Prima Solutions Adventure Challenge 2011

Published: 26 May, 2011

The sixth Prima Solutions Adventure Challenge supported by Footwear Today took place in scenic Cannock Chase on 21 May, raising an incredible £63,895 for CARE International.

Twenty two intrepid teams from the fashion and retail sector covered a marathon distance on foot, bike and canoe amid the Staffordshire forests and hills. The event included several ‘mystery challenges’ relevant to CARE’s poverty-fighting work, which saw teams earning goods to sell at market, learning some Hindi and crossing an obstacle course blindfolded! A bonus stage pushed the fastest teams a further 8km on foot.

The evening reception was held in nearby Sutton Coldfield, where prizes were awarded to Timberland’s ‘E.L.I.T.E’ team for completing the challenge in the fastest time- a staggering 5 hours and 12 minutes including the bonus 8km run! A team of ladies from Zoca sportswear won ‘best dressed’ team, while the ‘team spirit’ award went to Prima Solutions’ ‘Blood, sweat and beers’. The most important prize of the evening, for the highest fundraisers, went to Timberland, for raising a staggering £28,145 in the past year. A special mention went to Super Group, who raised a fantastic £10,000.

The event was sponsored for the sixth year running by Prima Solutions, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of complete multi-channel IT solutions to the clothing, footwear and accessories markets. Prima Solutions Chief Executive, John Norman said: “The Prima Solutions Adventure Challenge is always a weekend filled with competition and fun. It gets bigger and better each year. It’s great to see teams from the fashion and footwear sector getting together to raise vital funds for CARE. We beat last year’s fundraising total, and all participants should feel very proud of their achievements. I’m looking forward to next year's challenge already!”

Funds raised will support CARE’s poverty-fighting work in 87 countries. CARE’s Director of Programmes, John Plastow, made a speech to teams about a CARE’s project relating to the fashion industry in Bangladesh - ‘Living Blue’ – a social enterprise based around natural indigo. The indigo is used to produce high-quality textiles sold to an international market. Whole communities benefit, as profits are ploughed into savings, insurance, medical expenses, employment creation and home repairs- ultimately lifting people from the cycle of poverty.

CARE Challenge Manager Neil Munro said, “Enormous thanks go to all the teams who took part, to Prima Solutions and to Footwear Today for their continued support.”
For further information about next year's challenge for the fashion and retail industry visit www.carechallenge.org.uk/primasolutions.

Participating teams included Timberland, Prima Solutions, Joules Clothing, Supergroup, Nigel Hall Menswear, Sheactive, Zoca and ITE Moda.

Bookmark this

Cherry Blossom Goes Green with New Shoe Care Range
Cherry Blossom has launched a new collection of eco friendly shoe care products, allowing customers to shoe shine away whilst being environmentally friendly. The range offers water based, solvent-free formulations and propellant-free sprays, including weather and stain protectors, leather creams and suede cleaners which are all available in recyclable packaging
'FITTING' NEWS' - Summer 2012 - Another Warm Welcome from the President – Jan Parry
In my last column I was hoping for a hot – or even warm summer – not much luck so far I am sad to say, and as the last edition was just prior to MODA, I was also hoping to meet more of our members – fortunately I had better luck on that score! Thank you so much for coming up to say ‘hello’ to my husband Francis and I, it was lovely to meet you and chat about trade. We have since had our AGM and I embark on my second year in office – where does the time go? The Minutes of the meeting are available from our Secretary, so if you want to know how the SSF has performed over the past year, do request a copy. My address at the meeting was as follows:
Padders For Kids
Padders, with nearly 100 years’ experience of quality shoemaking, has extended its family to include Padders for kids at its factory outlet shop in Kettering. The shop has a relaxed atmosphere and is run by experienced and friendly staff under the management of Charlotte Lyddon. The best shoe fi tting service is available with quality brands including Geox, Lelli Kelly and Hush Puppies, in addition to the own Padders brand.
JEFFREY CAMPBELL UK
Laceys Footwear are delighted to announce they are now the official UK distributor for Jeffrey Campbell, the fastest moving brand in footwear that everyone is talking about. The meteoric rise of the Jeffrey Campbell brand in the las 10 years is nothing short of amazing, it is currently available in 49 countries and rising. Jeffrey Campbell styles are being worn by pop stars and movie stars including Jessica Alba, Rihanna, Sarah Harding and Jessie J most recently on the VOICE and the Graham Norton show.
Snuguns, Gripping the ‘Soles’ of the Nation
Snuguns are delighted to announce the launch of Grippa Socks. Supportive non-slip socks that protect, fit and support growing feet. Designed along the guidelines set out in “feet for life” by The Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, Snuguns Grippa Socks provide great grip with maximum comfort and flexibility. Grippa Socks help with the care of babies and children’s feet during crucial growing stages, from six months to four years!