Apex Connected Takes Part in Virtual Eco Balloon Racing to Help Raise Funds for Cheshire Domestic Abuse Charity

This April, Apex Connected entered an online balloon race to support Cheshire Without Abuse (My CWA) in raising funds to help further improve their brilliant service that helps families across the region affected by domestic abuse.

The world’s only virtual balloon race system, developed by Purepages Group in Manchester, offers a 100% eco-friendly way to raise money.

The seven day computer simulation “Easter Race” began on 4th April from Jerusalem Old City.  Everything was real except the balloon.  Live weather data determined the progress of each balloon and each entry could be tracked on Google Maps and Satellites once launched.  The event had no negative environmental impact on all wildlife, climate change, plastic waste or litter.

Debbie Snelson, Commercial Manager of Apex Connected, commented “I bought a virtual balloon for every team member.  Each balloon was named and personalised by selecting it’s colour, pattern and shape.  I also tweaked each balloon’s weight to enhance the flight performance and increase the chance of winning a prize.  As it turned out eco-balloon racing is not my forte!   Of the 218 supporter balloons the winning balloon travelled 719.55 km.  My balloon travelled 46.68km!  I am taking consolation in the fact that at least it finished the race & didn’t pop!  Checking in each day to monitor progress, or lack of in my case, was great fun though.  I’d certainly do it again.  It was a welcome distraction from everything that is going on around us now, as well as supporting a worthy cause”.

Beverly Wrighton, Deputy CEO of Cheshire Without Abuse (My CWA) said, “Launched on International Women’s Day we hope it symbolises our mission to help families who suffer from abuse from across the region. All funds raised will really help us to continue with what we do and also really help make a difference as we move out of the lockdown and back to some sort of normal.  The virtual balloon race ensured that our fundraising efforts continued and hopefully offered some entertainment to those that took part during this challenging time.”

Cheshire Without Abuse (My CWA) has been supporting local families affected by domestic abuse since 1977. Experts in family relationships, our vision is of a community where people can live free from the fear of domestic abuse. My CWA offers a whole family service, working with adult victims and perpetrators of any gender as well as children and families. My CWA offers emergency accommodation, recovery programmes, behaviour change interventions, survivor groups, advice clinics, mental health support groups and specialist support for children and young people.

For more information about Cheshire Without Abuse (My CWA) or to make contact please visit www.mycwa.org.uk.

“Apex Action” is Apex’s volunteering & funding initiative for school & community projects.  They are always up for a challenge & taking part in something a bit different!  To find out more visit www.apexconnected.com/media-and-news/ section.  If you’d like to see whether they can support your project contact Debbie on debbie.snelson@apexconnected.com or call 01925 202315 to discuss further.