Hospice's Corporate Challenge launched

Representatives from eight businesses which have already signed up for this year’s Corporate Challenge, met at Pendleside Hospice this week to gear up for the four-month fundraising head-to-head.

And the hospice is now calling on more businesses to sign up to take part in this year’s event.

Each participating company will be given £50 donated by sponsor Charter Walk Shopping Centre in Burnley, which they have to try and turn into as much money as possible between June 1st to September 30th.

The challenge, which ran for the first time last year saw 26 companies take part to raise more than £85,000.

Last year Burnley and Pendle Slimming World took home the crown, raising £13,299. While the overall Corporate Challenge Champion was awarded to Petty Estate and Letting Agents for their continued effort throughout the challenge, including hosting a series of events including a rubber duck campaign which saw rubber ducks, sold for £1 each by Petty’s, being photographed at various locations around the world.

All sponsor money raised will help to provide care for local people who are coping with a life-limiting illness at a time when they need it.

Fundraising suggestions include dress down days, bake sales, raffles or bag packing. You can also enter colleagues into one of the hospice’s organised events such as the Pendle Pub Walk or Burnley 10k.

Billie Jean-Horne, Community Champion at Tesco Burnley said: “We had a great time taking part in the Corporate Challenge last year, so we were keen to get involved again. Last year we raised £5,000, and we are hoping to match or better that this year.

Petty residential director Ian Bythell said: “The Pendleside Corporate Challenge was an excellent initiative and we were delighted that our efforts were recognised. It meant we got some very positive local PR, whilst engaging lots of people locally and raising awareness of the vitally important role of the Hospice and the fact that they touch so many lives in a really positive way.”

A breakfast event is being held at Pendleside hospice on Tuesday, March 21st, at 8-30am for companies interested in signing up as well as those who have already signed up. An awards event will be held in October where the winners from various categories will be announced. To sign up to take part in the Corporate Challenge go to pendleside.org.uk or call the fundraising team on 440120.