THE EXAMINER Charity Challenge is a huge gift to good causes, says a top professional fundraiser.
Pam Thornes urged local charities to seize the opportunity and take part.
She spoke up at the event's launch meeting at Dalton Grange.
Charity representatives came along to find out more about this year's challenge, which is on Sunday, May 22, and sponsored by HSBC.
Now, more organisations are invited to get on board - and pocket their share of the cash!
Walks, a horse ride, mountain bike and road cycle routes, plus a two-mile wheelchair and pushchair-friendly route have been mapped out to make sure there's something for everyone.
Ed Ogden, the manager of the HSBC's Huddersfield branch, says: "We have a social responsibility and we really pleased to be involved."
Participants will choose a good cause for which to raise sponsorship cash.
Twelve have been recommended by the event's organisers, Huddersfield Lions Club. They include Kirkwood Hospice, Huddersfield Epilepsy Group, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Laura Crane Trust.
But people can choose any charity.
Pam, who's been a professional fundraiser for 15 years, told representatives: "You are being given a gift by the Lions and the Examiner.
"They've brought all these resources together. All you need to do is find a few people willing to do a bit of work for you."
She continued: "If you fail to plan you plan to fail. Get your name out there and people will support you."
The Examiner's head of content, Jenny Parkin, talked about how good causes can get extra publicity through the Examiner.
She said: "You don't have to be Alistair Campbell to make us take notice of you.
"A Press release doesn't have to be anything more fancy than a few key points jotted down, to act as a starting point for a story. What we're really interested in are stories about people.
"We want to talk to people who benefit from your work and the volunteers who make things happen.
"You need to think about who you've got - and what's interesting about them. And tell us! You can ring us any time. Don't be shy."
The Examiner's managing director, Graham Morgan, set a fundraising target of £45,000. Chairing the meeting, he said: "Last year the Charity Challenge raised a fantastic £40,000.
"Next year it's the 50th anniversary of the Lions Club and we want to raise £50,000. So £45,000 is a nice target to set tonight."
Representatives talked people through the different routes and showed photos and maps.
* Entry forms will appear in the Examiner from the end of March. For more information in the meantime, call Anne Dransfield at the Examiner on 01484 430000.
