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Accumulator Challenge

Walraven and the Best Newcomer Award

Walraven has long been a staunch supporter of Katharine House Hospice, but in 2024/25 they took their support to a whole new level.

Katharine House Hospice has a long-standing relationship with Walraven and the team in Banbury have taken part in many fundraising activities over the years, including annual quiz nights, Moonlight Walks and Care for a Cuppa events.

So when our corporate engagement officer asked them to take part in the 2024/25 Accumulator Challenge, it was a no-brainer and the team signed up.

The staff had the skills, experience and passion, so it was time to focus their fundraising activities into the four-month challenge between October and February and they did not disappoint. In 2024/25, the Walraven team scooped the inaugural Best Newcomer Award after impressing the judges with their commitment and flair for fundraising.

Not only did the team win an award in their first year, they also raised an incredible £2,209 (with Gift Aid) and ranked 6 out of 14 for the most funds raised across the whole challenge. A very impressive achievement for a team that hadn’t taken part in the challenge before.

“We were so chuffed to win the Best Newcomer Award for the 2024/25 Accumulator Challenge. We loved being part of the awards ceremony and as a team we were incredibly proud to have been part of this inspiring fundraising effort for Katharine House Hospice.” Fiona Gardner, Walraven

Top teamwork

Throughout the challenge, the staff were very busy putting their creativity and teamwork to the test to try and raise vital funds for the hospice. The team lined up a variety of fun and engaging activities, including a delicious bake sale, a tuck shop at the office, a football scratch card game and a clothes sale. Walraven ended the challenge with a big quiz night as the grand finale at Banbury United in February, which was a huge success and enjoyed by all that attended.

Walraven football scratch card for Accumulator Challenge

Walraven bake sale for Accumulator Challenge

Walraven quiz night for Accumulator Challenge

Best Newcomer Award 2025/26

The Accumulator Challenge encourages teams to not only be creative with their fundraising but also to engage with the community and be sustainable with their fundraising activities and events. Team Walraven ticked all the boxes, which is why they were awarded the Best Newcomer Award. They enjoyed the challenge so much that they signed up to the 2025/26 challenge the day after the awards ceremony!

“We’re excited to confirm that we’ve already signed up for the 2025/26 challenge and are looking forward to another 4 months of fundraising all over again!”

If Walraven’s story has inspired your business, school or community group to take part, then you can sign up for the 2025/26 Accumulator Challenge now and be in the running for the Best Newcomer Award.