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Tips & Advice

Spring Fundraising Ideas

March 19, 2021

With the start of Spring on Saturday the 20th of March the opportunities for new fundraising ideas begin to bloom. The lockdown measures are beginning to ease, the sun is starting to shine and the days are becoming longer – the perfect time to kick start your fundraising!

National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month and it’s the perfect opportunity to get outside, start moving and raise much needed funds for some worthwhile causes. Plus, it is also the best time of year to see bluebells so make sure you put on those walking boots and get outside!

Fundraising ideas :

WALKATHON – You, your friends, one day, 26 miles. Pick a route and get going! Ask your mates to sponsor you per mile.
TRY20 – Do the #try20 challenge and aim to walk 20 minutes every day for the whole month – ask your friends and colleagues to sponsor you.
10,000 STEPS – Get active this spring and take 10,000 steps a day for 30 days. Use your smart phone or watch to keep an eye on your progress. Ask you mates to sponsor your efforts.
DOG WALKING – Offer to walk your neighbours and friends’ dogs in return for a donation.

Bake Off

During lock down we can guarantee that new bakers have appeared amongst our friends and family! Now is the time to put everyone’s skills to the test and get your friends, family and colleagues together for your own Spring Bake Off. Bakers can give money to take part in the competition and people can vote for their favourites by donating. You can also auction off the showstoppers. Perfect for both an online or in person event! With the return of Stand Up To Cancer Bake Off the nation is definitely ready to get baking. #readysteadybake

Garden Party

The weather is warming up, so get the picnic rugs ready, fire up the barbeque, and throw a garden party. The size of the party will be dependent on the latest set of guidelines from the government. Provide food, drinks and entertainment in exchange for donations. The opportunities with this are event are endless! Hold a themed party. Ask a live band to provide music (lots of new musicians also emerging from lockdown!). Serve food and drinks donated by local restaurants and cafes. Ask local businesses to donate prizes for a raffle, auction or tombola on the big day. Set up a Selfie station. Hold a cake sale. Set up a face painting stand. Play garden games…

Sell tickets prior to the event so you know how much stock is required and how many people will be attending your fundraising event. Upcoming dates that you could take advantage of: The Queen’s Birthday 12th June, National Picnic Week 19th -27th June 2021, National BBQ Week July 2^nd – 11^th 2021.

Easter

Easter Sunday this year falls on the 4th of April and it is a cracking time to fundraise! Easter Egg Decorating. Easter bake-offs. Egg and spoon races. Easter flower arrangements. You can even fill a jar with mini eggs, get people to guess how many are in there and ask them to donate. The person with the closest guess wins the jar or a prize (ask local businesses to donate something).

Easter Egg hunts are also a classic spring time fundraiser, ensure you follow the latest set of guidelines from the government. If your garden is big enough invite everyone round for the hunt in return for a donation. Alternatively, you could speak to local parks and gardens and see if they would support your event and allow it on their property – but do ask first!

Earth Day

The theme for Earth day on the 22nd of April is “Restore Our Earth”. What a perfect opportunity to join the world’s largest environmental movement and run a fundraising event that can support our local communities and focus on areas that are affected by environmental issues.

Fundraising ideas:

TREE PLANTING – Plant new trees and plants in your local community. Get volunteers to join you as planters. Accept donations of seedlings and other plantable items, ideally native plants. If you plant on public property, such as in a park, be sure to get permission from local authorities.
PLOGGING / RUBBISH WALK – Set yourself a jogging or walking challenge combined with picking up litter. This will have a positive impact on our environment and our bodies – in other words, it’s an earth-friendly way to get fit.
CLEANUP DAY – Each volunteer gets a roll of rubbish bags, a pair of gloves, and a shovel or rubbish pick, and performs a walking clean-up of a designated area. If you are going on public property, such as in a park, be sure to get permission from local authorities.
PLANT A COMMUNITY GARDEN – A community garden can bring a wide range of benefits – from connecting people with each other to growing fresh food to enjoy. Check out the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) website for tips on how to get this up and running.

Spring Clean

It is officially the start of Spring so there is no better time to have a clear out! With spring cleaning comes an excellent opportunity for online and in-person car boot sales to raise money for your good cause. Create an event page on a neighborhood site, such as Nextdoor, and invite your community to donate and/or buy items.

If you wish to sell online there are a variety of platforms that you can use such as Ebay, Amazon Marketplace, Gumtree, Facebook Marketplace, and Shopify. Please ensure that you clean and disinfect everything before passing them on. Don’t forget to share your listings on social media to help increase awareness of your fundraising events.

Inspiration

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

January 21, 2021

Charity Challenge - Great Wall Discovery

Are you considering what should go next on your bucket list? At Charity Challenge we love nothing more than taking on challenges in locations that allow our challengers to explore inspirational cultural and natural sites around the world, such as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

What is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

World Heritage Sites are designated by (UNESCO) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization for having cultural, historical, scientific or natural importance. The sites contain “cultural and natural heritage around the world” that are considered to be of “outstanding universal value to humanity and as such, have been inscribed on the World Heritage List to be protected for future generations to appreciate and enjoy”

As of January 2021, there are currently 1,121 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world. At Charity Challenge we are very lucky to run challenges that visit over 50 of these amazing sites. Unfortunately this blog is not long enough for us to cover all of these so we have pulled together some of our favourites!

How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites have you been to?

Charity Challenge - South West Coast Path Challenge

1- Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape – explore on the South West Coast Path challenge, England

Charity Challenge -Hadrian's Wall Trail Challenge

2. Frontiers of the Roman Empire – explore on Hadrian’s Wall Trail Challenge, England

Charity Challenge - Lake District 5 Peaks Challenge

3. The English Lake District – explore on the Lake District 5 Peaks Challenge, England

4. Kathmandu Valley – explore on Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Charity Challenge - Great Wall Discovery Extension

5. Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor – explore on the Great Wall Discovery Extension, China

Charity Challenge - Cuba Revolution Cycle

6. Old Havana and its Fortification System – explore on the Cuba Revolution Cycle, Cuba

Charity Challenge - Giants Causeway Challenge

7. Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast – explore on our Giant’s Causeway Challenge, Northern Ireland

Charity Challenge - Jurassic Coast Challenge

8. Dorset and East Devon Coast – explore on the Jurassic Coast Challenge, England

Charity Challenge - Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge

9. Old and New Towns of Edinburgh – Explore on The Edinburgh 7 Summits Challenge, Scotland

Charity Challenge - Trek to Machu Picchu

10. Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu – explore on Trek to Machu Picchu, Peru

Charity Challenge - Kilimanjaro Summit Climb

11. Kilimanjaro National Park – explore on one of our Kilimanjaro Summit Climb’s, Tanzania

12. The Great Wall – Explore on the Great Wall Discovery, China

Charity Challenge - Sumatra Jungle Challenge

13. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra – explore on the Sumatra Jungle Challenge, Indonesia

Charity Challenge - Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride

14. Angkor – explore on the Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride, Vietnam & Cambodia

15. Petra – explore on
Trek to Petra, Jordan

Charity Challenge - cycle India And The Taj Mahal

16. Taj Mahal – explore on Cycle India and the Taj Mahal, India

Charity Challenge - Amazon Survivor Challenge

17. Central Amazon Conservation Complex ¹ – explore on the Amazon Survivor Challenge, Brazil

Charity Challenge -Zambezi River Challenge

18. Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls – explore on the Zambezi River Challenge, Zambia

Want to tick some more UNESCO World Heritage Sites off your list? Choose your next challenge today!

Inspiration

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (18 – 24 January)

January 20, 2021

It’s Cervical Cancer Prevention Week and we’re supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust because we want you to know where you can get support, the latest information and tips about smear tests.

Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust are the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity. Nine women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day and 220,000 are diagnosed with cell changes, often needing treatment. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust want to see cervical cancer prevented and reduce the impact for everyone affected by cervical cell changes (abnormal cells) and cervical cancer through providing the highest quality information and support, and campaigning for excellence in cervical cancer treatment and prevention.

During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week we want as many people as possible to know how they can reduce their risk of cervical cancer and to educate others. The last year has been a challenge with lots of things in life becoming more difficult. But one thing hasn’t changed, the importance of cervical screening (smear test). Smear tests are the best protection against cervical cancer, but they aren’t always easy and coronavirus has added additional challenges to attending.

We want to ensure as many people as possible have reliable information and support about smear tests, results and any changes due to the pandemic.

You can get involved by encouraging your family and friends to go to their smear tests if they get invited. If you get invited to make a smear test appointment, that’s because your GP practice has safety measures in place to make it safe. Government guidance says that you are allowed to go, even within the current restrictions across the UK, as cervical screening is a medical appointment.

You can also join in #SmearForSmear all you have to do is follow these simple steps:

Smear your lipstick and take a photo. Why? Because it grabs attention
Post it on social media using #SmearForSmear and tag us too!
Include a message about the importance of smear tests, tell your friends and family where they can access tips and support
Ask them to get involved too
Don’t forget to be kind. It can be a really difficult test for lots of people, especially at the moment

Our New Year Sale is here! Get up to 30% off registration fees

January 4, 2021

At Charity Challenge, we are very happy to put 2020 behind us and make a fresh start in 2021.

It has been a tough year for us all, but we are ready for some positive change. Now is the time to focus on the new year, and all of the amazing possibilities that it will bring. Is this the year you will do something amazing not only for yourself but also for a good cause close to your heart?

To support you on your journey we are offering up to 30% off the registration fees on selected challenges in 2021 & 2022 in our New Year Sale. Discounts are available until midnight on Sunday 31st January 2021. T&C’s apply.

Click here to choose your challenge and start your next adventure!

Use code NY2021 when booking and enjoy all the incredible adventures that lie ahead. Below is a little taster of some of the amazing discounts we have on offer this year…

Up to 30% off your reg fee on Sahara Desert Trek

Up to 15% off your reg fee on Saigon to Angkor Wat Bike Ride.

Save up to 30% off your reg fee on Trek to Machu Picchu

Challenge - National Three Peaks Challenge

Save up to 10% off your reg fee on National Three Peaks Challenge

Save up to 30% off your reg fee on Icelandic Lava Trek

Save up to 20% off your reg fee on UK & Ireland Triple challenges

EXPLORE THE FULL RANGE OF NEW YEAR SALE DISCOUNTS HERE

Inspiration

We asked the team – what challenge are you most looking forward to in 2021?

December 23, 2020

As 2020 comes to a close, we reflect on what a tough year it has been for us all. The team at Charity Challenge just wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU to all of our amazing participants, who have been so patient and understanding as we have been forced to cancel or postpone challenges, and for being so supportive when we started to reopen our UK challenges back in August.

We look forward to supporting you all in 2021 with our new extended UK challenge portfolio and when the time is right, with challenges further afield. So, instead of dwelling on the past we are very excited to focus our attention on the future. We asked team Charity Challenge – what challenge are you most looking forward to in 2021?

Iceland Lava Trek – Laura, Challenge Leader

Iceland holds a special place in my heart for its otherworldly landscapes steeped in myth and legend. The Laugavegur Trek is still the best trek I’ve been on for packing such an incredible wow factor into a short space of time and I can’t wait to go back. Dramatic vistas, glacial river crossings, camping under the stars… and all nicely rounded off by a relaxing dip in the steaming waters of the Blue Lagoon. The Icelandic Highlands transport you to another world (in fact they’re frequently used as sci-fi film locations).

Walking up through lava fields encircled by colourful stripey mountains to cross snowfields with streams bubbling and rocks steaming around me: 2020 will surely fall away as a distant memory within seconds. Each day offers amazing new vistas, from glass-like obsidian passes to black volcanic ash fields and down into the lush green retreat of beautiful Porsmork. And not forgetting those glacial river crossings for an added sense of adventure and entertainment! The weather can be harsh, which only adds to the raw beauty of the place, and on clear nights after a well-deserved camp dinner there’s no better way of finishing a day than lying back and stargazing with friends old and new. Perhaps I’ll even be lucky enough to get another glimpse of the beautiful Northern Lights.

Find out more about the Icelandic Lava Trek here

Trek to Petra – Ian, Challenge Leader

The trip I am most looking forward to leading in 2021 is the “Trek to Petra” challenge. This exciting new itinerary for 2021 will see challengers given the opportunity to float in the Dead Sea before undertaking a 100km, 5-day trek through the Jordanian desert. Along the way we will camp Bedouin-style under the desert night sky – and of course the trek culminates in our arrival at the spectacular and world-renowned “rose city” of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. This is one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites and I have wanted to visit ever since I watched Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. I can’t wait!

Find out more about Trek to Petra here

South West Coast Path Challenge – Andy, UK Operators Manager

One of the positives that have come out of 2020 has been the opportunity to design some exciting new multi-day itineraries within the UK. As our UK Operations Manager I’ve often thought that the UK offered a lot of opportunities for people to challenge themselves in a similar style to our overseas treks and cycles whilst exploring hidden corners of our own little island. In 2021 we have several of these new itineraries that range from 4 to 9 days long and I’m particularly excited about this trek down in Cornwall. We’ve deliberately chosen to trek in the most rugged spots along the very tip of the Cornish peninsula and I suspect people will be amazed at how wild and remote this area feels. With stunning secluded bays, rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs I can’t wait to head out on the very first running of this exciting new challenge, and hopefully it will open the door for more multi-day challenges in the UK.

Find out more about the South West Coast Path Challenge h ere

Iceland Glacier Trek – Danny, Challenge Leader

As a very unusual year comes to an end I am now looking forward to what 2021 might bring. If there’s one Charity Challenge Trek I would relish leading it would be the Iceland Glacier Trek. Coming from the Highlands of Scotland I’m sure the Highlands of Iceland are just as stunning when it comes to their mountains, glaciers and other geological features whilst the additional expanse of snow and ice would be like a personal Mecca for me! The trek will no doubt be challenging with it’s daily dose of Nordic skiing and overnight camping on the ice. But coupled with potentially mesmerising views of the Northern Lights from what would be the best seats in the world and other stunning vistas during the day, topped off with a muscle-relaxing soak in a geothermal pool at the end of the trip I imagine there are few better ways to boost your mental, physical and overall well-being.

Find out more about the Iceland Glacier Trek here

Trek to Machu Picchu – Simon, Co-Founder and Director

Of all the places around the world that I have had the pleasure and privilege to have trekked, one stands out above all others for me, and that’s the trek to the Inca city of Machu Picchu. Of course it is one of the UNESCO Modern Wonders of the World, and for good reason, but the reason I love this trek is the combination of the scenery (snow-capped mountains, hot springs, the Sacred Valley, huge rivers), the Andean people and remote communities, and the history and architecture of the area (Spanish Colonial Squares and Inca settlements). It has everything, and that’s before you consider the awesome trekking route and camping out under the stars. I highly recommend it.

Find out more about Trek to Machu Picchu here

West Highland Way Challenge – Jenn, Head of Sales & Marketing

2020 was the year I discovered just how much the UK has to offer! We are blessed to have some of the most spectacular national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, coastal walks and trekking trails right on our doorstep. For me, the challenge I am must looking forward to is the West Highland Way Challenge in Scotland as I am a big fan of taking on multi-day trekking trails. I love that we can disconnect from the world for a couple of days and completely immerse ourselves in nature. The thought of trekking and camping over 7-days through the breath-taking and atmospheric scenery of the Scottish Highlands sounds like my kind of heaven!

One of my favourite things about being outdoors is capturing perfect moments and sharing them with others. The West Highland Way is famous for incredible loch’s, stunning glen’s, waterfalls and dramatic highland mountains. Buchaille Etive Mor (The Great herdsman of Etive), is probably the most photographed mountain in Scotland, showcased recently in the James Bond Film Skyfall. As I have never been to Scotland, I think this challenge will be the perfect introduction!

Find out more about The West Highland Way Challenge here

Click here to view our full range of challenges

Challenges

Launch of 2022 Overseas Challenge Dates

December 22, 2020

Today we are very excited to launch our 2022 overseas challenge dates. Think of a time when Covid-19 is just a distant memory and we can travel and explore the best landscapes the globe has to offer!

Have you been dreaming about summiting majestic mountains, trekking through forbidden landscapes, or visiting one of the amazing Wonders of the World? We know that people want to put 2020 behind them so let’s look to the future, turn your dreams into a reality and do something amazing for a good cause close to your heart.

Booking a Charity Challenge for 2022 is guaranteed to give you something to look forward to when the Covid-19 cloud has passed, and more importantly it will give you a purpose over the coming year, and keep you focused on getting fit. So, the only question that remains is – which challenge will it be?

MOUNTAIN TREK CHALLENGES

Kilimanjaro Summit Climb

Trek through 5 eco-systems (cultivation, rainforest, heather & moorland, alpine desert & arctic) & summit the highest free-standing mountain in the world – Mount Kilimanjaro (5895m).

12 days | Tanzania | Extreme

Cotopaxi Summit – Avenue of the Volcanoes

This beautiful trek is not for the faint-hearted as it culminates in a magical midnight glacier climb. You will feel exhausted but elated as you rise with the sun, rewarded with priceless views over the Andes once you conquer Cotopaxi, one of the highest active volcanoes in the world (5897m).

12 days | Ecuador | Extreme

Trek Machu Picchu

Follow the spectacular and uncrowded Ancascocha trail, surrounded by the snow-capped Andean mountains, raging rivers and remote mountain communities until you reach the lost Incan city of Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

10 days | Peru | Tough

Everest Base Camp

Walking in the shadow of the world’s highest mountain – Mt Everest (8,848m), your route will take you through Sherpa villages, past beautiful monasteries and over jaw-dropping suspension bridges as you traverse gorges, visit the Everest Memorial Ground and trek through the Khumbu ice fall until you reach Base Camp.

18 days | Nepal | Extreme

TREKKING CHALLENGES

Great Wall Discovery

Conquer the imperial masterpiece of the Ming dynasty as you test yourself against thousands of challenging steps along the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, with time to explore the cultural highlights of China’s historic capital – Beijing

9 days | China | Challenging

Trek to Petra

Trek across deserts, ascend mountains, traverse high ridges and down into wadis as you camp Bedouin-style in the desert and delight in the ancient hidden city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

8 days | Jordan | Challenging

Trek Angkor Wat

Trek 100km through local villages and rice paddies of Cambodia, visit the sacred Kulen Mountain Waterfall and view the Giant Sleeping Buddha, before finishing at the architectural masterpiece of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

8 days | Cambodia | Challenging

Maasai Bush Trek

Join Massai guides – one of Africa’s great nomadic tribes – as you trek across the floor of the Great Rift Valley to the foothills of the Crater Highlands, passing Mt. Kitumbeine, and the game-filled plains of Nagarirat.

9 days | Tanzania | Challenging

CYCLING CHALLENGES

Saigon to Angkor Wat

Follow the road less cycled on this 450km challenge from Saigon to Angkor Wat. Enjoy the endless miles of quiet backwater roads, waterways and rice paddies, passing ancient temples and bustling markets, beautiful and varied rural landscapes, and quaint villages.

11 days | Vietnam | Moderate

Cycle Sri Lanka

Be one of the first to sign up to our brand new cycling challenge, an unforgettable bike ride through Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle. Starting at the famous Lion Rock in Sigiriya, pedal your way through rice fields, spice regions and tea estates, soaking up the Sri Lankan way of life as you go.

9 days | Sri Lanka | Challenging

Cycle India & the Taj Mahal

Discover the chaotic magic of India’s capital – Delhi – and step inside the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World before you cycle 450kms through Rajasthan, a region rich in desert landscapes, fantastic wildlife, exquisite forts, and bustling cities.

10 days | India | Challenging

Cuba Cycle Revolution

Welcome to the land of cigars, revolution, Che Guevara and vintage Chevrolets. The Cuban cycle travels from Havana to the exotic Caribbean. We spend 5-days in the saddle, cycling 350 km from one beautiful coastline to the other, passing remote villages, fruit orchards and sugar plantations.

10 days | Cuba | Challenging

Above is just a taster of some of the amazing challenges we have on offer. To see our full range of challenges available click the button below.

We also understand that there may be a little uncertainty around booking a challenge in the current climate so we have pulled together five reasons to book your next Charity Challenge with absolute confidence!

Click to view our full range of challenges