Charity Challenge: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What kinds of expedition are there?

2. How much will it cost me?

3. How much do I have to raise for Link?

4. Isn't it environmentally unfriendly to take such large groups on these treks?

5. What about supporting the communities who live in these regions?

1. What kinds of expedition are there?

   There are many itineraries to choose from, with expeditions taking place all over the world, from Mexico to China.  There are a wide variety of activities on offer, including cycling, trekking and climbing. See the section on expedition itineraries at the end of this page for more information.

   The expeditions are taking place throughout the world in many less developed countries than the UK.  The roads can be very rough and the facilities are often basic.  If you are looking for a 5-star holiday, you should not be applying for Charity Challenge.  If, however, you wish to visit a new country, undertake an adrenaline-pumping challenge, you are over 18, lead a moderately active life and are in good health, then this really is the trip for you.  The expeditions are intended to be tough, so you will probably need to undertake some physical training.

   The itineraries range from 5 to 15 days in length, and there are departure dates throughout the year.

   All travel and accommodation arrangements are being undertaken by Gane & Marshall International Ltd (ATOL Number 3145) who will issue an ATOL receipt for these costs to confirm that their ATOL bond protects this sum.

   

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2. How much will it cost me?

   You will be required to make a significant contribution towards the cost of the expedition and to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship in aid of Link Community Development in order to participate in the Charity Challenge.  Once the balance of your expedition costs (approximately one third of the minimum sponsorship) has been paid by LCD from this sponsorship, the remaining funds will be treated as a donation to the charity.

   Example 1:'High Atlas Summit Trek'		Example 2: 'High Atlas Summit Trek'
   Full cost:	£864	Registration fee:	£145
   Deposit and balance	£145 + £719
   Insurance:	£35	Insurance:	£35
   Minimum sponsorship:	n/a*	Minimum sponsorship:	£1375

   *If you are paying the full cost of your expedition, there is no minimum sponsorship requirement.
   You are simply asked to raise as much as you can for your chosen cause.

   You may think the registration fees are high, and you may have seen other fundraising expeditions being advertised with much lower fees.  However, you must remember that the registration fee you pay is still only approximately half of the actual cost of the expedition, and hence a very good deal. From LCD's point of view, the higher the registration fee, the less we have to pay (the balance of the expedition costs) from the sponsorship you raise.  This is also attractive to your sponsors, who would want as large a percentage as possible of their donations going directly to the charity.

   Of course, if you would like to pay the balance of the expedition costs yourself, you are very welcome to do so!  This will not only benefit Link Community Development financially, but it will mean that you can tell sponsors that every penny they give will go directly to the charity.

   Charities which offer their own fundraising expeditions have to compete for participants and, over the years, have been forced to significantly drop their registration fees to fill their expeditions.  Now that Charity Challenge has been launched, you can not only choose from many different expeditions, but you can also choose the charity you wish to support.  Charity Challenge's flexibility has enabled many smaller charities who could not afford to organise their own itinerary, like Link Community Development, to offer fundraising expeditions to their supporters.  Link Community Development does not have to pay to join Charity Challenge, and can provide as few or as many participants as we can, subject to availability of expedition places.

   

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3. How much do I have to raise for LCD?

   The amount you have to raise for Link Community Development depends on the expedition you choose.  The minimum sponsorship levels range from £1,500 to £3,000, with many around the £2,500 mark.  Raising this sponsorship will be your first challenge!

   As soon as your registration has been processed you will be sent fundraising ideas, a sample sponsorship letter and sponsorship forms.  LCD has had years of experience of helping people fundraise so we will be able to give you lots of advice and practical help.  The first rule is to start fundraising as soon as you can!  Your colleagues, friends, family, employer, church and old school are all good places to start.  And of course, you can hold your own fundraising events, such as a raffle or party.

   The money you raise should be sent directly to LCD as you collect it.  At least 80% of the minimum sponsorship MUST be sent in at least 8 weeks before departure, along with pledges for the remaining 20%. If you do not do this, you risk losing your place on the expedition.  The remaining 20% should be sent to the charity within 6 weeks of returning to the UK.  You must not use the Charity Challenge to collect sponsorship for any charity other than the one you indicate on your registration form.

   

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4. Isn't it environmentally unfriendly to take such large groups on these treks?

   Much criticism has been focused at the charity sector for the environmental and social impact caused by sending large groups of over 100 people to sparsely populated areas of the developing world.  The organisers of these events have done this in order to keep the cost per person down to a minimum to allow the charities to raise as much as possible.  Charity Challenge has addressed this environmental concern.  The cost per person is higher (hence you are required to pay a higher registration fee) so that you will typically end up with only 25 people on your expedition, and in some wilderness locations as few as 6 people.

   

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5. What about supporting the communities who live in these regions?

   Charity Challenge (not Link Community Development) will make a donation to the community which you visit. Volunteering to support communities goes a long way. Here are some reasons why:

   • You can raise more than putting your hand in your pocket yourself.
   • You will be able to raise much more awareness of the cause you are supporting.
   • It may lead you or your organisation to use your experience to go on and help others in need.
   • You will be an advocate of the international community and showing that the world cares.
   • You will bring a new energy to a project and boost enthusiasm.
   • You will support the local economy.
   • You will inspire others by sharing your experience and may encourage others to do something similar.

   

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Expedition Itineraries

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Registration/Enquiries

The contact at LCD is Tina Sloane and her email address is tina@lcd.org.uk

Once the Charity Challenge office has received your completed registration form, medical form, registration fee, insurance premium and two passport photos, your application for a place on the Charity Challenge expedition will be processed.  Once your application has been authorised by Link, you will be sent the following documents:

• Confirmation - of successful registration and receipts for your insurance premium and registration fee
• Sponsorship Forms - to record all sponsorship donations received
• Country Fact File - for the country of your expedition
• Full Itinerary - detailing distances covered, vaccination requirements, accommodation, levels of fitness required etc
• Kit List - including details on receiving a discount from three stores
• Questions & Answers - providing you with all the answers to questions you didn't even know you wanted to ask.
• Travel Insurance Documents - direct from TraviQuote Ltd

www.charitychallenge.com