Monday January 10th, 2005
Several members of the Formula One community will participate in this year's Formula Charity, a 24-hour ski event which will take place next weekend in Villars sur Ollon, Switzerland.
Formula Charity is run by Sauber driver Jacques Villeneuve and his manager and former team principal at BAR-Honda, Craig Pollock. The event, which so far has raised nearly $1.5 million, consists of a ski team relay race, in which the teams accumulate a maximum number of kilometers to raise money for charity.
The beneficiaries in 2005 will be the Cancer and Leukaemia in Childhood organization, the Fondation Recherche pour le Cancer de l'Enfant, and the Springfield Club for Children. Patrons for the event include David Coulthard, Eddie Jordan, Paul Stewart and former World Champion Damon Hill.
"The concept was simple," said Pollock. "How can we have fun by passing on some of our rewards to others not so fortunate? The concept took off and has been replicated by others, which, in the end, is a great sign of success.
"The event has become the success that it is due to the hard work of many people working behind the scenes never expecting anything in return. These people and colleagues have remained with us throughout the years due to their belief in the event.
"The most fun comes from the final result and knowing that something has been passed on that will mean a great deal to the chosen charity."
Published at 16:05:33 GMT