Teambuilding charity challenge gives companies a chance to make a real splash!

An intriguing water-based business charity fundraising event has been announced, designed to bring Cambridgeshire companies together to raise funds for the local Arthur Rank Hospice as part of the national Gold Challenge sporting initiative.

The Wacky Races canoeing event was conceived by brand management agency Method and is supported by both the Cambridge News and the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce. The 2.012km water sprint will take place at Milton Country Park on Sunday 17 June and there is currently space for 15 corporate teams to enter.

The gauntlet is certainly down for the area's most competitive businesses to flex their muscle and to win the coveted title of Business Gold Star 2012. While there is an emphasis on winning the race, the event is really an opportunity to support the local community while having some fun on the water and is an ideal platform for teambuilding away from the office.

To allow for flexible fundraising, each team of up to 8 people must contribute a minimum of 500pounds to secure their place and this can be donated as part of a Corporate Social Responsibility budget or from individual activities. The fundraising target is 7500pounds which is enough to keep the day Hospice running for one week but it is hoped that the good nature of local companies will ensure the figure exceeds this.

Method director Kirsten Corrigan first heard about the Gold Challenge at the end of 2011 and has worked closely with the Arthur Rank Hospice's fundraising team since then to develop an event that will serve to raise the profile of the charity while engaging with potential corporate sponsors.

"We are so grateful that the team at Method is not only taking on the Gold Challenge but also organising such a fantastic event!" said Amy Cuffe, who is responsible for managing the specific project for the charity. "The Wacky Races will enable local businesses to celebrate the Olympics in a unique way and at the same time support the vital work of the Hospice."

Spectators are more than welcome to attend, whether from non-participating companies or friends and family of the Wacky Racers. Keen to bring local businesses together for some rather informal networking, the Chamber is also promoting the day as an opportunity to both meet new contacts and to develop existing relationships as you cheer on the teams from the sidelines.

Full event details will be announced soon and teams can apply online at www.methodcreative.co.uk/wackyraces or call the event team on 0800 228 9412.