They sweated, strained, huffed and puffed for 585 minutes of gut-busting exercise.

And when they finished, they had raised $23,000 for Homes of Hope – the charity delivering the very best foster care services to kids who've suffered serious neglect or abuse.

Four Classic Builders Tauranga staffers began their challenge at 5.15am and 12 hours later they had completed 13 repetitions of an F45 class, high intensity interval and functional training and circuit work.

The team was Classic Builders senior construction manager Callum Armstrong, construction manager Jade Murray, regional manager Nathan Watkins and national marketing manager Kathryn Scholes.

'We really didn't think it would be so much and we are so happy,” says Kathryn. They also collected a washing machine box full of presents for the kids as people came along to the challenge with gifts.

'We are overwhelmed by the team's support and sacrifice,” says Homes of Hope Tauranga CEO Hilary Price. 'They gave from the heart. We are very, very grateful and humbled. Talk about love in action.”

Kathryn says the pain was worth it. 'The support and comradery we experienced from friends, colleagues and local businesses was incredible. By the end of the day I had sore cheeks from smiling.”

Homes of Hope prevents brothers and sisters from being separated and ensures a stability of care for as long as it is needed. The $23,000 raised from the 585 challenge will be used for therapeutic care specific to the children's needs.

The associated givealittle page: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/585-for-hope will remain open until Sunday.