'Hope Challenge' aims to help defeat housing poverty worldwide

Time is running out for teams to sign up for this year’s Hope Challenge, an exciting outdoor adventure weekend for teams of three to six people. It takes place in the Peak District from 11 – 13 June and has already been well supported by teams from the housebuilding and construction sector, as well as the worlds of finance and IT.

The overall aim is to raise more than £150,000 to support the work of international housing charity Habitat for Humanity, which is dedicated to eliminating poverty housing and helps build communities in some of the poorest parts of the world, as well as supporting reconstruction efforts in earthquake disaster zones such as Haiti and Chile.

Sponsored by the NHBC (National House-Building Council), The Hope Challenge combines fitness, strategy and teamwork via a series of mental and physical challenges, such as building and sleeping in an overnight shelter, covering 1000m of hill ascent and trekking 20 miles on foot.

Overall winners last year were a team from Bovis Homes, with one of several Lovell teams in second place. Prizes are also awarded for each stage of the competition and raising the most money. Architects and construction consultants Baily Garner won last year’s prize for the best overnight shelter, setting the standard for this year’s ‘builders’.

Teams have already signed up from Laing O’Rourke, Bovis Homes and Arley Homes NW, as well as founding sponsors NHBC. Also taking part are groups from GE Money Home Lending and Phoebus Software, who produce software systems for the financial industry.

Andy Barton of Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, said: “Other than a lower age limit of 18, there’s no restriction on teams who enter – as well as corporate entries, it’s open to sports groups and associations or simply groups of friends or colleagues. However, it is the perfect corporate team-building event and offers the chance for staff to develop new skills and understanding, whilst having fun and raising money for a very worthwhile charity.

“Last year we raised £64,000 but are looking to more than double this in 2010 with a much bigger event and more teams taking part.”

Up to 50 teams can take part and more than 20 have already registered. The closing date for registration is 14th May and places are offered on a first come first served basis. It costs £50 per person to register, and teams can be from 3 to 6 people. This registration fee is refunded to those teams who successfully raise over £2,950 in sponsorship.

For more information / to register, go to hopechallenge.org.uk.