What if you could actively contribute to fighting climate change in just 24 hours?
That’s the challenge and mission behind 24 The Planet, an initiative that has grown from a simple but bold idea into an international movement, now spanning 2 continents. Over the past four years, more than 150 participants have walked—nonstop for 24 hours (!)—to raise funds for environmental and social causes. And their impact has not gone unnoticed for sure. Together we managed to achieve:
- $200,000+ raised
- 38 million m² of land regreened
- 130,000 trees planted
- 12,000 people positively impacted
And we are not planning to stop. Not only because (unfortunately) our goal still remains just as relevant as before, but once we have experienced it together, the power of community can truly be addictive. This year, we are expanding, and our calendar now spans across six cities to make an even bigger difference:
- Munich – May
- Prague – June 7
- London – July 5
- Amsterdam – July 27
- Budapest – September 12
- New York – September 20
A cause that aligns with our own mission
Climate change isn’t a distant threat. By 2050, over 350 million people will face water scarcity, and 2.9 billion will experience extreme heat every five years. That’s why action is needed now, and why we at Meijer &Co are proud to support causes like this—initiatives that take direct, measurable steps toward a better future.
At Meijer &Co, we believe that businesses can be a driving force for good. We mentioned this many times in previous articles, but we really mean it: sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a responsibility. That’s why 24 The Planet’s mission to fight climate change through tangible, measurable action aligns very well with our own values. Because much like Meijer &Co’s commitment to creating a positive impact through business solutions and empowering business through talent, 24 The Planet is also about taking real-world actions. By walking, we raise funds, drive awareness, and directly contribute to regreening efforts. And as an initiative, it isn’t just about words—it’s about results.
Step by step moving ahead
The concept is simple: Walk for 24 hours straight, and raise awareness and as much money as possible during that full day. It’s not a race, though: everyone is welcome to set their own pace, and also you are welcome to come and join us for a certain part of the full day. Some participants have walked as little as 52 km (32 miles), while others have pushed past 116 km (72 miles). The goal is experiencing the power of community, while taking actionable steps (!) and raising awareness
That is why the real beauty of the event isn’t just in the distance—it’s in the camaraderie, resilience, and shared purpose that fuels every participant.
And to keep spirits high, the event also features mini experiences throughout the walk:
- Keynote speakers on climate and sustainability
- Stretching exercise & yoga
- live music performances & and music quizzes
- Dog-walking sessions
- Community meals & shared dining experiences
- A mobile DJ booth to power through the final hours
- And the chance to connect with great people
And its impact is also very measurable. The funds raised go to Justdiggit, a nonprofit focused on regreening drylands in Africa to combat climate change. To give a rough estimate of the impact one person can have:
- One walker can regreen ca. 250,000 m² of land
- Every hour walked brings back approx. 36 trees
- Over 100,000 tons of CO₂ have already been captured
Ready to take the first step?
At Meijer &Co, we believe that small, purposeful actions add up to meaningful change. That’s why we’re proud to support initiatives like 24 The Planet, where every participant makes a real impact on the environment. No experience? No problem. Anyone can complete the challenge, and you’ll “never be walking alone”.
Registrations (for individuals) open soon—so keep an eye on 24theplanet.com, follow social media updates, and sign up when you’re ready.
You can join us—not just as an individual participant, but also as an organization championing this important cause. Sponsorship opportunities are now open, so reach out to learn more. Last year in Hungary, Denxpert and Grant Thornton Hungary were among those who joined us. It’s a fantastic opportunity for team building and for employees to create lasting memories together.
Don’t overthink it. Take the first step. You never know where it will lead – it might be a greener planet for us all.
