One of the country’s leading charities, Mission Australia, has taken its Inspired Adventures fundraising concept to a new level – offering travellers the opportunity to take part in six of the world’s most challenging adventure trips…all with the aim of raising $250,000 to assist disadvantaged Australians.

To take part in Mission Australia’s Big 6 Inspired Adventures, participants need to raise a minimum level of funds and pay a small registration fee. In return, Mission Australia and its Inspired Adventures partners will provide adventure trips to six of the world’s most exotic locations.

The Big 6 Inspired Adventures includes the following trips:

• A trek to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania
• Trekking in the Himalayas at the foot of Mt Everest
• Walking the Kokoda Trail and staying in jungle camps
• Trekking across a segment of China’s Great Wall
• Trekking the Inca Trail in Peru
• Seeing the Indian Himalayas by motorbike

Big 6 Inspired Adventures trips include all flight and other travel costs (not including departure taxes, visa costs, fuel surcharges, travel insurance, etc), accommodation and most meals. The minimum fundraising target to participate is $5,500, while the registration fee is $700.

Mission Australia’s spokesperson, Narelle Campbell, said the Big 6 Inspired Adventures was an exciting new way of engaging people to raise funds for crucial community services.

“With so many charities active in Australia, we need to find a new and inventive ways of reaching out to donors and raising awareness of our work,” said Ms Campbell.

“The Big 6 does just that – in particular, it appeals to younger people who traditionally don’t support charities in large numbers. While they’re getting an experience of a lifetime, they’re also raising much needed funds and we can educate them about the issues facing disadvantaged Australians.

“Through the Big 6, Mission Australia aims to raise $250,000 – all of which will go to our services to help disadvantaged Australians, their families and communities.

“Anybody who thinks, ‘I can’t raise $5,500’, shouldn’t worry. Mission Australia provides a comprehensive fundraising guide along with our advice and expertise.

“Half the fun of the challenge is raising the money. Hold a fancy dress party, a trivia night, a talent contest, conduct a ‘slave’ auction – these are just some of the ideas. If you want to make a personal contribution, you can do that too, but most people meet the fundraising target comfortably.

“The bottom line is that people who complete the fundraising, are getting the trip of a lifetime for only $700!

“The Big 6 Inspired Adventures is for people who like adventure and want more out of helping disadvantaged Australians than just putting a gold coin in a bucket,” said Ms Campbell.

To find out more about taking part in one of Mission Australia’s Big 6 Inspired Adventures, call Jamie on (02) 9907 7088 or visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/big6

Media Contact: Paul Andrews (02) 9219 2080 or 0409 665 495