Age UK West Cumbria has launched a new fundraising campaign to raise vital income for their local services. #The100 Challenge will see 100 people walking 100 miles over 100 days to each raise £100 for the charity.
Jane Mindar, Chief Executive of Age UK West Cumbria, says: “During lockdown, many people have become less mobile, less active and less connected to the outside world. Like many other organisations, Age UK West Cumbria have experienced an upsurge in demand for our services… and as winter approaches, this is only going to increase. We need help to raise funds for vital services within our communities. We want to reach the most vulnerable people who may be finding it hard to connect with others in this strange new world; who might need support navigating through new situations and circumstances; who might simply need a friend.
“We are asking our supporters everywhere, ‘Will you take on the #The100 Challenge?'”
#The100 Challenge launched on Wednesday 23 September 2020. Anyone can take part and there are no rules on how you can complete your miles. Indoor and outdoor steps can be counted, and participants can even clock up the miles on a running machine. The miles can be completed at any point during the 100 days after sign up and fundraisers can do as little or as much as they like each day.
All the money raised will support West Cumbrian projects such as befriending, shopping services, benefit applications, provisions of information and advice and production of activity packs amongst other things.
The campaign was devised by Chief Executive Jane Mindar, who was also first to sign up.
“Like everyone else I’ve spent a lot of time cooped up inside over the last few months, and I found myself missing my beloved Lakes. Brainstorming fundraising ideas, I got caught up in the moment, and misremembering lyrics to a Proclaimers song, I came up with the #The100 Challenge. My staff and volunteers have since told me that they were delighted that I got the lyrics wrong as none of them were keen to tackle 500 miles…
On a more serious note, this is a fantastic way to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get moving, get involved and get fundraising for our charity. After such a long period of people being behind closed doors, we hope that #The100 gives people a chance to be inspired, get active and join together to make a real difference.”
For further information and for instructions on how to sign up, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/westcumbria
Age UK West Cumbria will be documenting the #The100 Challenge on their social media channels and website.
