Bond scheme will provide a new fundraising stream for third sector
Time is running out for third sector organisations to sign up for the Caledonian Challenge Third Sector Bond scheme.
The scheme was launched in November 2015 to allow charities, social enterprises, community organisations to sign up teams for this year’s event and raise fund exclusively for their own cause.
Limited places are available and those looking to sign up can do so via the Caledonian Challenge website no later than 18 January.
Over the last 20 years, 17,000 participants have laced up their boots to take up the challenge raising £14 million to support the work of Foundation Scotland.
Now other third sector groups can offer a new challenge event to their fundraisers and collect sponsorship directly.
It is hoped that the new bond scheme will help third sector groups to develop relationships with their supporters and provide a new fundraising stream – without having to create their own tailor-made event.
Caledonian Challenge: bigger, better and more popular than ever
The Caledonian Challenge is one of Scotland’s longest running endurance events which rasies funds to support the work of Foundation Scotland.
The journey began in 1996 when Angus MacDonald and Alex Blyth ran the London Marathon dressed in kilts.
They completed the 26 mile course in a time of around five hours. Their success inspired them to organise an event in Scotland and so the Caledonian Challenge was born.
In 1997 theinitial challenge was to complete 30 Munros in four days. Just two people completed the whole course with £16,000 was raised for charity.
1998 saw the challenge move to the West Highland Way. The course covered 62 miles from GlenNevis to Inversnaid. There were 51 participants.
Since then the challenge has grown fromstrength to strength and is now recognised as one of the UK’s premier outdoorcharity events attracting 700 people each year.
Participants can choose to attempt either THE24 (24 miles in 12 hours) or THE54 (54 miles in 24 hours). The routes pass through some of the UK’s most iconic scenery with THE24 starting in Glen Nevis near Fort William following the West Highland Way, over the infamous Devil’s Staircase and ends at Glencoe Mountain Resort.
THE54 starts further North in Gairlochy on the Great Glen Way, taking in the majestic sight of Ben Nevis and continues South on the West Highland Way with the majority of walkers crossing Rannoch Moor during the night section, finishing in Strathfillan, between Crianlarich and Tyndrum.
Giles Ruck, chief executive of Foundation Scotland, said: “This year marks 20 years of the challenge and to help celebrate we are offering charitable organisations the opportunity to enter teams and raise money for their own causes.
"There are a limited number of Third Sector Bond places available and we would encourage charities to get in touch as soon as possible to guarantee their place. We want as many walkers as possible to join us on the starting line on the 11th June to help celebrate this milestone, create wonderful memories and make your miles matter.”
If you would like to find out more contact Susie Hall on 0131 524 0350 or email [email protected]
