Arena Racing Company (ARC) has partnered with experiential events specialist KDM Events to introduce SolarBuddy: The Hour of Power, a purpose-led team-building format reflecting growing demand for experiences that combine engagement with measurable social impact.
The collaboration forms part of ARC’s wider focus on developing outdoor and experiential group activities for corporate clients, with SolarBuddy positioned as a flagship CSR-led experience for meetings and events programmes.
The move comes amid continued growth in demand for ESG-aligned event content, as organisers look to integrate purpose, learning and legacy into conferences and incentive activity.
“The Hour of Power” is a hands-on workshop in which participants assemble solar-powered lights for children living in energy poverty communities, including Cambodia, Tanzania and Papua New Guinea.
The activity highlights global energy inequality, with an estimated 770 million people still lacking access to safe, reliable lighting. Each solar light enables children to study after dark, reduces reliance on kerosene and supports improved health and household savings.
SolarBuddy data indicates each device can positively impact up to five people over its lifespan, while also reducing carbon emissions.
The session begins with a brief introduction to energy poverty, followed by teams collaborating to build the lights and write accompanying messages for the recipients.
Danielle Matthews-Brown, Group Event Sales Manager at Arena Racing Company, said: “There is clear demand from clients for experiences that go beyond traditional team building and deliver genuine purpose. SolarBuddy gives teams a shared focus while creating tangible impact, which aligns strongly with how organisations are now approaching meetings and events.”
Sarah FitzGerald, Director of Partnerships at KDM Events, said: “Businesses are increasingly seeking event experiences that deliver meaningful outcomes, while leaving participants feeling energised, connected and inspired. This format is designed to integrate CSR more directly into team engagement rather than treating it as a standalone add-on.”
Only available through KDM Events, SolarBuddy can be delivered nationally and is now available throughout Arena’s portfolio.
