West Yorkshire charity Simon on the Streets has launched a go karting endurance event, to raise money to support more homeless people in the region.
And now local companies who think they’ve got what it takes are being encouraged to enter a team to take part.
The challenge is the brainchild of local businessman Ryan Fraser, managing director of Leeds-based building refurbishment specialist Fraser Projects. Keen to organise a fundraising challenge with a difference for his charity of the year, Ryan steered away from the traditional golf days and sponsored walks. Instead he spoke to Pole Position, Yorkshire’s largest indoor karting arena, to schedule an afternoon of stamina, talent and teamwork.
Taking place on Friday 17 October, the endurance challenge will see 18 teams tackle a non-stop two hour race. With pit stops and strategic driver changes along the way, the team that clocks up the most number of laps will be crowned the winner. Food will be served after the event, providing contestants with the perfect opportunity to refuel, before enjoying the raffle and charity auction.
Talking about the importance of such fundraising events, Simon on the Streets’ general manager Helen Beachell said: “In one year a single Simon on the Streets support worker will spend over 900 hours on the streets, providing practical and emotional support and engaging with those in need. The more funds we are able to generate, the more we can ensure homeless people do not remain invisible and ignored by society.
“We appreciate every single donation that is made to our charity. But it is especially great to see how much fun people can have in the process. We’ve not been supported by an event like this before, so we can’t wait to see what the endurance day will bring.”
Ryan Fraser adds: “I have enjoyed taking part in organised Simon on the Streets events in the past, but thought that to really do my bit for this local charity, I should arrange my own fundraising challenge. We hope that both karting enthusiasts and complete amateurs will hit the track and battle for a podium place, whilst helping us raise crucial funds to make positive changes in people’s lives.”
To register your interest in entering a team, please contact admin@fraserprojects.com or call 0113 869 0080. Entry fees are £300 per team, for up to four drivers. The event will take place at Pole Position Indoor Karting, South Accommodation Road, Leeds, LS10 1NQ. Registered contestants will be asked to arrive from 12:30.