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Charity Challenge is recruiting

December 17, 2015

We are delighted to be expanding our operations team and are recruiting a number of new roles, to complement our current busy and dynamic team!

A huge amount of research, planning and hard work goes into designing, organising and running every challenge we operate. This, along with an incredible amount of ideas, energy and enthusiasm makes Charity Challenge what it is – a world leader in the provision of fundraising challenge events. If you feel that you have the motivation to inspire and encourage people to venture well out of their comfort zones and would like to join our team, please read on:

BOOKINGS ADMINISTRATOR (Full Time)

With some exciting times ahead at Charity Challenge we are now looking to recruit a Bookings Administrator. You will be a confident, enthusiastic and motivated individual to provide administrative support within our bookings, finance and operations teams. Often being the first point of contact with the company you will have excellent customer service skills and the ability to deal with customers and clients alike with efficiency and diplomacy. This is a busy and demanding role and would suit someone with a passion for travel and adventure. Click here for the job spec.

If this sounds like you and you would like to be part of a vibrant office atmosphere, please send your CV and covering letter to neeta@charitychallenge.com. Deadline for applications is Friday 8th January 2016.

FLIGHTS ASSISTANT (Part time, fixed contract)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced, enthusiastic and motivated individual to provide flights support within our flights and operations team. With your primary focus being on organisational excellence, first-class customer service and efficiency, you will be dealing with group bookings to worldwide destinations using the Amadeus CRS system, assisting passengers with deviations and special requests, and ensuring that passengers get away safely and smoothly on their adventure. Click here for the job spec.

If you think this is the role for you, please send your CV and covering letter to carmel@charitychallenge.com. Deadline for applications is Monday 4th January 2016.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

With your primary focus being on safety and risk management as well as improving and maintaining excellent standards of quality and customer experience, you will manage around 10 different itineraries with 40+ departures within our Asia region, with the top selling trip being our Great Wall Discovery challenge in China. This is a busy, varied role that requires huge amounts of organisational skill, and a passion for what you do. Click here for the job spec.

If you think this is the role for you, please send your CV and covering letter to carmel@charitychallenge.com. Deadline for applications is Monday 4th January 2016.

HEAD OF OPERATIONS (Part time)

We are looking for a part-time Head of Operations to form part of our Senior Management Team, with your primary focus being on safety and risk management as well as improving and maintaining excellent standards of quality and customer experience. You will manage 6 staff in the Operations and Flights departments, and will be responsible for their day to day performance. You will oversee the safety and compliance aspects of the company and drive forward our ‘Challenge Safe’ safety management system to enhance safety across the entire business. Click here for the job spec.

If you have the relevant skills and experience to excel in the role, please send your CV and covering letter to simon@charitychallenge.com. Deadline for applications is Monday 4th January 2016.

Challenges

Experience the Great Wall

August 27, 2015

After speaking to a friend who recently travelled to and toured China, I asked what was the most spectacular part of their trip was. Almost instantly, without any hesitation or dithering, I was met with the answer; ‘it just had to be The Great Wall!’ This synonymous answer is one that I repeated by all those who have had the opportunity to walk along and visit the astounding site creation.

So what exactly is it that makes the Great Wall so iconic, making it stand out amongst all else in what is the fourth largest country in the world?

Well contrary to popular belief, you cannot actually see it from space. However, this disappointing realisation should not denigrate and belittle the phenomenon that is The Great Wall of China. The official length of the wall is 8,850 kilometres long, an absolutely incredible distance. Yet, when you account for the entire wall, with all its branches, the total distance amounts to 21,196 kilometres in length, which is remarkably over half the distance of the circumference of the equator. Such an incredible structure has been built on repeatedly since work was first constructed back in the 6^th century, in order to protect Chinese states and empires from the raids and invasions of nomadic groups. The series of fortifications is made up of a whole range of materials such as stone, brick, tamped earth and wood, and is generally built along an east-to-west line across the historical northern border of China.

Mao Zedong, the founding father of the People’s Republic of China has been quoted as saying “Who never climbed The Great Wall, cannot be deemed a man”. Such a statement provides one with a real insight into the might of The Great Wall and the noteworthy associations that are roused by it. This architectural prize is the most recognizable landmark throughout China and perhaps throughout the entirety of the Far East. Stretching over eight provinces, one can expect to see exquisite views throughout, providing you with a real opportunity of walking through centuries of China’s culture and history, an experience that can be described as nothing short of mesmerising. Trekking along the stony, steep and at times slippery paths that twist and wind their way along, often being interspersed with ancient crumbling watchtowers. Whilst trekking can be demanding, it is most certainly rewarding, especially when you are able to look at vast and beautiful mountain ranges on a clear day. Its legendary status, much like the structure itself, will hold up as you experience the immense construction that truly has the ability to leave even the well-seasoned traveller in a state of awe.

To be part of the adventure, click here to join an exhilarating Charity Challenge trip experiencing The Great Wall of China.

Challenges

10 Reasons You Absolutely Have To Visit Peru!

August 12, 2015

The South American nation of Peru is one of bewilderment and beauty. Here are ten weird and wonderful reasons that you should visit this incredible country, that are sure to amaze and leave you with the desire to visit and explore this culturally and historically rich and marvellous nation.

1) Many people are unaware that the potato in fact originates from Peru, and there are over 3,000 varieties within the country. Those proud Peruvians who wish to exclaim their patriotism even use the phrase “I am more Peruvian than the potato” (‘Soy mas Peruano que la papa”).

Tips & Advice

Staying in Touch Whilst on a Challenge

August 11, 2015

At Charity Challenge, before a trip’s departure, we regularly receive concerns regarding contacting back home while away. To let you know exactly what happens on our challenges regarding communication, here is a guide to interaction with those back home and when abroad.

Direct Contact on a Challenge

On camping trips we generally encounter limited coverage. On challenges to Kilimanjaro, Everest, Peru, Sumatra, Morocco, Burma and even Iceland, phone reception is likely to be poor and one would not be able to make or receive calls, texts and data usage for much of the time on the trip. However, to make sure that all our participants can be reached and can get in contact with back home in the case of an emergency, we make sure that leaders carry and have access to satellite phones. This ensures that you can be reached you no matter where you may be, should direct contact be needed.

Your Mum may find it difficult to get through to your mobile when you’re trekking through the heart of the Sumatran jungle.

Challenges

The excitement of the new Angkor Wat to Bangkok Challenge!

July 31, 2015

One of our Operations Managers, Mireia, recently went to inspect part of our brand new Angkor Wat to Bangkok challenge, and has come back a bundle of excitement at our new and unique itinerary! This is her story of this unforgettable challenge.

“For those of you who have never experienced the adventure of Asia, this is the best opportunity to discover the contrasts between the ever-present ancient culture of Cambodia, and the modern, vibrant buzz of Bangkok. Those of you who have already taken on our popular Saigon to Angkor Wat challenge are probably already in love with Cambodia – this challenge gives you the opportunity to get to know some new places, and, why not, even cross the border to the fascinating Thailand! You will stay longer in Cambodia, but the challenge as a whole is shorter to give you time-precious people an opportunity to complete your dream journey. Continue Reading…

Challenges

Why Machu Picchu?

July 8, 2015

When groups travel to South America to see and experience a continent rich with culture, tradition and colour, it is often centred and planned around one essential activity. This location, Machu Picchu, is totally captivating in every fashion; more than living up to the overabundance of praise and adoration it receives.

The history around the site is genuinely fascinating. Built in the 15^th century at the height of the Inca Empire, it was constructed almost 8,000 feet above sea level in what was believed to have been a royal estate. Built in typical Inca style with beautiful, polished dry-stone walls of quarried granite stone, the site was then abandoned just over a century later upon the arrival of the Spanish in Peru.

For over 400 years Machu Picchu remained largely untouched, its beauty and splendour hidden from the world. It was not until as recent as 1911 that Machu Picchu was rediscovered. Reaching the site is no walk in the park, but rather an incredible trek through the seldom visited Lares Valley, a region unscathed by the wrath of time, with awe-inspiring scenery and full with alpacas, llamas as well as the colourful native Quechua people.