insideKENT Magazine Issue 101 - September 2020 | Page 125

CHARITY Businesses challenged to turn £50 into charity funds in Accumulator Challenge Fancy a challenge that will raise much needed funds too? The Accumulator Challenge, in aid of ellenor is back! Teams from across Kent and Bexley will have four months and £50 to try and raise as much money as possible, as daringly and creatively as they can (as long as it's safe and legal!), for the muchloved Kent charity. Colin Copley, director of this year’s sponsor, Copley Ltd says: “This year at Copley, we have decided to focus our efforts on one charity. Having experienced first-hand the care that the charity provides to families in difficult times, supporting ellenor seemed the perfect fit for us. We are proud to be sponsoring this challenge to help ellenor raise the funds that they need to be able to continue their work and hope that as many businesses as possible will get involved”. Samantha Warwicker, mother of nine-year-old son, Harry Woodgate, one of ellenor’s patients, who has cerebral palsy with additional, complex health needs adds: “We’ve all benefited from ellenor’s services over the years and in such a wide variety of ways, and our family knows first-hand just how far-reaching ellenor’s support is. Knowing that your child has a life-limiting condition leaves you living with uncertainty. Whatever we’ve been through, as well as vital emotional support, the practical support ellenor provides is invaluable too, the charity’s been there for us - just as we know it’ll be there for us whatever the future throws our way”. The ellenor Accumulator Challenge, which begins on Tuesday 1 September, will run for four months with an awards ceremony at the end to recognise the companies which have raised the most money and those which have been particularly creative with their fundraising ideas. “We are dealing with uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic and need the support of our local business community now more than ever so we can continue to provide care and support for families living with life limiting conditions” says Jemma Kemp, interim corporate & community fundraising manager at ellenor. “This year is our 5th accumulator challenge and we are hoping to recruit 50 businesses to take part. We want to thank all the companies which have signed up so far, we will be there to support you along the way to raise as much money as possible so that every family who needs hospice care can receive it”. If you're interested in participating in the ellenor Accumulator Challenge, please call Jemma Kemp on 07787 255222 or email [email protected]. Take part in the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex 30 for 30 challenge This September, Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is inviting residents of Kent to take part in the charity’s 30 for 30 Challenge. Launched to celebrate KSS’s 30th anniversary and to help raise vital funds, the 30 for 30 Challenge encourages participants to create their own 30-themed fundraiser during the 30 days of September. The fundraiser is focused on health and well-being, encouraging supporters to get up and get active, or take up a challenge that focuses on promoting well-being, like learning a new skill. From giving up a favourite treat for 30 days to running 30 miles, taking on a 30- minute fitness challenge or reading 30 new books, the 30 for 30 Challenge is open to everyone. Lynne Harris, executive director of income generation said: “We had a number of special events planned for this summer to celebrate our 30th anniversary and to thank the community for the wonderful support we receive. Although our plans have had to change, we hope that the 30 for 30 Challenge is a way for us to still celebrate this milestone and to help us raise critical funds, whilst being active and focusing on our wellbeing too.” “Thanks to extraordinary public support, over the last 30 years we have treated more than 30,000 patients with our world class, lifesaving emergency care. Now, we are appealing for your help to make sure we can continue to be there for the next 30,000 patients who need us.” It couldn’t be easier to get involved. Simply make up an activity inspired by the number 30, then encourage your friends and family to sponsor you for your 30 for 30 efforts and raise vital funds. 30 for 30 launches on 1st September, but you can take on your challenge at any point. Remember to tag @airambulancekss #kss30for30 on social media with any photos or videos of your challenge and email them too to [email protected]. www.aakss.org.uk 125