Rotary Bed race exceeds target by 23% as MDF teams top the race

In an era where traditional fundraising methods often struggle to capture attention and open wallets, the Rotary Club of Lilongwe has demonstrated that creativity pays dividends—literally.

A bed race competition held Saturday morning in the capital raised MK37 million, surpassing the club’s MK30 million target by 23% and proving that unconventional approaches to charitable giving can deliver remarkable results.

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The event, which saw corporate teams racing beds along the Memorial Tower stretch in Area 18, attracted MK29 million in direct sponsorships and participation fees—significantly more than typical dinner galas or charity walks might generate in a single morning.

“The bed race concept creates excitement and engagement that you don’t get with traditional fundraising,” explained Rotary Club President George Naphambo. “Companies aren’t just writing checks—they’re building teams, competing, and becoming part of the story.”

The format’s appeal was evident in the corporate response. National Bank of Malawi didn’t just sponsor the event with MK16 million; they fielded three teams at MK1 million each, bringing their total investment to MK19 million. FDH Bank contributed MK10 million, while organizations including the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Revenue Authority, and QuickTlak paid to participate.

This participatory model—where sponsors become competitors—creates multiple touchpoints for engagement. Teams train together, build camaraderie, and generate social media content, extending the event’s reach far beyond the three hours it occupied on Saturday morning.

Major William Namboya from the MDF Joint Headquarters explained why his institution sent two teams: “When Rotary explained the agenda, the format made it easy to say yes. Our teams could participate actively rather than just attending another fundraising dinner.”

The MDF’s investment paid off competitively as well—their Team Two won the race, with Team One finishing second, ahead of third-place finisher QuickTlak.

The success of Lilongwe’s bed race mirrors a global trend where charities are abandoning passive fundraising for active, entertaining events. From mud runs to beard-growing competitions, organizations worldwide are discovering that people—and especially corporate sponsors—respond more generously when fundraising involves fun, competition, and shared experiences.

For the Rotary Club, the funds will support the Area 25 Women Waste Management Group, a dental camp, and other community projects. But the event’s impact extends beyond the money raised.

“We’ve created a template that works,” Naphambo said. “Next year, we expect even more teams to compete.”

The bed race was held under Rotary International’s theme “Unite for Good”—a motto that took on literal meaning as competitors pushed beds down Area 18’s street, proving that in modern fundraising, entertainment and generosity can race side by side.