The gauntlet was thrown down back in March, when businesses and individuals were challenged by LOROS to grow their £50 stake as much as they could to raise vital funds for the Hospice.
Nine teams, with a total stake of just £450, completed their challenge and raised an amazing £11,156 between them.
Magdalena Korytkowsa, Coporate Fundraising Co-ordinator at the Hospice, said: “We’ve had some very unique fundraising activities over the past few challenges and this year certainly didn't disappoint."
Among the events were raffles, a sweepstake, dress down days, an archery competition, a tombola, quiz nights, coffee mornings, cake sales, guessing games, static bike rides, a bread making workshop, knitted hats and concerts, to name a few.
The teams taking part this year were: Leicester Racecourse, Leicester Mercury, 33rd/65th Leicester Scout Troop, Joanne Kavanagh, College Court, Freedom Care, British Gas, Argento and Coventry Building Society.
Huge congratulations to Coventry Building Society (CBS), Leicester who won the award for 'Most Money Raised' – an outstanding £5,800.
Julie Ball, the Branch Manager at CBS said: "For this year's Accumulator Challenge we built on the success of some of our ideas from last year; we also invented some new ideas and joined in with LOROS at some of their sponsored events as well as inventing a couple of our own. We also continued with our Book Club and donations for passbook covers.
"The whole team is delighted to have raised so much money for a very deserving cause and thrilled to support LOROS. Winning our award was the icing on the cake."
A massive round of applause for the 33rd/65th Leicester Scout Troop who won the 'Most Engaging Idea'.
Cathy Kennel, the Scout Leader said: “We wanted to do some fun things this year and get the younger sections of our group and other groups in the district involved in friendly competition. The result proves the commitment the young people have given this challenge and I think winning this award will spur them on to do even more for next year's Accumulator Challenge.“
Jo Kavanagh, who was rewarded with the 'Most Innovative Idea' said: "The Accumulator Challenge came along at just the right time for me, as my Dad had recently passed away at LOROS and it was the perfect opportunity to do something to say thank you to them for all they did for my Dad and our family, as well as being in memory of my Dad.
"The first week I beat my target of doubling the £50 and was amazed to finally make a profit of £655. I really enjoyed taking part in the challenge and hope to do it again next year!”
Magdalena added: "It never fails to surprise me how innovative and resourceful people can be when it comes to this annual challenge for LOROS.
"It has been a delight to work with the teams and follow their progress and it was especially good to meet up with them all again at last night's Award ceremony.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of those taking part for their hard work and commitment to their challenge and to LOROS. The amazing £11,156 they raised between them could pay for 446 aromatherapy, reflexology or massage sessions, helping to relieve a patient’s pain and sickness, or to reduce anxiety in patients and their family members - your support really does make a difference!"
LOROS would like to thank Sainsbury’s Queens Road store, Co-operative Funeral Care, Wyngate and Pepsico for sponsoring various aspects of the awards ceremony and Ambrose Musiyiwa from CivicLeicester for the photographs in this article and being our featured poet on the night.
