Article by Illaria.
Hike for Habitat – hike for a cause!
Has lockdown got you craving the vast open skies? Here at Habitat we know what’s up!
Fundraising is dynamic. It brings people together. It brings us all closer to life – after all, life is what makes this planet of ours so special. Unfortunately, there are 1.6 billion of us living without adequate shelter, 650 million without access to clean water resources, 116 427 of us homeless in Australia alone. Housing security is increasingly relevant, even as the world shifts to an urban lifestyle. Providing people with stable shelter is critical in supporting public health and sustainable development. But we can’t do it without your help!
There are a number of ways to raise funds with Habitat but some of our most popular, and arguably most fun initiatives, have involved reconnecting with the land and going on a trek. For those of you that love the idea of breathing in the deep greens, Hike for Habitat offers the chance to do just that while fundraising for a good cause. Treks of varying difficulty are offered multiple times of year with specific fundraising targets in mind.
So, what’s in store?
Hike for Habitat Cradle Mountain 2022
To set the year in healthy motion, Habitat for Humanity has organized the Cradle Mountain hike in Tasmania from 18th – 22nd January 2022. This is your chance to give back to those in need and raise money for housing projects that will provide safe and decent shelter for those that are struggling to keep a roof over their heads. During the 5 day trip, you’ll be enchanted by Tasmania’s untouched and untamed alpine scenery, meeting like minded people along the way.
“The trek was amazing! Truly life changing. A great group of people. An experience I will cherish for life. The solitude is so good for the soul.” — Lauren, Tarkine Coast and Cradle Mountain trek 2018
Hike for Habitat Larapinta 2022
The Larapinta Trail is one of the world’s most spectacular walking tracks. Situated in the Northern Territory, this beautiful route will have you rediscovering the Australian outback from the old Alice Springs Telegraph Station to the very top of Mount Sonder. Trekking over 65km of the backbone of the West MacDonnell Ranges, you’ll follow the Aboriginal Dreaming tracks, explore the mountains and valleys in all their glory, and step through the massive sun baked desert. It is here that we are privileged to experience the sacred sites of the Arrernte people and spend our nights camping under the star lit sky.
The trip is scheduled to take place from 19th-25th July 2022.
“The Hike for Habitat was a great opportunity to enjoy being in the world with good people.” — Paul Mulroney, Hike for Habitat Larapinta 2021
Bike, Raft and Hike for Habitat 2023
Most of Habitat’s hikes are graded as moderate but with the more ambitious, experienced hikers in mind, we’ve organised an event that will really get your blood circulating. Bike, Raft & Hike for Habitat is not for the faint hearted. From 19th – 24th January 2023, we’re here to take you on a true Kiwi challenge through the heart of New Zealand’s most diverse and remote landscapes. This 6 day journey will have you engulfed by nature while floating over the Tasman Sea, cycling through the lush vegetation of Lake Brunner’s shores, crossing the Southern Alps over 30km of trail, rafting down the Waimakariri River Gorge and mountain biking along the serene rural roads leading up to New Brighton Pier where we will celebrate in the newly opened He puna Taimoana Brighton Hot Pools. Throughout the challenge, you’ll know that Habitat has your back with a thoroughly planned out itinerary and a support vehicle available for most of the trip.
Ultra-Trail Australia 2022
At Habitat, we’re committed to engaging with volunteers and exploring new ways to fundraise for our cause. As a not for profit we rely on external funding to support our home building and renovation activities. To further our offering and widen the possibilities for community involvement, Habitat has partnered with Ultra-Trail Australia (UTA), the world’s third largest trail running event. UTA has several race options available for athletes of various abilities including elite performers. The event is scheduled to take place from 12th-15th May 2022 in Katoomba NSW with races going up to distances of 100km. We are proud to have been included in the wonderful not-for-profit team supported by UTA and invite you to participate and fundraise with us.
To wrap it up:
The not-for profit space is a tough industry. Habitat’s aims centre around investing into communities in need both locally and internationally. We are part of a movement of organisations that operate to serve, and to do this effectively we rely on the help of others. By signing up for a bit of an adventure you can build memories and help build homes all in one go!
Over the years, Hike for Habitat has had incredible success in drawing attention to both Habitat’s cause and presence in social housing initiatives. To add your name to our ever-growing list of contributors and find out more about Hike for Habitat go to https://www.habitat.org.au/volunteer/localvillage/
Sources:
UN-Habitat SDG Report
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/census-population-and-housing-estimating-homelessness/latest-release