Appeal seeks volunteers to help row a million metres
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Help row a million metres to raise money for the Raigmore Children’s Ward Appeal.
That is the challenge being issued by the ARCHIE Foundation which launched the £1 million appeal in conjunction with The Inverness Courier to transform the existing children’s ward into a world-class centre for sick children.
Volunteers are being sought for the rowing challenge which will take place round the clock from 13th to 15th April at the Eastgate Centre in Inverness.
Well-known Inverness businessman David Sutherland - who is also the appeal chairman - will kick off the event along with Inverness personal fitness trainer Jamie Tulloch who will also row the final metres.
Allana Mackay, the appeal’s fund-raising manager, said anyone over the age of 10 can take part while teams are also invited to have a go.
"Anyone can make a contribution to this massive challenege regardless of fitness levels as we will have four rowing machines and we can slot you in for 15-minute or 30-minute slots - or if you can’t manage that, even a five or 10-minute slot. Every bit you do will make a real difference.
"Let’s all pull together to get us that bit closer to that £1 Million target!"
The event is being supported by employees from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) who have chosen the ARCHIE Foundation as their charity of the year following a staff vote.
Employees will undertake various activities throughout the year to raise money for the cause, including coffee mornings, sponsored challenges, supermarket bag packs and a Christmas raffle.
James Fraser, principal and vice-chancellor, said university staff raised more than £7000 for the Highland Hospice -their chosen charity for 2011 - and are hoping to raise even more for the ARCHIE Foundation this year.
"It’s great that we will be raising money for another fantastic local charity this year," he said. "The social committee organise a number of fundraising events each year and individual staff also get involved by doing sponsored activities."
Since the appeal was launched a year ago, an impressive £650,000 has already been raised.
* Anyone wanting more details about the rowing challenge should call the ARCHIE Foundation on (01463) 888257, or email allana@archiefoundation.org.uk, or visit www.archiefoundation.org.uk.
