Anyone who wanted to take part in the #WalkingChallenge just needed to register and complete as many walks as possible in the period from August 15 to September 25, 2022. In addition to individuals, groups of up to 50 people could also register. DKV launched the campaign together with the start-up #walk15, which was also responsible for developing the app that everyone could use to track their personal success and progress. 

The offer to participate was primarily aimed at customers of DKV's company health insurance. But many ERGO employees, their families and friends were also enthusiastic participants. After all, the challenge was not only intended to raise awareness of the need for more exercise to promote physical and mental health, but also to reduce CO2 emissions at the same time. After all, one thing is clear: Doing without technical or motorized aids protects the environment.

What's more, trees in particular play an important role in storing CO2. The participants entered the race with corresponding motivation. With every step, the number of virtual trees they walked grew. The goal was ambitious. More than 200 million steps were needed to actually plant the envisaged 10,000 trees. The fact that this number was already reached at the halfway point speaks for the great commitment of all participants. By the end of the campaign, they had covered more than 444 million steps.

The impressive result has been on display in Oberwambach since November 25. On a plot of land in the Rhineland-Palatinate community, "Earthbanc" cooperation partner of #walk15, has meanwhile planted the trees and will continue to take care of them in the future.

Text: Martin Sulkowsky