success of #PSCC22, we set a goal to double the funds we raised—I’m thrilled by the collective commitment shown by our riders, Plume employees, and partners, including professional cyclist Tadej Pogačar, who have come together to exceed our goal. Through their efforts, and by rebuilding a school, we can provide access to safe education and help communities rebuild following the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake.”

A Remarkable Partnership
Plume’s collaboration with Street Child, Liberty Global, Sagemcom, and other partners has been the cornerstone of this endeavor. Mike Fries, CEO & Vice Chairman of Liberty Global, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “PlumeStrong is really aligned with what matters to us, which is helping great organizations that are changing the world—especially for children. We’re thrilled to be part of it.”

Save the Date for #PSCC24
The journey doesn’t end here. The PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2024 (#PSCC24) is already on the horizon, scheduled to take place from September 2 through September 6, 2024.