Taste of the West takes up the challenge for CHSW

Exeter based Taste of the West, the South West’s regional food group, has signed up for Children’s Hospice South West’s £50 challenge in a double celebration of not only its own anniversary, but also 25 years of the charity.

Emma Grainger, Hospitality Awards Co-ordinator at Taste of the West, said: "The fact that 2016 marks the 25th Anniversary of both Taste of the West and Children’s Hospice South West, it seemed to make perfect sense to adopt them as our charity of the year.

"The £50 Challenge is just one of a series of fundraising initiatives that we hope to do this year to help raise money and awareness of this special charity."

"To start with there will be hampers laden with South West award winning produce to be won and the first of these will be available at Source, the Taste of the West trade show at Westpoint on 10th and 11th February.

The £50 challenge is designed to test business skills, and this year’s challenge has been kindly sponsored by Old Mill Accountants of Exeter.

Naomi Dymond, corporate fundraiser for the hospice said: "The £50 challenge is such a simple way for companies to support us. The idea is to take an initial investment of £50, provided by us, and see what you can turn it into.

"It’s a challenge that invites wacky ideas from sponsored men’s leg waxes to dress-down days. And with our online Leaderboard, it creates a really competitive arena with companies trying to outdo one another.

"As it is our 25th Anniversary this year, we’re hoping that we can encourage even more companies to take part, and we can’t wait to see what ideas this year’s challenge brings!"

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) has offered help and support to thousands of life-limited children and their families over its 25 years. It costs are over £8million each year to run its three hospices in the region. As this funding is met almost entirely from voluntary donations, fundraising initiatives such as the £50 Challenge are vital to ensure CHSW can continue to provide its services into the future.

If your company would like to join Taste of the West in the £50 challenge, either visit www.chsw.org.uk/50challenge or email naomi.dymond@chsw.org.uk