Treasure hunt and poker nights to raise vital funds

Companies have revealed some of their weird and wonderful fundraising ideas for the new Hope House Shropshire Star Corporate Challenge.

More than 40 companies across Shropshire and Powys have signed up to this major fundraising project, which kicks off next week.

Each company will be given £50, and invited to use the money as a springboard for a host of fundraising activities.

Organisers hope businesses will come up with innovative and imaginative ways of investing the money over the three-month challenge period, helping to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the children's hospice charity. Ê

The Business Friends of Hope House Children's Hospices have snapped up a few spaces and are busy planning events to take place during September, October and November.

Phillips Chartered Accountants in Wellington has already organised a car treasure hunt to take place on September 9.

And staff from the accountancy firm are also hoping to do a sponsored walk from their offices to Hope House in Oswestry.

Direct Removals at Hortonwood 7 in Telford, who are also members of the business club, are planning to stage a series of poker nights for the charity.

Athena Leasing is hoping to do a sponsored swim.

Plus the business club's committee members, led by Suzi Rixon are arranging a Harvest Festival of Food and Drink.

The event will take place at the Wroxeter Vineyard, Shrewsbury, on September 28.

The Shropshire Star has teamed up with Hope House Children's Hospices for this new fundraising initiative.

The Shropshire Star will provide each business with a crisp £50 note on September 1.

Then the race will begin as the firms bid to grow that amount by as much as is legally and ethically possible in 90 days over September, October and November.

The challenge is a high-profile fun project, an opportunity to build team spirit within your company and to network with other regional and local organisations who are taking part.

There are still a handful of places left on a first-come, first-served basis. More information is available by calling the Hope House fundraising office on (01691) 671671

Alternatively, people can send an e-mail to fundraising@hope house.org.uk.