Two FCSI Allied members, both captains of the catering equipment industry, are putting fine dining and five star hotels behind them as they train for a gruelling five day trek across Peru to raise money for Springboard. Stephen ‘Kinky’ Kinkead and Glenn ‘Robbo’ Roberts, managing directors of Winterhalter UK and Gram UK respectively, aim to raise at least £10,000 for Springboard in its work to help disadvantaged people by finding them employment in the hospitality industry.
Camping under the stars along the way, the intrepid trekkers will follow ancient trails leading to the ruins of Machu Pichu, testing their endurance to the limit. However, the fun doesn’t stop there: the two will end up at a remote village where they’ll spend three days installing solar panels, to bring sustainable energy to the local school, and attempting to teach computer skills and give English lessons.
Kinkead says, “When we first discussed it, I thought, ‘well, if Robbo can do it then I can.’ Turns out he was thinking, ‘if Kinky can do it then I can.’ We might both be working on false premises….
“Seriously, though, of course it will be tough but it will also be a fabulous experience. More importantly, we’ll not only be supporting Springboard, which is an absolutely top charity, but also, hopefully, using whatever talents we have to help children in this remote Peruvian school.”
Roberts says, “Both Stephen and I spent our early careers working in catering. It’s great to have this opportunity to give something back.
“As for the trek, I used to do a lot of walking. I know I’ll be knackered, but it I’ll really enjoy being back in the mountains. Mind, there is the issue of spending an extended period in a tent with Kinky…”
Kinkead and Roberts are taking part in Springboard’s official Peru Trek 2016, which is happening 11-22 March. The two are self-funding their trip, so all the money they raise will go to charity. To help them meet their target visit www.justgiving.com/Stephen-Kinkead-and-Glenn-Roberts. To find out about the trek visit http://springboard.uk.net
Winterhalter is the foodservice warewasher specialist. For further details see www.winterhalter.co.uk.
Gram offers a comprehensive range of commercial refrigeration. See www.gram-commercial.com for more information.
