The Franklins Solicitors £50 Challenge has raised £50,243 for charities across Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes, taking the initiative’s total fundraising past £243,000 since its launch.
The total was announced at the annual £50 Challenge Awards, where 56 teams were recognised for turning an initial £50 investment from Franklins Solicitors into fundraising projects for 12 local charities.
Now in its eighth year, the challenge has supported charities across the region since being launched by Franklins Solicitors in 2018.
The Lewis Foundation attracted the highest number of fundraising teams this year, with supporters raising almost £20,000 to help provide gift packs for adult cancer patients undergoing treatment in hospital.
Lorraine Lewis, co-founder of The Lewis Foundation, said: “The Challenge offers a unique way to raise funds and get the community involved rather than traditional fundraising. It costs £3.60 to provide a gift pack so with the amount raised, there’s going to be lots of people we can support through a really dark time.”
The overall fundraising award was won by Footsteps Travel UK Ltd, which raised £4,518 for its chosen charity.
Andrea Fountain, from Footsteps Travel UK Ltd, said: “To win the Highest Fundraiser is absolutely fantastic. We’ve had great fun, raised an amazing amount of money and been overwhelmed by the support from our clients and the wider community. It’s been wonderful to bring people together for such a worthwhile cause.”
The Young Entrepreneur Award was presented to Woo Reviews, founded by eight-year-old Woo, who raised £910 after organising Woo Fest, a street food festival attended by more than 500 people.
Woo said: “I feel really happy to have won Young Entrepreneur. I used the £50 to print out my posters to promote Woo Fest. I enjoyed getting involved in the challenge because I know the money will go to do something useful and help people.”
The awards were presented by businessman and broadcaster Nick Hewer, best known for his role as Lord Sugar’s adviser on The Apprentice.
This year’s challenge supported 12 local charities, including The Lewis Foundation, Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Northampton Hope Centre, Rainbows Hospice and Medical Detection Dogs.
Andrea Smith, Equity Partner at Franklins Solicitors, said: “The £50 Challenge continues to demonstrate what can be achieved when people combine creativity, determination and community spirit. Every team should be incredibly proud of what they have accomplished. Together they have raised an amazing amount for local charities while developing new skills and bringing people together for a fantastic cause.”
