Gilson 2025 Step Challenge Raised Funds for Health and Childhood Cancer

At Gilson, we believe that small actions can have a meaningful impact. As a leading provider of automation, sample handling, and lab essentials, we are also committed to supporting employee wellness and global health initiatives. In September, our employees joined the 2025 Step Challenge – Gold in September with two objectives: enhancing employee well-being through physical activity and raising funds to support the fight against childhood cancer.


This year, the funds raised were dedicated to cancer research and children’s health organizations. In total, 75% of the funds were donated to Institut Gustave Roussy, Europe’s leading cancer center and a global pioneer in pediatric oncology, while 25% were allocated to UNICEF, an organization selected by the winning team for its commitment to children’s health and well-being worldwide.


Institut Gustave Roussy

The funds collected will help advance Gustave Roussy’s pediatric cancer research, supporting essential programs and services for young patients and their families, including innovative treatments, clinical trials, and holistic care. UNICEF will use the donation to strengthen its programs promoting child health, access to essential healthcare, and well-being initiatives globally.


A Collective Effort with Tangible Results

Our Step Challenge was a great success — both in raising awareness and encouraging healthier habits across the company. A follow-up survey revealed the following:

  • 137 employees registered, with 107 active participants
  • 23.5 million steps completed, representing 16,470 km (≈ 10,234 miles)
  • 1,564 km cycled (≈ 972 miles)
  • 5,271 kg of CO₂ saved (≈ 11,621 lbs)

Prolonged sitting can be detrimental to health, and 20% of participants reported spending more than seven hours per day seated before the challenge. Throughout the Step Challenge, participants became significantly more active, with daily steps increasing on average from 6,800 to nearly 10,000, representing a 45% increase. Incorporating routine movement and physical activity also supports stress reduction, identified as a key health concern. One-third of participants regularly joined online through the application fitness sessions, including strength training, gentle gymnastics, core workouts, and more.


Beyond its health and community benefits, the initiative also contributed to Gilson’s sustainability objectives, demonstrating how individual actions can collectively reduce the company’s environmental footprint.

By organizing the 2025 Step Challenge, we are not only encouraging our employees to live healthier lives but also raising funds and awareness for an important cause. This initiative reflects our commitment to corporate responsibility — promoting health, supporting scientific progress, and contributing to a more sustainable and caring future. Our employees are making a difference in the fight against childhood cancer, bringing hope and progress to children affected by this disease.

Step Challenge Logo