Ask anyone to picture a typical banker, and pin-striped suits driving high-end cars come to mind.

But local bankers will shed their stereotypical image in favour of sweatbands, running shoes and tricycles, all to raise funds for the United Way of Guelph & Wellington.

The Bankers’ Challenge for the United Way runs at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 25, at Old Quebec Street Mall.  Teams from CIBC, RBC, Scotia Bank and TD Canada Trust will take part in a four-person tricycle relay.  Awards will be given to teams with the fastest relay time, the best team uniform and the most money pledged.

Lloyd Longfield, a member of the United Way’s campaign cabinet and the president and C.A.O. of the Guelph Chamber of Commerce, helped organize the event.

“Businesses in Guelph are always willing to help support a great cause,” said Longfield.  “That so many will be touched by the services our local United Way funds makes asking the bankers to come out and raise funds an easy sell.”

“Plus they just like to challenge, and beat, their colleagues at the other banks …a bit of banking sibling rivalry.”

With only a few weeks left in the annual fundraising campaign, United Way staff and volunteers are still working to meet the $2.65 million target set in September.

“The funds we raise go to 80 local, social service programs.  These programs range from adult literacy training at Action Read Community Literacy Centre to offering meals at the Welcome In Drop In Centre,” said Grace Correia, United Way campaign director.  “We are pleased the banking community is stepping up to help meet the needs of people in Guelph and Wellington County.”

It’s not too late to donate to the United Way.  Visit www.unitedwayguelph.com or call 519-821-0571.