The Challenge
Friday, December 19, 2008
1 year. 2 stilts. 3000kms.
On July 1, 2009, Miki and I will begin our challenge to walk from the most northerly point to the most southerly point of mainland Japan.... on two very shaky and, at the moment, temperamental stilts! Walking determinedly, probably quite slowly, almost definitely without any grace at all a maximum distance of 15kms a day, we will take approximately 8 months to complete what is going to be the most unforgettable challenge of our lives.
While fundraising for charity may not be as well known in Japan as it is in other countries, our goal is to raise $100 000 (yes, more money than we will ever see fill the pages of our bank book) for the Borneo Orangutan Survival organization (BOS), a group dedicated to protecting the future of the Sumatran and Bornean orangutans. In the face of what we know will be a long and difficult year ahead, we have gained strength in our resolve through our contact with Michelle at BOS UK, Rich at BOS US and our main supporter next year, Miyazaki-san at BOS Japan.
With the support of BOS, all money raised through the Pongo Hogo Hogo Challenge will be used to purchase forest land in the aim of protecting orangutan habitat from palm oil developments.
One of the most important aspects of next year's challenge is ensuring that 100% of the money received goes directly to the project that we are doing this for. As such, all of the costs associated with any transportation to the start line and from the finish line, our day to day living expenses, and any payments required for promoting next year's challenge will be covered by us, through our own savings that we have been putting away for the past two years for this purpose. That way you know that every cent of your donation, is going directly to secure forest in Borneo. We are going to need every penny to do it.
posted by Mick and Miki Tan @ 6:32 PM,
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