Marking 150 years of family-owned wholesaler Dunns Food and Drinks, company chairman Jim Rowan is going to cycle 380km across Tanzania this July in aid of two local Scottish charity partners close to the company’s heart.
Departing on July 3, Rowan will raise money for AWARE Scotland, which supports young people through respite breaks and days out; and The Haven, a Lanarkshire-based organisation that helps individuals and families affected by life-limiting conditions
The nine-day expedition, part of the food industry’s ‘Bikes Against Bombs’ initiative, also supports Mines Advisory Group International, which clears landmines in former war zones.
Rowan, who has been with the company since 1989, said the challenge reflects Dunns’ long-standing commitment to community and social impact.
Along with fellow riders from The Country Range Group, Jim will spend up to nine hours a day in the saddle under the blazing Tanzanian sun. The route will pass through mountain trails, rural villages, and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, ending at the Ngorongoro Crater National Park.
“Taking part in this challenge reflects the values we hold as a company,” said Jim. “I wanted to mark the 150th milestone by doing something that makes a real difference to the lives of others.
“This will mark Bikes Against Bombs 10th ride, an initiative created by people in our industry to make a real difference.
“As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we’ve been committed to fully participating within our communities,” he said. “It’s a privilege to ride in support of these causes, and it’s been a privilege to spend so much of my working life as part of this company.
“It’s going to be incredibly tough, but it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’m hoping through the generosity of sponsors will make a meaningful impact to the two Dunns’ charities.”
Founded in 1875, Dunns is one of Scotland’s longest-established wholesalers, supplying food and drink to hospitality venues across the country.
Managing director Julie Dunn carries on the family name in Dunns Food and Drinks in the footsteps of her father, Christopher Dunn, her grandfather, William, and great-grandfather/company founder, Joseph Dunn.
She said: “The whole team is behind Jim and incredibly proud of what he’s doing. Charity and community have been central to Dunns since day one, and I couldn’t think of a better way to mark our 150th anniversary celebrations.
“But this is just the beginning, and we look forward to sharing more about our exciting plans to celebrate this big birthday.”
Supporters can follow Jim’s journey and donate through his JustGiving webpage.
