FSI CHARITY CHALLENGE

LONDON, 25 May 2010
EQUINE MARKET WATCH Sanctuaries UK Runners get set for the 2010 FSI Challenge
The training is about to pay off for four committed runners when the starting gun is fired at the 2010 FSI Challenge on June 5th.
Held at Thornbridge, the Derbyshire home of entrepreneur and philanthropist Emma Harrison, the Challenge offers free places to small charitiesEQUINIE MARKET WATCH Sanctuaries UK has four runners taking part, raising vital funds to support our work.
Harrison, who is Chairman of the FSI, said, “We are delighted to be opening the gates of Thornbridge to all participating small charities so they can raise funds and enjoy a great day out.”
She added, “The FSI was set up to support small charities in building sustainable best practice in all their fundraising and operations; much of this comes from learning and development opportunities, but it is great to have days like this that focus on the fun aspects of our work. The Challenge is in its third year and will see more charities than ever taking part. It is free for the charities to take part and we encourage them all to be inventive in their activities on the day.”
Elaine Tasker, spokesperson for EQUINE MARKET WATCH Sanctuaries UK, explained how fundraising initiatives like these are essential, “Without these fundraising initiatives being made available to smaller charities we would be struggling even more than we already are, and especially in this kind of economic climate. Animal charities are always at the bottom of the list for donations and horse charities are at the bottom of the bottom! This charity is hoping our sponsorship goes a long way to covering our winter hay and haylage costs of over £3000. If anyone would like to sponsor our four runners, Siobhan Lord, Alice Lord, Henrietta Daly and myself, please go to our JustGiving page http://www.justgiving.com/EMWFSIchallenge”.
This year’s Challenge has 4km and 10km routes through some of the loveliest parts of the Peak District, with an emphasis on enjoyment and participation. The small field of runners offers each small charity a greater opportunity to have a visible profile and raise funds to support their work.
The FSI Challenge is delivered free-of-charge by the FSI as part of a programme of national fundraising events aimed at delivering additional income for small charities.