GoPro Munich Gives Back During The Run For Life

The following words are by Marianne Dittrich.

As we say here at GoPro, giving back is in our DNA. As often as we can, we strive to help our communities, assist those in need, and support great causes. Our latest ambition, initially driven by two of our office sporting enthusiasts, was to organize a group run to help raise money for charity. On Sept. 8, this aspiration became a reality, and we ran for a great cause, Aids-Hilfe München, whose work includes:

• The provision of free HIV tests and consultations
• Educating and informing others about HIV
• Helping those who live with HIV to find housing
• Organizing sports groups
• Training for nurses and a dedicated team who work with youth, migrants, drug-users and people in custody

The big day arrived and cue the torrential rain! Five GoPro team-goers turn up wearing waterproofs galore. We began by grabbing our Run For Life shirts, a coffee to warm us up before the start, and then a last minute check over the GoPros. We did not allow the wet weather to dampen our spirits, and although we tried avoiding the puddles in the beginning, by the end we were wading straight through streams of water with pride. Afterwards the caffeine had certainly worn off and our red shirts were thoroughly soaked through, but still we smiled at our achievements and headed home for a well-deserved hot bath!

To give a little more insight into the importance of the cause we supported, here are some staggering figures from United Nations that were released in 2017:

• Over 36.9 million people live with HIV
• 1.8 million of whom are 15 or younger 
• Around 5000 cases of infections appear daily 

These dramatic figures can only reduce when charities receive enough support to continue researching and finding new methods to cure and support those living with the condition and all those affected by it. With that in mind we wanted to contribute everything we could to really make a difference. And that we did! We raised over 500€ from employees, family and friends at our Munich office, and GoPro for a Cause matched those funds, so that’s just over a fantastic 1000€ (1100$)! We are so thrilled we got to participate in the run, and for those who supported us with donations. Thank you!