Oxford Bus Company is supporting a major new charity fundraising challenge inspired by the hit BBC series Race Across the World, helping local businesses raise money for Homeless Oxfordshire.
Twenty teams of two will take part in the inaugural Race Across Oxfordshire challenge on Monday 11 May, travelling between secret checkpoints across the county while completing a series of tasks designed to test teamwork, resilience and problem-solving.
Participants will face restrictions similar to those featured in the BBC programme, including limited phone use and controlled spending, while attempting to navigate Oxfordshire within a 10-hour time limit.
To support the event, Oxford Bus Company has donated £600 worth of GoAnywhere tickets, providing all 40 competitors with free travel across the Oxford Bus Company, Thames Travel, Carousel Buses and Pulhams network throughout the challenge.
The event will begin and end at the voco Oxford Spires on Abingdon Road.
Organisers hope the challenge will not only raise significant funds for Homeless Oxfordshire, but also increase awareness of homelessness and housing insecurity across the county.
Teams paid a £200 entry fee and have committed to raising a minimum of £1,000 each, with the overall fundraising target set at £30,000.
Tim Wraith, Partnerships Fundraising Manager at Homeless Oxfordshire, said the event had already received strong backing from the local community.
He said: “We’re really excited for our first-ever Race Across Oxfordshire, which will test resilience and teamwork while raising vital funds.
“We’ve received fantastic support locally and we’re incredibly grateful for the very generous donation made by Oxford Bus Company.
“The bus tickets will enable smoother running on the day. We are keen to make this our flagship event, so any support that can help make it a huge success has been warmly welcomed.”
He added that the event also provides an important opportunity to raise the profile of the charity and its work across the county.
Oxford Bus Company Managing Director Luke Marion said supporting community initiatives remains an important part of the company’s role within Oxfordshire.
He said: “When we were approached by Homeless Oxfordshire to contribute to this event, we didn’t hesitate to show our support.
“We have deep roots in the Oxfordshire community and are proud to support local initiatives wherever we can. This is an important cause and we’re fortunate to have such a dedicated local charity committed to helping people experiencing homelessness.”
Homeless Oxfordshire is the county’s largest not-for-profit provider of supported accommodation for people experiencing homelessness, supporting around 170 people each night across Oxfordshire.
The charity works with individuals facing a range of complex challenges, including poverty, trauma, substance dependency and social exclusion, providing accommodation and longer-term support services aimed at helping people rebuild stability in their lives.
