The Kilimanjaro Ladies blog is up and running! We are so excited to begin documenting our 10 month fundraising and training adventure for our September 2009 trek up Mt. Kilimanjaro!
Liz and I have decided to participate in our company's annual Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge in partnership with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO). We have decided to challenge ourselves to join 30 other Accenture employees from across the globe to climb the highest free-standing mountain in the world (well technically it's a volcano - but wait, that sounds even more intense!) We will be ascending via the Rongai route, which is recognised as both the most beautiful and least difficult climb (phew!) to the "Rooftop of Africa" - Uhuru peak.
Why Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?
I'll let Liz answer this question for herself - but for a very long time I've wanted to contribute to a development organization that creates positive change through skilled volunteer work in some of our world's poorest countries. I believe sending skilled volunteers to enable and educate people in areas of the world that need support is the best aid that can be provided. VSO is the largest independent volunteer charity in the world and they concentrate in these 6 specific areas (1) HIV and AIDS (2) disability (3) participation and governance (4) secure livelihoods (5) education and (6) health and well-being.
Most of my friends and family that will read this blog - also know I love taking on a physical challenge and being outdoors...but sometimes it takes an extra push to get me going! If I can contribute to VSO's work, while training to trek up Africa's tallest mountain, then why not?! (Check back in to see if I've changed my tune while training through January and February).
We will also have the opportunity to witness first hand the impact of VSO's work in East Africa during a project visit - prior to our 7 day trek. Being able to see the benefits of the work VSO provides, and realizing we helped to make their work possible - will be a HUGE reward.
What's Next?
We have a goal to raise over $14,000 over the next 10 months, and we are excited to get started! Keep checking back in as we update the Kilimanjaro blog to include our latest adventures, links to our individual fundraising sites, and a Fundraising Events calendar!
-DDM
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