Cycling together to rebuild Valencia

Employee engagement plays an important role in how BME translates its values into action. At BME Spain, this commitment took shape through the Reto Solidario (solidarity challenge), “Let’s Rebuild Valencia”: a large-scale cycling initiative that brought together employees, suppliers, and customers to raise funds for communities affected by severe flooding in the Valencia region in October 2024. The initiative combined solidarity, sustainability, and teamwork to deliver tangible social impact.

A collective challenge across Spain

Between mid-May and mid-June 2025, colleagues at BME Spain undertook a road-cycling challenge of approximately 6,000 kilometers, connecting BME Spain’s branch network across the country. The route linked 59 shop and warehouse locations, with teams cycling in stages over the course of a month.

The challenge was designed not only to raise funds, but also to strengthen collaboration across the value chain. Employees, suppliers, and customers were invited to participate in the initiative, reinforcing a shared sense of purpose beyond day-to-day business activities. Several members of BME Group’s Executive Management Team proudly supported the effort by joining one of the cycle rides.

Supporting flood-affected communities in Valencia

All funds raised through the cycling challenge were donated to Fundación Felisa, a non-profit organization that supports communities in emergency situations, focusing on child welfare, poverty alleviation, and sustainability. The donation was used to help finance the reconstruction of homes damaged by flooding in the Valencia region. Thanks to the initiative, 27 families’ homes were rehabilitated, and a total of €93,000 was raised to support affected families.

Josep Surinach, CEO of BME Spain, commented: “I am especially proud to see that we have been able to combine the achievement of our financial objectives with the creation of a positive impact on society. The cycling challenge is a clear example of this: an initiative that, thanks to everyone’s commitment and involvement, has made it possible to raise funds for the reconstruction of homes affected by the Valencia floodings. Beyond the amount raised, what truly matters is what it represents – our ability as an organization to deliver strong results while staying true to our purpose and our responsibility toward the communities in which we operate. Knowing that, thanks to this collective effort, several families will be able to regain a sense of normality in their lives is undoubtedly one of the most valuable and motivating achievements of the year.”

Engagement, sustainability, and social impact

Let’s Rebuild Valencia reflects BME Spain’s broader approach to employee engagement, linking physical activity and sustainability with meaningful social contribution. By combining sport, teamwork and community support, the initiative demonstrated how local action can create real impact – both within the operating company and beyond.