You could be travelling to the summit of the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains, to raise money for disabled young people in Rwanda, on The Point Foundation Charity Trek, writes Ian Reynolds-Young
It promises to be one of those ‘milestone’ experiences in life that one never forgets: a five-day trek, based out of Marrakech, to the summit of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa…
Here’s your chance to enjoy a dream holiday and raise much-needed funds for the Point Foundation – even as you tick an item off your bucket list. Every step you take will help sustain support for 24 disabled young people that have rescued from neglect and housed in a former orphanage in Rwanda.
Thanks to Point Foundation funding, the quality of life of these ‘forgotten’ young people has being radically improved through the Homes4Life programme and The Point Foundation Charity Trek is out to keep the lifeblood flowing in the form of a cash boost.
Steve Gallagher, MD of Gem Vending, explained: ‘Our goal is Jebel Toubka, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains at 4167 metres – that’s over three times the height of Snowdon’, he said. ‘It’s going to be a physical challenge, but our party will experience the contrast between the peace of rural Berber life and the hectic buzz of Marrakech with its souks, historic palaces and tombs and I think that’s well worth the effort.
‘It’s a very exciting project, with a number of wonderful vending people already booked to go’, Steve added, ‘however as you might have guessed, we need some more trekkers…’
And that’s where we at Planet Vending can help out, with a ‘shout out’…
Are you up for it? The trek is scheduled for May 23-27 so, as places really are strictly limited, you’ll need to act fast: think ‘Marrakech Express’. There’s a .pdf available that provides chapter and verse on what you’ll need, where you’ll go, what you’ll do and when you’ll do it*. To get hold of a copy and to register your interest, please contact organiser Sharon Gallagher by e-mail at sh******@********ng.com
*What the .pdf doesn’t really convey is why you should get involved, (if you’re fit and healthy and able to get yourself sponsored). I had a long chat with Steve about the youngsters he’s promised to help and some the deprivation he’s witnessed at first hand is enough to make you wince. He and Sharon are utterly committed to maintaining this work and, I promise you, after a five minute chat with either / or, you’ll be reaching for your walking boots. If I wasn’t a physical patch-up job, I’d be the first to sign up. I R-Y
