Trek for Timor raises over $50,000 for solar lighting
Needing at least $18,000 to fund a Village Lighting Project in East Timor, using solar lighting kits designed by the Alternative Technology Association, the Kangaroo Valley Remexio Partnership, came up with the idea of a Trek for Timor.
Modelled on the annual Oxfam Walk, the idea was that money would be raised through sponsorship of walkers. For first-timers at such an event, the organisation required was monumental. Luckily for trekkers and the army of volunteers alike, 19th September was a perfect spring day, showing Kangaroo Valley at its best. Walking in teams of two, three or four, participants had the choice of walking either 14kms or 50kms. Most of the 246 who started opted for the greater challenge.
There were many impressive achievements on the day: a seven year old girl and a blind man completed the 14kms under their own steam; a 76 year old man walked 50kms (and certainly not in the slowest time). As a fundraiser, the event exceeded our wildest expectations. Sponsorship money will be coming in until 19th October, but already there is over $50,000 in the bank. Enough to light up many more than the original target of 120 houses.
