It was initiated by SOS Children, described by the Dalai Lama as “a charity where deeds speak louder than words”. Founded in 1949, the charity runs projects in 125 countries around the world, has created 518 SOS Children’s Villages (with 23 more currently under construction) and 383 SOS Youth Homes, which care for more than 78,000 children. They have also provided over 100,000 children with an education in their SOS Nurseries, SOS Primary Schools and SOS Secondary Schools.
Through the awareness and funds raised during World Orphan Week, SOS Children are able to change the lives of vulnerable children and ensure they grow up with the love, care and security of a family. This year, World Orphan Week is an opportunity for you to be part of this change and raise vital funds for children in Chipata, Zambia.
The idea is to collectively make up the miles to virtually travel from the UK to Chipata, Zambia. Whether you decide to run, row, walk, cycle or swim, your challenge is to add to the 9,000 mile distance and get sponsored to do it! You can follow the route online and find out about SOS Children’s work in key places along the way. This is a wonderful way for UK youngsters to help children in need while having fun together. You might want to get a team of friends together for an exciting sports day or getting your child’s school, community group or neighbours involved.
However you decide to raise funds, here are tips from SOS Children to get you started on your challenge:
• You can choose whether you’d like to walk, run, cycle, row, or swim the challenge – the mode of transport is up to you!
• Choose how many miles you plan to achieve and where you’d like to do your challenge.
• Create a JustGiving page (www.justgiving.com) or a JustTextGiving number, and ask friends, family and colleagues to sponsor your miles.
• Download your Chipata Challenge sponsorship form here if you’d rather use a paper sponsorship form.
• Once you’ve completed your challenge log your miles with us and keep track of our route to see how many miles we’ve completed on our way to Chipata.