$30,000, 3,000 Kilometers, 30 kids, one trail.

Press Release
19 May 2014

$30,000, 3,000 Kilometers, 30 kids, one trail.

In late October 2014, Rob Candy, 30, will set off to trek New Zealand’s Te Araroa trail on behalf of two charities, raising both awareness and a combined $30,000 in funds for the charities in question.

Funds raised will change the lives of 30 children and young people; allowing ten Kenyan children to go to school on an all-expenses-paid full year’s scholarship, and 20 Tanzanian young people to take part in a life-changing expedition with Raleigh International. The 3,000km Te Araroa trail spans the length of New Zealand and was first opened in 2011.

Currently based in Wellington, New Zealand, on a working holiday visa from England, Rob plans to work through the winter months and set off at the first sign of Spring – around the end of October/early November. Depending on fitness and weather the journey should take approximately 4-5 months and will see Rob scaling mountains, trekking ridges, valleys, plains, forests, coastlines, vast sheep stations and even volcanoes.

Rob’s two chosen charities are Raleigh International and People. The charities work around the world and in Kenya respectively.

Rob said, “The two charities I’ve chosen to support are ones which I have personal connections with. Both are involved in some fantastic projects, working alongside some inspirational people and communities and I’m really passionate about what they do. I’m excited at the prospect of attempting the Te Araroa on their behalf but at the same time it’s fair to say I’m a little nervous – it’s a tough trail.

“I came to New Zealand in the hope of adventure and this seems to be a perfect fit. I’ve always been interested in trying to help others and I hope that in one way or another I’ve mostly managed to do that along the way. This is another way of trying to do that; one that allows me to do something positive for others by doing something I love… Whether I still love it after walking 3,000kms is another question; ask me again next year…”

Having seen Raleigh’s work first-hand as a volunteer on a Tanzanian expedition in June 2013 prior to coming to New Zealand, Rob decided funds raised through his New Zealand trek should go towards funding Tanzanian young people to take part in expeditions in the East African country. His goal of $21,000 will contribute to 20 young volunteers to join a three-month expedition.

Rob’s second chosen charity is People. Inspired by his friend’s commitment in starting the charity in 2011, all funds raised for People will go towards their scholarship programme. Working in Gituamba – a small Kenyan community – People are committed to eradicating poverty, a key aim being the funding of education. If the full amount can be raised (just over $10,000), then 10 Kenyan children will receive full funding for a years education, with all costs provided, including accommodation, uniform, food, stationary, and medical costs.

If you’d like to sponsor Rob and give to his chosen causes then head over to his blog at robcandy.tumblr.com. You’ll also find out more about him and can follow his journey as it unfolds.

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