Inverness businessman David Sutherland will be inviting men across the Highlands to join him on a walk in their boxer shorts to raise money for the Raigmore Children’s Ward Appeal.
It is one of the many events being planned for 2012 to ensure the ambitious appeal stays on course to reach its £1 million target to enable the creation of a world-class centre for sick children. Launched nine months ago by the ARCHIE Foundation in conjunction with The Inverness Courier, it is already approaching the £600,000 mark – a "fantastic" achievement, given the tough economic climate, according to Mr Sutherland, the appeal chairman.
"When we set sail with this, we were not sure how it would go in the current recession," he said. "But the response from Inverness and the Highlands has been fantastic.
"I have never seen so much community buy-in to an appeal as this one. Also, the impact from The Inverness Courier has been absolutely ace."
He is acutely aware, however, of the challenge ahead in maintaining the momentum during 2012 which is predicted to be another economically tough year.
"I am in line with the trailers we are getting from the politicians," Mr Sutherland said. "We have to up our game this year and we already have several ideas in the pipeline to do this."
Taking inspiration from night-time bra walks by women to raise money for breast cancer research, one idea is for men to take part in a boxer short walk.
Although it is still at the planning stage, he envisages it will be staged in either March or April between Inverness and Dores.
Other planned events include another silent auction following the success of one held at the Drumossie Hotel, Inverness, in October, when bids for 300 items raised about £28,000.
It is also hoped to put together teams of runners to take part in the New York and the Berlin marathons while individual events, such as coffee mornings, are being planned.
"Whether it is £50 or £500, the community effort to help this appeal is amazing," said Mr Sutherland. "I think children’s health is up there in the ranking of good causes.
"In Inverness, there is excellent nursing care, there is excellent medical care. Why not have excellent facilities in treating children who are ill?"
Upcoming events:
* A ceilidh will beheld at the Royal British Legion in Nairn on Saturday 28th January. Starting at 8pm and finishing at 11.45pm, it will feature a ceilidh band, traditional folk singers and instrumentalists, Highland dancers and a piper.
* The Inverness Half Marathon on 11th March will benefit the Raigmore Children’s Ward Appeal. Sponsored by Global Energy Group and fronted by Scottish comedian and presenter, Fred MacAulay, it aims to attract runners of all abilities to sign up for either the 13-mile event, or a 5km fun run. It will also feature an inaugural 5km team attack event.
