Here at School for Life we're fortunate to have some incredible supporters who go above and beyond for us. Mel and Nat are two of those amazing people. They were both among the first people to sign up for our Kilimanjaro: Trek for our Teachers challenge next year. Today we're learning the ins and outs of why they wanted to take up this challenge and how they plan to raise at least $4000 each for our teachers...
Mel is excited for her Kili trek challenge in 2017
Meet Mel, a Sydney-sider who loves lazing around in her active wear and changing the lives of kids in rural Uganda!
Tell us a bit about yourself Mel...
Well, when I’m not making commitments to hike 12 days more than I have ever have before, I am either working as a Tender Consultant or lazing around Sydney’s East - usually as a cliché in my ‘active wear’.
How did you first hear about our Kilimanjaro: Trek for our Teachers?
I have been following School for Life on Facebook since I met Annabelle on the Bridge to Brisbane walk a couple of years back. When the Kili Challenge event popped up in my newsfeed it was a no-brainer.
What was your number one reason for signing up for our Kili Challenge?
The opportunity to go on a real adventure. Enough with the poolside holidays - get me out sleeping under the stars, meeting new people and experiencing a different culture.
What’s your training schedule look like (or going to look like!)?
I love outdoor activity, so with summer around the corner, there will be plenty of morning ocean swims, daily runs around Centennial Park and long hikes through the Blue Mountains and National Park on weekends.
Tell us about your fundraising plans?
With little fundraising experiencing under my belt, this is the most daunting aspect of this commitment. I have organised a movie night on September 22nd at Randwick Ritz (all welcome!). Throw in a Bunnings BBQ and a boozy function, and fingers crossed – hopefully, I will have exceeded the $4,000 target.
What drives you to want to raise money for not for profit organisations like School for Life?
I really believe in the charity model – where the aim is to empower a community with the resources to achieve long-term equality itself. It’s an approach that, I believe, respects the dignity, culture and practices of those receiving the support.
What are you most looking forward to for the Kili Challenge in 2017?
Conquering the peak, of course! – well, that and seeing the African landscape.
Will you visit the SFL schools in Uganda as well?
Absolutely! I can’t wait to see first-hand the schools and experience the music, dancing and laughter of everyone I keep seeing on the School for Life videos.
Nat is ready to begin her training for the June Kilimanjaro trek!
Meet Nat, she's planning to raise $12,000 and is also already a sponsor of three students in rural Uganda - love your work Nat!
Tell us about yourself Nat...
I live on the upper North Shore of Sydney in Lindfield. I'm married to a wonderful husband, David, and have two beautiful girls, Izzy 9 and Grace 7. My favourite indulgence is Nutella! I can eat it on it’s own out of the jar, on toast, with a scotch finger biscuit and even on ice cream! So naughty I know and I never let my girls see this or I would be in trouble as they would want to do the same! My favourite movie is Cocktails with the young and handsome Tom Cruise and the beautiful Elizabeth Shoe!
How did you first hear about our Kilimanjaro: Trek for our Teachers?
Through the School For Life Foundation where I sponsor three children in Uganda.
What was your number one reason for signing up for our Kili Challenge?
To challenge myself both mentally and physically whilst at the same time supporting a charity close to my heart.
What’s your training schedule look like (or going to look like!)?
I plan to kick off my training next month. I will start off with one to two moderate two hour walks and then each month increasing the time and level of difficulty as the trek draws near.
I also hope to join in on one or two of the Inspired Adventures trek training events which they hold every month.
Tell us about your fundraising plans?
My fundraising campaign kicked off last week. I plan to raise my funds through online campaigning. I have eight months till the trek and hope to raise $1, 000 per month if not more. People can donate to my Everyday Hero page to support me!
What drives you to want to raise money for not for profit organisations like School for Life?
Non for profit organisations do not get state or federal funding, therefore have to come up with all of their funding on their own. Fund raising campaigns, such as the Kilimanjaro Trek For Our Teachers, is one of the many ways School For Life raises their funding. They need all the help they can get! I also know that 100% of our money will go straight towards School For Life’s projects in rural Uganda, which is comforting to know.
What are you most looking forward to for the Kili Challenge in 2017?
A few things really. The challenge of climbing such a mountain and being able to say I conquered it and faced my fears. To show my two girls that you can achieve anything in life that you put your heart and soul into! And of course, meeting our sponsored children, the teachers and visiting the schools.
Will you visit the SFL schools in Uganda as well?
Absolutely! I am looking forward to meeting our sponsored children, the teachers and seeing all the hard work School For Life is doing in Uganda.
Have Nat and Mel inspired you to take the Kili Challenge with us in 2017? Find out how you can climb Africa's highest mountain and help give a quality education to children in rural Uganda.
