The Soft Pitch

Avnet U.K. Employee Climbs Kilimanjaro to Battle Diabetes

Although tears blurred her vision as she stood atop Mount Kilimanjaro, images of the sun rising over the Tanzanian landscape will be etched in Tanya Brown’s memory forever. Not only was she standing on the peak of the highest mountain in Africa and one of the largest free standing mountains in the world, she had also reached a personal goal of raising money for diabetes.

Brown, sales team leader at Avnet Technology Solutions (TS) U.K., climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise funds for Diabetes U.K., the country’s largest charity organization working for people with diabetes, funding research and helping people live with the condition. Witnessing her own loved ones battle with diabetes motivated Brown to take action.

She setup a Justgiving website called “Tanya’s Kili Challenge” and posted the link on her Avnet auto signature and Facebook. With 71 donations, she was able to raise £1,556 of her £1,500 goal.

“I was so overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity in helping me reach my fundraising target for Kilimanjaro,” she said.

Her hiking experience was the first time she ever donated to Diabetes U.K., but she said it will not be her last.

Brown said she feels it’s important for not only Avnet employees, but everyone to give back to the community because, while time and effort help so many others, giving back provides you with experiences and life lessons.

She also volunteers with Cancer Research at some of the Race for Life’s in her local area. She said it’s not just the donations that some charities need, but sometimes the few hours of a person’s time that can be given that can help so many.

I don’t think she could have said it any better. Donating money and resources are always helpful things to do, but the gift of time is often invaluable. Brown and so many other Avnet employees demonstrate this through Avnet Cares, the company’s employee-led community outreach program. Community partnerships with Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Homeward Bound and programs such as Dollars for Doers, where Avnet donates funds to local charities for employee volunteerism, allow employees to lend helping hands in the community.

Whether it’s taking the time to serve food at a shelter or, in Brown’s case, taking the time to prepare for a mountain hike to raise money, it is the time that counts. Actually taking the time to give, to volunteer and to donate is what not only makes community outreach possible, but successful.

*This article was written by Shala Marks, corporate communications intern at Avnet.