Gef’s Daily Roundup

Orran’s Mega Run

Ultra competitor Orran Smith completed the Tor Des Geants in September 2023 raising £1,280 for Cruse Bereavement Support Isle of Man.

Orran, described as probably the island’s grittiest athlete, has undertaken numerous challenges over the last few years. The Tour des Geants race involved running a distance over 200 miles (330km) in the mountainous areas of Donnas in northern Italy near the French and Swiss borders. It is the only race to combine long distance with the individual style of runners. There are no compulsory stages with the winner achieving the fastest race in the shortest time.

Orran said: ‘The race was tough, in the early hours of the event I felt really rough but with the right approach I pushed through. The event was challenging – there is no actual support cars or people but food and ‘life’ stations along the route where the runners can rest or eat/drink.’

CEO, Mary Doyle added: ‘As a charity we are grateful to anyone that supports our charity. This is a gritty, tough event and we would like to thank Orran for all his endeavours for us.’

Just The Job

Employers looking to attract young people to their organisation are invited to the launch of ‘Just the Job’, a new project being run by Junior Achievement Isle of Man (JA).

At the heart of this initiative is the soon to be launched website (www.justthejob.im), which has been specifically designed to help employers connect with young people aged 14 to 25 who are looking for work or volunteering opportunities. Thanks to funding and practical support from the Z Zurich Foundation, the charity will be able to run this project for the next three years. Employers can sign up to attend the free launch event on January 30at the Palace Hotel where the charity will showcase how the website will help employers to connect with young people. To register for a ticket please contact suecook@jaiom.im or visit www.jaiom.im/latest/just-the-job-launch

The new website features….

• Current vacancies including part-time, full-time, internships, summer jobs, volunteering and apprenticeship opportunities
• Practical tips and hint such as how to improve job interview skills, plus advice on writing covering letters and CVs
• Information about IOM industries and employment sectors and careers events
• A free CV builder
• The opportunity to take part in a mock interview programme
• Advice about how to start a business

Going Green

Local employer Hansard has committed £10,000 towards helping Hospice install solar panels for Hospice and Rebecca House.

Underway with the implementation of the project, local company Go Green has agreed to source and install the solar panels, contributing an extraordinary £50,000 towards the overall costs, alongside the £10,000 commitment from Hansard. The project is hoped to be fully operational by late summer 2024.

The total cost of the solar panel installation is £100,000, and the next phase involves Hospice Isle of Man targeting further fundraising efforts to cover the remaining costs.

Graham Sheward, CEO of Hansard, said: ‘The inspiring work of the team at Hospice Isle of Man has long been appreciated by residents of the Island, and our support in ensuring that this continues long into the future is Hansard’s way in acknowledging our respect and admiration of those that deliver such an essential service to those in need.’

Northern Lights

It’s a bit of fingers crossed one this, but if there is a break in the clouds later this evening, there could be a good northern lights show. Check in with the Facebook group Isle of Man Aurora for the best info.