Derby events company proves ‘knock-out’ success in Canada
A Derby company that has helped raise over £31m for charity by hosting ‘bucket-list’ challenges for individuals has made an impact in Canada.
Ultra Events brought its popular Ultra White Collar Boxing (UWCB) challenge to Calgary, raising CAN$60,000 (£35,000) for charity at two events this year.
The company now plans to host 20 events in various cities, including Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Edmonton, and Quebec City, in 2024.
The goal is to expand to 100 events across Canada in 2025.
Established in 2009, Ultra Events will initially introduce Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) to its Canadian activities, alongside other life-affirming challenges like stand-up comedy and mountain climbing, which are already offered to participants in the UK.
All participants receive a complimentary eight-week training program before their chosen challenge and are encouraged to raise funds for charity as part of their participation.
Ultra Events’ founder Jon Leonard said: “The Canadian people are just lovely. It’s gone really, really well there since we took Ultra Events across the pond. It’s been incredibly popular. After surpassing the initial target of 50,000 dollars, we now hope to hit our first million dollars in Canada next year.
“We are so proud to have taken a company from Derby to the international market and received such a positive reaction. It’s pretty cool really that we’ve managed to punch above our weight so successfully.”
