22 Apr Going the extra mile to help Torbay’s communities

Fundraising is essential for most charities to survive, and they are having to compete with each other for a share of a shrinking income.

Each year, there are hundreds of fundraising events all designed to raise money whilst having fun. Everything from concerts to walks, from dancing to running, to tabletop sales held across the Bay.

One of the biggest fundraisers of the year is the Rowcroft Big Tackle pie and pasty walk, which this year attracted more than 1,500 walkers, raising a record £150,000 for the Hospice. No mean feat by anyone’s standards.

Most smaller charities can only watch on in awe, but that does not stop them organising their own versions, and here at Torbay Communities, we are grateful to fundraisers at Kitson Boyce who are marking their bicentennial with an incredible 200km walk to raise money for us.

Last week, the law firm announced their ultra firmwide challenge in aid of Torbay Communities and in celebration of their 200-year legacy.

This May, 48 members of the KB team will undertake a 200km trek over five days, spanning the firm’s three office locations. The challenge will kick off on Saturday, 16th May, from their Exeter office and finish on Wednesday, 20th May, at Mountbatten in Plymouth.

It’s a huge challenge, but one which the team are confident will be a success with all staff members encouraged to get involved, whether that be signing up for a whole 40km day or pledging their own distance, ranging from 2 to 40km.

The challenge has been organised by Ryan Greensmith – Applications Analyst, and Anthony McDowell – IT Support Assistant, who foresaw the 200-year milestone as an opportunity to bring everyone together to make a difference.

Anthony said: “Our legacy milestone provides an opportunity to recognise the collective effort that has shaped our organisation over two centuries. By taking on this challenge as a team, we aim to contribute positively to the community and highlight the values that continue to guide our work.”

Ryan added: “We are delighted to be organising the 200km challenge. It is a great opportunity to bring colleagues together, promote wellbeing, and ensure the challenge is inclusive for everyone.”

The firm are delighted to be taking on the challenge in aid of £4,000 for one of their chosen charity partners of the year, Torbay Communities.

Established following discussions with more than 100 voluntary sector representatives, Torbay Communities, known then as the Torbay Community Development Trust (TCDT), was formed with the intention of making Torbay a place where all people feel included. The Trust empowers communities, building on strengths and skills through Asset-Based Community Development.

Members from the Torbay Communities team will be joining KB trekkers on Sunday, 17th May to cover the route across various Community Builder patches from Babbacombe to Brixham, taking in Torquay, Preston, Paignton, Goodrington and Broadsands.

Speaking about the initiative, Tracey Cabache, Director of Torbay Communities, said:

“We are grateful to Kitson Boyce for their fundraising efforts on our behalf in their landmark 200th year. They clearly understand the importance of strong communities and want to support us in bringing people together.”

The firm would be grateful for any support, whether that is through donations or spreading the message far and wide. If you would like to donate, please do so by going to our JustGiving page.

If you want to join us on the day to walk as much or as little as you like (set your own limits), then drop me an email at [email protected]. It would be great to have you alongside.

You can keep updated with the 200km team’s progress in training and across the five-day trek via Kitson Boyce and Torbay Communities’ social media channels.

If walking does not appeal, we are organising lots of other events throughout the year, including another sea shanty concert by the Harbour Buoys, a silent disco featuring 80’s music, and a brand-new version of our annual ball.

We have already fixed the date for the Snow Ball at the magnificent Imperial Hotel – Saturday, November 21^st, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever, featuring an auction and music from the ever-popular 60’s, 70’s and 80’s Party, 60’s Explosion Band.

A bit soon to mention it, but the Imperial Ballroom will be all decked out for  Christmas, making an ideal venue for your annual party. Tickets are already on sale. It promises to be the social event of the year, so pop it in your diary.