- Milton Keynes charity World Vision UK is hosting several Challenge Events in 2024, both in the UK and abroad
- International Challenge Events in 2024 include trips to Zambia, Spain, and Tanzania
- Fundraise for a good cause while exploring the world responsibly
The New Year provides an ideal time to reflect, and for those that want to travel more and help others, international child-focused NGO World Vision UK has unveiled its 2024 Challenge trips designed to inspire and transform, providing an overseas adventure while fundraising for World Vision’s cause.
Conscious consumerism is on the rise, including ‘responsible tourism’, with travel options available that give an added value to the economies, societies and communities visited with a balanced, considered approach. This is why World Vision wants to give back with its Challenge treks, with each providing a way of enjoying a unique experience and another culture while fundraising, raising awareness, and donating to meaningful causes. The trips are open to anyone, regardless of whether they are an existing World Vision supporter or not.
So, whether you are seeking a personal challenge, want to help raise funds for children living in vulnerable circumstances across the world, or want to try something new, there is something for everyone.
All funds raised will go to key area programmes that can include anything from sanitation to water, education, and nutrition. World Vision’s recently launched ENOUGH campaign is aimed at tackling global hunger and has pledged to commit $3.4 billion to providing solutions to the growing hunger crisis. The latest World Vision Hunger Ipsos report revealed that most (89%) global citizens firmly believe that we all have a responsibility to end world hunger.
Tanzania: Trek Kilamanjaro is the first international Challenge of the year, which will see you hike to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa for an unforgettable experience. The 7-day expedition is running from 3 to 12 October 2024, and the Machame Route to the top reach’s altitudes of 5,895m while taking trekkers through five distinct ecological zones.
From 5 to 12 October the Camino de Santiago Trek takes place in northern Spain, exploring the depth of the French Way, a well-known pilgrims’ way through Galicia. The undulating five-day trek covers 72 miles and will also cover sites of cultural and historical interest, ending at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela for a truly moving experience.
From 1 to 9 November, the Zambezi Canoe Challenge heads to Zambia to showcase the scenery and wildlife, including three full days canoeing down the river led by expert guides (no prior canoeing experience needed), to try and spot buffalo, hippos, elephants, lions, and cheetahs. After that there are two days visiting local communities, whose lives are being transformed through World Vision’s education and nutrition projects.
For those wanting a challenge closer to home, the Jurassic Coast Trek runs from 17 to 19 May, a 25-mile route that is challenging but incredibly rewarding. As England’s first natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast provides a scenic weekend expedition from Lulworth to Studland.
Other local challenge events include the London Landmarks Half Marathon in April 2024; the Royal Parks Marathon in October 2024; and the Global 6K Walk for Water, which raised £1,000 during World Water Week in August 2023.
During every Challenge social media is the tool that brings people together to share experiences, as well as being a simple way for those to donate and support the cause. At World Vision we think it is essential to unite communities while making positive change, embracing shared values and team spirit.
Recently a group of World Vision supporters trekked for five days around the Annapurna circuit in Nepal as part of a Challenge trip, seeing not only stunning views of the peaks but also four transformational World Vision projects in Lamjung and Kathmandu.
World Vision – Nepal Trek Challenge video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzGxKWd7p3M
Supporter Nimika said: “I just wanted to say again thank you for all of the work and coordination that went into the trek up to Poon Hill, but especially in getting us out to such remote areas to visit projects and to see what positive impact World Vision is having within the communities. It has left me absolutely wanting to do more for World Vision.”
Signups are open now for all of 2024’s Challenge Events.