Avara Foods’ Brackley operations in Northamptonshire recently held a Charity Challenge Week to raise funds for Katharine House Hospice, to support the organisation’s valuable work in the local community. Hundreds of Avara colleagues got involved through a range of fun challenges and events over the course of a week, raising a total of £4,825. This was the second consecutive year Avara’s Brackley site has fundraised for the charity, reflecting the importance of the work it does in the area.

The Brackley annual Charity Challenge Week had a sporting theme this year to reflect the Rugby World Cup taking place at the same time. Central to this was the Run, Walk and Cycle Japanese Stadium Challenge; an exercise bike and treadmill was set up and colleagues were encouraged to power through a combined total of 1,627 miles - the total distance between the 12 stadiums hosting the Rugby World Cup, from Sapporo Dome to Oita Stadium. Representatives came from Katharine House Hospice came to kick off the challenge, and every colleague taking part contributed to the fundraising total or secured sponsorship for every mile they completed.

In addition, colleagues held a raffle, a tombola, a bake sale and a quiz, ran Caribbean Cook Up in the canteen and hosted a golf putting competition. Some colleagues washed cars in the car park for donations and one did a sponsored walk to work, covering an impressive 46 miles in very inclement weather. Promoting personal health and wellbeing, rieke, pilates and reflexology sessions were also run. Continuing the sports theme, the team also held a sportswear themed dress down day, encouraging colleagues to represent their favourite sporting activity, and later a Hallowe’en fancy dress competition.

“As a company, we strongly recognise the importance of supporting local community charities,” said Claire Tarvit, Site Manager at Avara Foods’ Brackley. “We were delighted to fundraise for Katharine House Hospice again, and the decision to continue our support for this great local charity was unanimous. I’m so proud of the team here for getting involved so enthusiastically and we are all thrilled with the total raised.”