Plume Partnership Raises More Than Half a Million Dollars!

#PLUMESTRONG CYCLING CHALLENGE 2023: STREET CHILD’S PARTNER PLUME HAS RAISED AN INCREDIBLE $600,000 TO SUPPORT CHILDREN AFFECTED BY THE TURKEY-SYRIA EARTHQUAKE

— All funds raised will help to rebuild the lives of children through education, which were severely disrupted by the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria in February 2023 —

Plume® recently completed its third annual #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge, a demanding five-day ride across the most arduous mountain passes in Switzerland and France. Employees from Plume and its partners were joined by the number one professional cyclist in the world, Tadej Pogačar, and collectively raised almost $600,000, surpassing the initiative’s target of $500,000.

Plumian riders pedaled with passion throughout the #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge 2023, cumulatively covering 12,000 miles, spending 849 hours in the saddle and climbing the equivalent of Mt. Everest 36 times—an incredible fundraising feat.

Funds raised will help provide vital educational support to children who were directly impacted by the earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria in February 2023. By exceeding its fundraising goal, and more than doubling last year’s fundraising, #PlumeStrong will work in partnership with Street Child to focus on constructing schools within the education sector, in the areas most affected by the earthquake. The initiative was supported by several of Plume’s partners from the telecom industry and beyond with special thanks going to Diamond Partner Liberty Global, and Platinum Partner Sagemcom.

‘Following the resounding success of #PSCC22, we set ourselves a mission to double the funds we raised. I couldn’t be prouder of the collective commitment shown by our riders, Plume employees, and partners, including professional cyclist Tadej Pogačar, who have come together to exceed our goal by a significant margin,’ said Fahri Diner, Founder & CEO of Plume. ‘Through their efforts, and by building a school, we can provide access to safe education and play a significant role in helping communities rebuild following the devastating Turkey-Syria earthquake.’

Street Child’s Co-Founder & Director of Policy and Development Lucinda Dannatt said, ‘We're honored that Plume selected Street Child as its partner for the annual #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge for a second year in a row. A huge congratulations to all the riders who undertook this extraordinary fundraising challenge and pedaled countless miles to support the children whose lives have been impacted by the Turkey-Syria earthquake. The funds raised will be used, as part of this innovative partnership, to rebuild the education sector in the worst affected areas, having a ripple effect on generations to come.’

Tadej Pogačar is one of the most successful professional cyclists of the modern era. He won the Tour de France in 2020 and 2021, becoming the first person to win three different jerseys in consecutive Tours in nearly four decades.

‘In the hectic world of modern 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 Pogačar. ‘I was honored to ride once again alongside Plume employees and their partners to promote such a worthy cause. I am thrilled that we exceeded the fundraising expectations and can contribute to making a big difference to families who are rebuilding their lives.’

#PlumeStrong has become a key part of Plume’s corporate social responsibility program and is now dedicated to creating more equitable opportunities for marginalized and vulnerable communities. At last year’s #PlumeStrong Cycling Challenge, 50 riders, including employees and partners, cycled 400 miles through the Swiss Alps, raising $260,000. All funds were donated to Street Child and the partnership provided safe spaces, called Inclusive Learning Hubs, for refugee children in Ukraine and Moldova.