STUDENTS TAKE ON EVEREST CHALLENGE TO RAISE A MOUNTAIN OF FUNDS FOR CHILDREN’S CENTRE
Over 90 families from the King William’s College and The Buchan School community came together to take on ‘of climbing 3,871 flights of stairs – the equivalent of Mount Everest. The event was organised by the school’s Sports Departments, who hoped to have 75 families climb 50 flights over the course of the day. Each family taking part was asked to donate £10, with all funds raised going to The Children’s Centre.
Cliff Dunn, PE teacher at The Buchan School, said:
“Our students have continued to work hard on their fitness and skills over the lockdown and we wanted to challenge pupils and their families to something they could do together, whilst also raising funds for a very deserving charity, The Children’s Centre. Both the Buchan and KWC Sports Departments are very proud of the work all the families put into the day and appreciate the kind donations received.”
On challenge day over 400 climbers, age two to 83-years-old, climbed flights of stairs, hills and even a couple of mountains. Climbers sent in their totals from across the Island, the UK, Europe and the USA, along with photos and videos of the teams in action. They hit the 8,850m target in the late afternoon and by the time the challenge ended, the community had climbed a phenomenal 23,356m – 264% of the initial aim. The fundraising total also outstripped the target with an incredible £2,365.00 raised to support the vital work undertaken by The Children’s Centre.
The Children’s Centre develops, manages and pioneers a variety of community initiatives and services aimed at enabling children, young people, and families on the Isle of Man to realise their full potential. They help and support in times of crisis or issues where provision to meet needs is not available, engaging with young people up to the age of 25 affected by challenges including events such as domestic abuse, bullying, anti-social behaviour, self-identity, parenting issues, poverty and social isolation.
Jane Howland, Fundraising Manager for the charity, said:
“Our work with children and young people focusses on supporting them through difficult times, challenging them to find success in their lives and encouraging them to see the world through different eyes. The Virtual Climbing Challenge is a perfect metaphor for the work we do – we are about stretch, challenge, enthusiasm, team work and collaboration, both in our work with children and families, and in our fundraising. We are always grateful of such support, but now in current COVID times more grateful than ever. Thank you.”
Joff Whitten, Head of The Children’s Centre, said:
“We are so grateful to all those who took part and to the school for putting the event on. The funds raised will go directly to working with young people. The very basic cost of our work is £40 an hour so the money raised will pay for nearly 60 hours working with a child or young person in need”.
