Food firm boss takes on Tanzania charity challenge

The Herald Scotland

3 days ago

Departing on July 3, Mr 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 expedition will see Rowan join fellow riders from The Country Range Group for up to nine hours a day in the saddle under the Tanzanian sun.
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The route will pass through mountain trails, rural villages, and the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro, ending at the Ngorongoro Crater National Park, one of Africa's most iconic landscapes.
Together, the team is raising vital funds for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) International, which clears landmines, cluster munitions and unexploded ordnance in former war zones. Mr Rowan was also determined to make the challenge count closer to home by using the 'Bikes Against Bombs' ride to support Dunns' long-standing charity partners in Scotland.
Mr Rowan, who has been with the company since 1989, said: 'Taking part in this challenge reflects the values we hold as a company. 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.
To mark 150 years of Dunns Food and Drinks, chairman Jim Rowan will cycle 380km across Tanzania this July in aid of Scottish charities AWARE Scotland and The Haven (Image: Herald Picture Agency) 'As a fourth-generation, family-owned business, we've been committed to fully participating within our communities . 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. Ahead of its anniversary year, the business has outlined bold growth plans – but insists community and charitable work will remain central to its mission.
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 commented: '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.'
The ride takes place from July 3 to 11 and is expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds. Supporters can follow the journey and donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/tanzania-cycle-challenge-2025