Final Chance to Cycle through Asia with the Oxfam Challenge

Events, Media Releases, Oxfam Challenge article written on the 21 May 2007

2007 is the final year of the Oxfam Challenge and the last chance for Australians to cycle through , and while supporting Oxfam programs. As one of the first organisations to take its supporters on cycling challenges, over 300 people have visited Oxfam projects this way over the last 4 years. Part altruism and part adventure, the Oxfam Challenge is open to anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and the desire to make a difference.

 

2007 Oxfam Challenges:

(Yunnan)                    16 – 29 September

Vietnam/Cambodia             29 November – 12 December

 

For the first part of the challenge, participants pay a $350 registration fee and are then tasked with raising $5,000. This covers trip costs and contributes to Oxfam’s work in 29 countries around the world. Their second challenge is to cycle almost 400 kilometres over two weeks through exquisitely beautiful terrain.

 

Oxfam’s China Challenge travels along the upper reaches of the Yangtze through areas such Lijiang and Dali. Enroute cyclists will visit villages, schools and farms to see the effects of Oxfam’s work. The Vietnam/Cambodia Challenge crosses the Mekong river and passes the temples of Angkor Wat and Bantey Srei. Here, participants have the opportunity to visit farms, schools or healthcare projects that Oxfam supports.

 

“The awesome countryside in these countries provides half the inspiration for the Challenge,” says Hanna Peltonen, Oxfam Challenge Coordinator. “The people you meet are equally inspiring. Despite their difficulties, they remain resourceful, generous and kind-hearted.”

 

Information Nights:

Sydney:                                 Tuesday 29 May 2007, 6pm
Intrepid Travel store, 84 Oxford Street, Paddington

Melbourne:                          Wednesday 30 May 2007, 6pm
Intrepid Travel store, 360 Bourke Street, City

Adventure seekers who take up the Oxfam Challenge will be given advice on how to meet the fundraising target of $5,000, be it through corporate sponsorship, dinners, garage sales or chocolate drives. If they prefer, participants can simply pay the required sum rather than fundraise.

 

Oxfam Challenge tours are run in partnership with Intrepid Travel. For detailed information, call 1800 088 110, email challenge@oxfam.org.au, or visit www.oxfam.org.au/challenge

 

To arrange an interview, please contact Melany Markham

on + 61 (0)3 9289 9415 or + 61 (0)407515 559