Millie Painting and Becky Lister have launched the fundraiser through Paycare’s MyGiving Scheme, inviting colleagues, friends and supporters to enter a virtual duck and join the three-day race, which will run from 20th to 22nd October.

The pair are hoping to raise enough to sponsor a ‘Holly Jolly House’, helping The Haven create a warm and festive environment for women and children affected by domestic abuse across Wolverhampton and the Black Country this Christmas.

The Haven’s Holly Jolly House appeal aims to create special memories and moments of joy for families supported by the charity this Christmas.

Anna Pendlebury, Head of Fundraising and Engagement at The Haven Wolverhampton, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Millie, Becky and everyone at Paycare for supporting our 'Holly Jolly Houses' Christmas appeal.

Paycare is a longstanding supporter of ours and a business that really gives back to our local community. We could not do the work we do without our supporters whose fundraising helps us create a safe, welcoming and calm environment for women and children.

Every donation makes a huge difference. We love this unique and creative fundraising idea from Paycare - thank you to all involved and good luck!”

The virtual race is part of Paycare’s employee-led MyGiving Scheme, which gives every member of staff £250 each year to donate to a UK charity or community cause of their choice. The scheme is designed to give employees the opportunity to support causes that matter to them, and has helped direct tens of thousands of pounds to charities and community organisations over the years.

As well as the race itself, participants will be able to follow their ducks’ progress, with games, activities and plenty of friendly competition taking place during the fundraising week.

Millie said: “We wanted to create something fun that would bring people together while supporting an incredible local cause. Every duck entered helps us get closer to our fundraising target and will make a real difference to the women and children The Haven supports.”

Supporters can donate and track the ducks' progress via the fundraiser's JustGiving page: Support the Virtual Duck Race Fundraiser -https://www.justgiving.com/page/virtualduckrace2026