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Walking whilst networking raises cash for hospice
02/06/2021
Business Buzz networking group completes Banbury leg of 90 mile walking challenge
A walking whilst networking fund raising initiative has seen local business people coming together to raise money for the Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice. The Net-Walk This May challenge encourages members of the informal networking group Business Buzz to complete a 90-mile net-walk of Oxfordshire split into a number of legs.
Participants can network with each other whilst walking an 11.25 miles leg. Eight towns will be covered over a four week period. The Banbury leg took place last Wednesday (May 26).
Along each route the walkers stop off to support the venues where Business Buzz would typically host its monthly meetings.
Business Buzz is aiming to raise £1,000 for the Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice through donations and corporate sponsorship. Helen & Douglas House helps local families cope with the challenges of looking after a terminally ill baby or children who will die prematurely.
The Banbury leg was sponsored by The Rustic Bakery, which opened recently on Parsons Street, serving the very best in artisan bread and pastries.
Stacy Parsons of The Rustic Bakery, said: “I’m really excited to give the town the bakery it deserves. The people of Banbury supported our coffee shop and juice bar throughout lockdown, now it’s my turn to give something back to the local community. Helen & Douglas children’s hospice provides an essential service and I am proud to support the cause.”
For many hospices as much as 85% of their income comes from donations. Many of them are operating at a deficit.
Alison Hooker from Helen & Douglas House children’s hospice, said: “Fundraising is crucial to the continued survival of a charity. A net-walk is a great way to bring people and businesses together whilst helping us continue our essential work. We are grateful to all the walkers, sponsors and donors for supporting us to make this event happen.”
The Banbury leg started at The Rustic Bakery and included a visit to the Spiceball Country Park, Grimsbury Reservoir, Hanwell Fields, Queensway and a leisurely walk back through the town and around St Mary’s Church, before finishing at The White Horse on North Bar Street for a fish and chip supper and drinks.
Lisa-Marie Mallier, Regional Lead for Business Buzz Oxfordshire, said: “We’re all missing our face-to-face networking and social events, so this is a great opportunity to bring people together safely and continue our lockdown walking routines! We believe we can achieve great things in business and for our local community by working together.”
So far two of the eight walks have been completed, raising £940. The next walk will take place in Chipping Norton tomorrow (June 3).
Anyone wishing to donate can do so here.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam