It may sound like a new financial product, but the Third Sector Bond Scheme is being launched to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a gruelling outdoor challenge pitting volunteers against the unforgiving Highland landscape.
Ever since its two founders - entrepreneurs Angus MacDonald and Alex Blyth - ran the 1996 London Marathon dressed in kilts, the Caledonian Challenge has always been about raising money for charity. The TSBS is designed to attract more organisations to the cause.
It is aimed at all charities, social enterprises or community organisations working in Scotland, no matter their size.
It allows them to sign teams up to participate in next year’s Challenge to raise money for their own projects.
Up to 1,000 people are expected to take part in the Caledonian Challenge next June, with the goal of raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity.
To do so they must run/walk most of the northern part of the West Highland Way in record time, in two events
‘The 54’ involves covering 54 miles in 24 hours. In ‘The 24’ participants have 12 hours to complete the 24- mile route.
They will pass some of the icons of Scotland’s physical geography from the Great Glen and Ben Nevis to the Devil’s Staircase, Glencoe and Rannoch Moor before crossing the finish line at Strathfillan, south of Tyndrum.
One of the teams who participated last year, the Sleakit Beasties a team of Microsoft employees and alumni based in Scotland and south of the border, has already signed up again. Team member David Howe said: “Participating in the Challenge brought us together and brought life into the office. Don’t think twice – it’s a once in a lifetime challenge.”
After they ran the London Marathon Messrs MacDonald and Blyth wanted to launch an endurance event in the Highlands.
The first Challenge in 1997 was to complete 30 Munros (mountains over 3,000ft) in four days. Only two completed the whole course.
Since then the Caledonian Challenge has grown to become Scotland’s premier outdoor fundraising event and raises funds for Foundation Scotland, the independent charity established to strengthen local communities. Over 18,000 people have taken part in the Caledonian Challenge and have raised more than £14m to support charities and community organisations across Scotland.
Giles Ruck, CEO Foundation Scotland, said the new bond represented a significant development: “What better way to celebrate the 20th year of the Caledonian Challenge, but to extend its legacy. "By giving charitable organisations the opportunity to enter teams and raise money for their causes not only will it help us at Foundation Scotland extend our charitable outreach but we hope it will encourage more people to participate in the event.
“There are a limited number of Third Sector Bond places available and we would encourage charities to get in touch as soon as possible to guarantee their place. We want as many walkers as possible to join us on the starting line on June 11 to help celebrate this milestone, create wonderful memories and make your miles matter.”
Last year Foundation Scotland agreed a three year partnership with the Herald to promote the Caledonian Challenge.
If you would like to know more about the Caledonian Challenge and the Third Sector Bond Scheme contact the team at info@caledonianchallenge.com or enquire at
http://www.caledonianchallenge.com/enquiry-form.html
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