Boost for West Norfolk charities after 2016 Vancouver Quarter Business Challenges

Hundreds of pounds has been donated to two West Norfolk charities as businesses around King’s Lynn gear up to take part in a series of challenges this year.

​King's Lynn Foodbank and West Norfolk Mind both received £200 from the Vancouver Quarter after the shopping centre pledged to make a donation to the charity chosen by the winners of the 2016 business challenge series, which were Ward Gethin Archer and Primark.

The King’s Lynn businesses have both signed up to take part in the 2017 series, which begins with pancake racing on Tuesday 28 February. The other business challenges this year include egg and spoon racing in April, beat the goalie in July and a mystery challenge in October

Abbie Panks, Vancouver Quarter centre manager, said: “We started the business challenges in 2013 as a way for businesses, not only in the Vancouver Quarter, to get out and spend a little time with their neighbouring retailers. 

"As a retailer it's often difficult to get out during the day, but these short challenges have offered entertainment as well as the chance to talk to one another and, of course, help raise money for great local charities.”

She added: “We’re really looking forward to our challenges this year and hope businesses interested in taking part get in touch as soon as possible to secure one of 10 available spaces."

Chris Dewey, managing director at Ward Gethin Archer,  was delighted to see the King's Lynn Foodbank receive the donation. 

He added: “We once again enjoyed our participation in the Vancouver Centre Business Challenge with the friendly rivalry we now have with other local businesses. We're looking forward to this year’s challenges”.

Maarten Klem, Project Coordinator at King's Lynn Foodbank, said the charity wouldn't have been able to feed 3,600 of local people last year - the most they've ever supported - without donations. 

"We're really thankful to the Vancouver Quarter and Ward Gethin Archer for their generosity - we'll be using the money to help local people in crisis in the year ahead," he said.

Meanwhile Sam Brooker, manager at Primark's King's Lynn store, said her team can’t wait for 2017's business challenges to start next month.

She continued: “It’s been fantastic to be able to raise money for West Norfolk Mind, a wonderful charity that really makes a difference within the community.

"My team thoroughly enjoys taking part in the Vancouver Quarter challenges and to be able to do it in aid of such a worthy cause makes it even better.  I would like to thank Abbie and David Blackmore, the Vancouver Quarter's Marketing and Events assistant, for their continued effort in helping to bring our local businesses together."

Zena Penty, Volunteer Co-ordinator at West Norfolk Mind, added: "We would like to congratulate Primark on their success in last year's Business Challenge and are delighted that they chose to support West Norfolk Mind."

Any businesses interested in taking part in this year's business challenges are being encouraged to email [email protected] as soon as possible.