GKN Mission Everest challenged us to do more for our communities and bring hope to the children of Africa and is a project of which we are all proud of.

During 2007 GKN people contributed an extra $1.7 million to their local communities in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific. GKN promised to match the value of the extra community work and fundraising around the Group and has committed $1 million to Africa - $500k in 2007 and $500k more in 2008.

Together we will have contributed $2.7 million to try and help make the world a better place for people in need.

Keeping our promises – that’s the GKN Way.

Unidrive employees hit the road

On 1 April, 48 Unidrive employees added to their fitness while also raising money for the Royal Childrens Hospital in Melbourne. A Walk 4 Kids event, in support of the hospital, has been held annually for the last two years.

The money raised is used to fund new equipment and research at the hospital. This was the first time Unidrive has participated in the event. Inspiration to increase our charitable activities came from GKN Mission Everest and GKN’s pledge to match any Unidrive contribution with money for Global Angels.

At 7.30 am on a beautiful, Melbourne Sunday morning, the employees gathered in the city centre. The more adventurous did a 15.2km run while the remainder did a 3.4km walk. The run took in many Melbourne landmarks, some of which are normally off-limits to pedestrians, such as the Bolte Bridge and the Domain Tunnel. The walkers enjoyed a stroll around the Botanical Gardens precinct. The Unidrive team really stood out among the crowd in their specially designed Unidrive singlets.

A total of 26,000 people participated and the Unidrive group finished 20th out of the 45 corporate teams doing the walk and 60th of the 130 corporate running teams.

Unidrive encouraged employees to participate by promoting the event internally, paying the entry fees and providing the singlets. The participants obtained personal sponsorship from workmates, family and friends for each kilometre. The entire Walk 4 Kids event raised $1million for the hospital with Unidrive contributing $6,314.