Justine in India (Trek for Tibet 2005)

How did it get to February so quick!  So far 2012 is off to an exciting start. Inspired Adventures has many new trips planned and some exhilarating destinations and journeys to share.  I take great pride in being able to work with my team and build on the successes of 2011 and take things to new levels this year.

A relaxing break over the festive season gave me plenty of time to reflect and to think ahead. Having had the time to be still in mind and body, I have been able to work on my resolutions for this year, some of which I would like to share with you:

-       Enjoy the now and live in the moment

As part of enjoying the now and living in the moment, I want to be able to celebrate every minor (and major!) success that Inspired Adventures facilitates on behalf of our charity partners as well as keenly observe, encourage and congratulate the fundraising and physical exertions of each and every one of our participants; I want to cherish moments with my wonderful staff in our new office space and share in their challenges and achievements. Living in the moment and enjoying the now will be my font of inspiration for this year and beyond.

-       Lead my first Inspired Adventure since 2007

In the past I have pushed myself to physical limits that I didn’t think I was capable of. Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. This year, now that my daughter is three, I intend to start training again to go back to the source of my motivation for starting Inspired Adventures and lead and encourage people to achieve their personal goals in a challenging and rewarding physical setting.

-       Get fit and take up cycling

I am not a serious cyclist – yet. In merging this resolution with the previous one, I am considering taking on and leading a cycling challenge in Cambodia. A knee injury has ruled me out of a marathon or trekking challenge but I am really looking forward to training and getting fit again on two wheels.

-       Be creative, set an exciting new goal and give time generously

These last three will intertwine and reinforce my other resolutions. I will endeavour to be as creative as possible in my existing and new pursuits; I look forward to setting a new goal and being motivated to see it to fruition and I look forward to watching life take on a new dimension as I invest in time to be able to give it more generously.

While many of these may not seem like tangible goals with instant gratification and reward, I know and understand the enormous sense of accomplishment when you go out of your comfort zone and make headway towards something you have set your heart to. This is my journey in 2012.  I am prepared to rise to the challenge, learn new things, put my heart and soul into it and discover more about myself along the way.

Here’s to an interesting, exciting and inspiring journey in 2012.

Justine

To see just how exciting 2012 is shaping up to be, please check out the Inspired Adventures calendar.

The mystical Machu Picchu has been both a journey and a destination for many Inspired Adventurers already, and 2012 is no exception.

The journey commences when you have your breath taken away (literally) as you roam the cobbled streets of Cuzco (3,326m) – a town high in the Andes that has been ruled by both Incas and Conquistadors alike. Legend has it that Cuzco was the ‘navel of the earth’. This is fairly factual as the town is the oldest continuously inhabited city on the entire continent. Strolling along the streets to admire the Inca-built walls is thought provoking. Taking in the sounds of the Quechua-speaking descendants of the Incas and soaking up the history of the undisputed archaeological capital of the America’s is indescribable.

After you become accustomed to life at altitude, the adventure really begins when you start trekking in the beautiful Lares Valley. This is a remote and rarely visited region where herds of llamas and alpacas surround the thatched stone houses of Andean farmers. The traditional dress is bright and colourful and the local communities are renowned for their high-quality textiles using natural dyes. Indeed the journey into the deep Andes, the colourful dress of high-altitude communities, the snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes is as important as the ultimate destination – Machu Picchu.

We don’t need to mention all 100 reasons to experience Machu Picchu as these amazing reasons alone will demonstrate why a Peru challenge will be the most rewarding thing you do in 2012.

-       Give deaf children a voice and get deaf kids talking: Our trips in June will raise vital funds for The Shepherd Centre and Taralye. Participants on these trips will have a unique visit to the Cochlear Clinic in Lima.

-       Support medical research to help prevent heart disease and stroke or help find a cure for cancer by supporting world-class research in Australia.  This trip in September will raise funds for the Heart Research Centre and the Australian Cancer Research Centre. This trip includes a special trip into the field to see project work being done by a local NGO outside of Cuzco.

-       Delve into the realm of the Inca’s and wander around their lofty citadel perched high in the Andes on an isolated mountaintop. Awaken something deep within you as you take in the awe and mysteriousness that abounds in Machu Picchu.

-       Trek the spectacular and remote Lares valley: observe how traditional Andean farmers live and work; see herds of llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat; learn about the weaving techniques from locals who have become renowned for their brightly coloured, high-quality textiles; stumble across ancient Incan burial tombs on trails built by the Incas; and rest aching muscles in the thermal baths.

-       Indulge in delicious Peruvian cuisine – ceviche (marinated fresh fish) and cuy chactado (fried guinea pig)! Did you know that potatoes came from Peru? There are over 8,000 species of potato native to the Andes.

-       Try ubiquitous beverages unique to Peru: Inca Kola, pisco sour, Cusqueña beer, chicha morrada (purple corn drink) and coca leaf tea.

-       Extend your trip and visit the Amazon, unravel the mystery of the Nazca lines in the coastal desert or go to the world’s highest navigable lake, Titicaca.

The Sacred Valley of the Incas is so steeped in history that the line between myth and fact has become blurred. For example, legend has it that Manco Capac founded the empire in the 12^th century. He was the first Inca and the son of the sun god Inti. More reliant historical fact emerges with detailed writings about the downfall of the Inca’s at the hands of the Spanish in the 16^th Century. More recent and greatly documented was the discovery of Machu Picchu in 1911. It has now been 100 years since Hiram Bingham stumbled upon what is undeniably one of the world’s greatest manmade wonders and there are more than 100 reasons to unleash your adventurous spirit 2012 to explore them for yourself.

If you have already begun your Inspired journey, now is a great time to revisit your fundraising plan, reflecting on your success to date and looking to your next milestone. If you are still pondering the perfect adventure and you’re exploring options for fundraising, an event is a fantastic tool to consider, particularly if you intend on fundraising your travel costs. Not only is an event a successful way to bring in funds for your adventure, but it is also a great way to give positive exposure to the charity.

We recommend holding one key event over the course of your fundraising rather than lots of little events. It is a better way to engage your supporters and is much more effort-efficient!  As with any fundraising venture, the recipe to success for any event is keeping costs down, profits up and getting as many people along as possible. Make sure you pre-sell your tickets and give people who can’t attend an alternative way to support your cause. Keep it simple, avoid taking risks and delegate, delegate, delegate.

Holding an event does not need to be stressful. The key is thorough planning and sharing out the work. Most importantly, make sure you have fun!

Take a look at the calendar below for some significant dates to consider over the next 12 months. Perhaps you could host an Olympics party, plan a mid-winter Christmas function or welcome the first day on spring in style with a summer-themed beach bash. The options are endless.

Inspired Adventures are the fundraising experts, and we look forward to helping you plan your next event. Give us a call to talk through your ideas and we’ll help you make it an event to remember.

January

1 Jan                           New Years Day
23 Jan                         Chinese New Year
26 Jan                         Australia Day

February
4 Feb                          World Cancer Day
14Feb                         Valentine’s Day
29 Feb                        Leap day

March
1 Mar                          First day of Autumn
8 Mar                          International Women’s Day
17 Mar                        St Patrick’s Day
22 Mar                        World Water Day
31 Mar                        World Earth Hour

April
1 Apr                          April Fools Day
6 – 9 Apr                    Easter weekend
25 Apr                        ANZAC day

May
8 May                         Mothers Day

June
1 June                        First day of Winter
5 June                        Queens Diamond Jubilee 2012
11 June                      Queen’s Birthday

July
Mid-July                     Mid-winter Christmas party
27 Jul-12 Aug            2012 London Olympics

August

September
1 Sep                          First day of Spring
4 Sep                          Father’s Day

October
1 Oct                           Queen’s Birthday (WA, QLD)
31 Oct                         Halloween

November
6 Nov                          Melbourne Cup Day
24 Nov                        Thanksgiving

December
1 Dec                          First day of Summer
25 Dec                        Christmas

ChildFund Australia

ChildFund Australia is an independent and non-religious international development organisation that works to reduce or eliminate poverty for children in the developing world.

In 2009, 14 Inspired Adventures participants cycled over 300km through the Cambodian countryside after raising more than $60,000 for ChildFund Australia. Thanks to the funds raised through Cycle Cambodia, the village of Chouk Meas now has a new primary school giving over 550 children access to education.

Riding on the success of Cycle Cambodia, in 2011 ChildFund Australia and Inspired Adventures created a trek through the luscious Sapa region in northern Vietnam. 17 participants joined the 12-day adventure raising over $70,000 to build a preschool in Go Thau, Vietnam. The construction project is due to be completed later this year and means more children can attend a full day of school in a safe and stimulating environment.

2012 is going to be another big year for ChildFund Australia. 10 runners have pledged to run 42km in the Paris and Dublin Marathons and in November, 5 individuals will run the New York marathon. A further 20 participants will take part in the Laos Water Cycle – over the coming months these fantastic fundraisers will be hosting events and collecting donations to fund three community water tanks and approximately 200 household toilets in northern Laos, where 75% of households have little or no access to clean and safe water. This could help save the lives of thousands of children by reducing life-threatening disease.

To participate in the Laos Water Cycle 2012 click here

Call 1300 905 188 to register your interest in the New York Marathon

World Vision

World Vision Australia is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

In November 2011, nine dedicated World Vision supporters ran the ING New York Marathon, raising over $125,000 for World Vision’s social and economic development program, SEE Solutions. SEE Solutions supports a range of practical and innovative social and economic empowerment projects around the world, projects that provide the working poor with access to knowledge, capital, markets and skills training so they can become independent in the long term.

With 2011 proving such a success, World Vision will be offering 15 places in the 2012 ING New York Marathon. This challenge will raise over $150,000, which will go towards providing life-saving food aid and relief essentials to desperately hungry children and families.

And if that wasn’t enough, World Vision are also going to offer 20 people the opportunity of a lifetime to conquer the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro in March 2013. Participants will also experience the work of the charity first hand, visiting the World Vision Area Development Program in Mukolat.

Call 1300 905 188 to register your interest in a World Vision adventure

Plan Australia

Plan Australia works at the grassroots in more than 49 developing countries, empowering communities to overcome poverty so that children have the opportunity to reach their full potential – and encouraging children to be actively involved in the process.

Plan Australia partnered with Inspired Adventures in 2010, taking 14 trekkers on the adventure of a lifetime to Nepal. Gill Brzoska, one of the incredible participants, said “What a life changing experience…I never expected to feel so humble, forge such beautiful friendships with like-minded people, and feel proud that I have been able to contribute to such a worthy cause”. $50,000 was raised through the determination, dedication and passion of these 14 trekkers and was invested in Plan projects addressing social inequalities for girls in Africa and Asia.

In July 2012, Plan Australia has two Inspired Adventures departures. The Asia Insight Tour will visit Plan supported projects in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia to see the impact of gender disparities and development first hand. Funds raised will support Plan’s GirlsFund – an initiative that helps to identify and respond to the barriers girls face.

Their second adventure will take a dedicated group of fundraisers to Mount Kilimanjaro to summit the highest freestanding mountain in the world. These participants will gain a valuable insight into an Urban Sanitation project in Nairobi.

Click here to join Plan’s Asia Insight Tour or Kilimanjaro Challenge and Project Visit

Some things you may need to consider before choosing boots include:

• the nature of your adventure
• the sort of ground you will be traversing
• keeping your feet dry
• how much weight you will be carrying
• durability
• cost
• weight

The good news is there are so many good products on the market now that there is bound to be something just right for you.

Consider the type of Inspired Adventure:

Outdoor footwear can be divided into a few basic categories, mountaineering, trekking/bush walking, hiking, trail running, day walking, approach, travel, and sandals.

Trekking/bushwalking: Boots designed for long distance walks over moderate to rough terrain with moderate to heavy backpacking loads. They are designed with multi-day trips in mind. Durable and supportive, they provide a high degree of ankle and foot protection and as a result, they are heavier, and will take longer to break in than hiking boots. Emphasis is on control, long-term support, water-resistance and the boots’ ability to withstand abuse. Click here to view mens or Click here to view womens 

Hiking: Boots designed for use on two to three day walks with light to moderate backpacking loads both on and off the beaten track. Although emphasis is still on lightness and comfort, these boots should also be durable, water resistant and supportive. Click here to view mens or Click here to view womens

An ideal all-rounder for trekking adventures from Kilimanjaro to the Great Wall of China is the Scarpa Kinesis Lite (mens) and Mythos Lite (womens) Gore-Tex® Boot. These boots are lightweight, yet extremely study. They offer durable and reliable waterproofing with a GORE-TEX® performance comfort lining, keeping your feet both dry and ventilated. The deep padded ankle and V-Flex collar allow maximum support and freedom of movement for ultimate comfort while the gripped sole offers superb traction along various terrains. RRP $399.95.

Click here to view more info on Choosing Footwear

If the Shoe Fits…

Once you have narrowed down the options to a handful of boots or shoes, the best way to decide between them is to try them on, as every boot model is built around a different “last” (standard foot shape), so each one will fit you a little differently.

Boots must fit well, so here are some boot fitting tips to help you find the perfect fit.

• Before fitting, test the flex of the sole, it must bend where your foot does, at the ball of the foot. (Allow for some initial stiffness of the sole.)
• Pick the right socks. Wear the type of socks and sock liners that you will be wearing when you use the shoe.
• If one foot is larger than the other, fit your larger foot first. You may need to use extra socks or an insert to take up extra space in the other boot.
• Put your feet in but before you lace up. Slide your feet forward in the unlaced boots (as if your foot were sliding when walking down a hill), bend your knee slightly, (as if to mimic the way your foot may lift when walking). Try to stick a finger between your heel and the back of the shoe, one finger should fit snuggly behind the foot, but not two.
• Kick the feet back in the boots and lace up firmly. The ‘ears’ of the boot at the lace holes must be well separated.
• Do some deep knee bends. The heels should not rise in the boots more than about 3mm.
• Stand with the heels hooked on the edge of a step and your mass pushing your feet forward in the boots. Your toes must be free to wriggle and should not touch the front of the boots.
• Stand flat on the floor with someone holding the boots to restrain them from moving. Try to move the front of the feet sideways with the heel as the pivot. No side movement of the ball of the foot should be noticeable.

NOTE: Feet often swell becoming longer and wider, with both walking and the carrying of a load, so please take this into account. If the boots are a little tight sideways, remember they often stretch in width, but never change in length.

Remember: Your boots will need “breaking in” please visit the self care advice within Paddies Diaries Outdoor Library.

“We explored, we hiked, we ran, we biked…
We sweated, we tried, we laughed, we cried…
WE RAISED OVER $1.7 MILLION!!!!”

2011 - a fantastic year for Inspired Adventures!

Wow – 2011 was indeed a year of frenetic activity for Inspired with over 300 people signing up to raise money for our wonderful charity partners. Overall, $1.7 million was raised – a truly amazing achievement! We are very proud of each and every person who has taken time out of their day-to-day life to raise money for their cause and then take part in an incredible adventure in places like Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Peru, India, Sumatra – just to name a few. Our team in the office also grew and was burgeoning beyond our capacity to accommodate them. This resulted in our recent move to a new office where will will continue our fundraising adventures in the new year.

Looking back on 2011, we would like to share with you some highlights and quotes from the year that was:

Highlights:

• 27 Inspired Adventures successfully completed
• 302 Inspiring people achieved their goals
• Over $1.7 million dollars was raised for our charity partners (taking us to a total of over $5.4 million since 2005!!)
• 47 people crossed the finish line of the New York Marathon
• Our very own Inspired Adventures team member Nadia Killeen completed the New York Marathon for Kids Helpline. Read more…
• 90% of all participants who attempted Mt. Kilimanjaro summited – an awesome accomplishment! (with a special mention going to the 17 members of the Leukaemia Foundation Australia team who all reached the summit raising over $100,000!)
• One participant, Margaret, was given the gift of a lifetime last Christmas. Her husband signed her up to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for Cure Cancer. (Hint: a great Christmas idea for those still trying to find that something special for themselves or a loved one – check out our calendar)
• Record breaking: within 72 hours, 18 amazing people signed up to climb Mt. Kili in 2012 for Amnesty International Australia
• We launched our first ‘Insight Tour’ for Plan offering rare insight into communities and the impact of grassroots projects.

Quotable quotes for 2011:

Kyle’s Inspired Adventurer’s take Asia and New York by storm

“You can take 20 near strangers, chuck them in a foreign land together, and within days they will think like a team, act like a family, and joke like lifelong friends. It is truly life-changing.” Kyle

Nadia’s Marathon Magic

“I learned many things from this experience: about myself; about the generosity of strangers; about the joy of friends and family; about the blessing of good health and a happy life. However, what I really learned 48 hours after running a marathon was that my body could handle the miles better than the booze!”

Doing it for Flinders through the Hai Van Pass

“We learnt that ‘Doing it for Flinders’ makes cycling up the Hai Van Pass in Vietnam a piece of cake!” Team Flinders

Margaret on receiving a place on the Cure Cancer Mount Kilimanjaro Challenge from her husband as a Christmas present last year

“I was emotionally overwhelmed. Even over the next couple of days, when anybody asked me what I got from Santa, I couldn’t help but cry.” Margaret

Damien quoted by Anne in Nadia’s Marathon Magic comments section

“This is what you have been working for- this is what its all about, we all made it- we are here- we deserve to enjoy it”! Damien

Team Leader Matt on Alzheimer’s Climb Kili

“Job done…… I am so proud of all the members of Team Tembo. You guys rock and life will not be the same after this experience of a lifetime.” Matthew

Nepal CEO trekkers

“On a 6hr bumpy bus ride to Chitwan – everyone is feeling great and enjoying all the different sites, sounds, smells and new experiences! Go team, you are amazing and doing great work! The funds raised by this team go directly to support women and children affected by domestic violence… Great work!”

Inspired Adventures looks forward to the new adventures that 2012 holds with great anticipation. We have new challenges (even a swim!), new adventures, new marathons (including an outback marathon!), historical anniversary treks (70th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign), Insight Tours and new charity partners. It is shaping up to be our most adventurous year yet. While 2011 advent calendars are coming to an end, you can rest assured that our 2012 adventure calendar will be there waiting for all those wanting to challenge themselves in the New Year. We can take you to where you want to go and help you fulfill your fitness and fundraising goals in the process.

The year ahead is going to be our biggest yet. I want to end my last blog of the year with a huge thank you to each person who has ever done an Inspired Adventure for giving your time, commitment and fundraising for brilliant causes. This really does have to be one of the most exciting and fulfilling ways to fundraise there is!

And finally a huge ‘thank you’ to the Inspired team. Belinda, Kyle, Nadia, Helen, Sophie, Hannah and Kristen you are an exceptional team. Thank you all for another great year, your enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism is second to none.

Roll on 2012!

Justine

302 people raised over $1.7 million for our charity partners in 2011

“She really did see the world through different eyes,” Kevin told the 500-strong group of friends and family who gathered together to pay tribute to Tracy at her memorial service. “She marvelled at the wonders of nature, she adored all creatures great and small and she always saw the good in everything and everyone.”

Before she died, Tracy had told Kevin that, if she were ever well enough again, she would travel to remote parts of the world to offer whatever help she could to rescue and free animals that were being oppressed and cruelly treated. When this became impossible, she asked that instead of sending flowers to commemorate her, people donate to Animals Asia. A total of $2,000 was raised.

Tracy was diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer in July 2009, which had spread to the liver. The diagnosis came as a complete shock to Tracy and Kevin, and their sons Thomas and Anton and daughter Madeline. Tracy had no symptoms or signs to say she was carrying such a horrible disease. Tracy had been a devout vegetarian for close to 30 years, never smoked or drank, and exercised regularly. “We all thought she would outlive all of us,” said Kevin.

However, Tracy’s liver was beyond repair. “Thanks to the marvels of modern medicine her time with us was extended by one year and a week exactly. She remained graceful and positive right until her last days. We miss her so.”

Kevin and Tracy’s life together was full of adventure. As a young couple they spent two seasons working in the ski fields of Thredbo and driven across the Nullarbor Plain to Perth. As a family they travelled to New Zealand, the USA and Japan.

When Kevin heard about Animals Asia’s China Moon Bear Rescue Challenge with Inspired Adventures, he knew he couldn’t miss the opportunity to carry out one of Tracy’s dying wishes. He and his sons Thomas, who is now 20, and Anton, 22, have since signed up to the trip, which departs in May 2012, and committed to fundraising close to $20,000 for Animals Asia. Madeline would have loved to participate but unfortunately could not take the time away from her university studies.

The 12-day trip includes a visit to Animal Asia’s Moon Bear Rescue Centre in Chengdu, a few days exploring the historical sites of Beijing and five days trekking the Great Wall of China. Though many sections of this ancient wonder have been restored, conditions are variable, and some parts are steep and narrow. A good level of fitness is required.

“Thomas and Anton are more advanced in their training, spending countless hours in the gym and on their fitness in general,” said Kevin. “I on the other hand have quite a way to go but intend to step up my training after the festive season has passed.”

They have already raised the bulk of funds needed – close to $13,000. They organised a function attended by 150 people, with funds raised through raffling and auctioning donated prizes and gifts. Some of the funds have come through direct donations. They hope to raise the final $6,500 at a Charity Golf Day at Parkwood Golf Club on the Gold Coast.

“We are really looking forward to pushing each other to complete the Great Wall Trek and to help any way we can to support Animals Asia,” said Kevin. “We all really admire founder Jill and just how much of her life she has devoted to this cause. She really is inspirational – and hopefully more and more people can be inspired to be involved.”

“I’m sure a little part of Tracy will be with us all and that we make her proud. She was so passionate about the Moon Bears.”

“It was a complete and total surprise,” Margaret said. “I was emotionally overwhelmed. Even over the next couple of days, when anybody asked me what I got from Santa, I couldn’t help but cry.”

With the fundraising target already paid for by her husband, the pressure was off in terms of fundraising – a good thing as Margaret runs her own business and works very long days. Margaret decided to compliment her husband’s contribution anyway, and her daughter helped organise a trivia night that raised close to $3,000.

“The generosity of local business and the greater community and friends, was tremendous. Whenever Cure Cancer’s name was mentioned, there never was any hesitation, people were very happy to donate.”

At 62, Margaret enjoys taking the time to appreciate life – reading, quilting, eating good food and spending time with her family are important. In terms of hobbies and exercise, she loves gentle activities like gardening and golf. Now she can add trekking to the list!

To get fit for the Kili Challenge, Margaret spent lots of time bushwalking with other participants from the Cure Cancer Challenge. She also went to the gym. “I was aiming to do an hour’s workout each night,” she said, “ but managed maybe three nights a week.”

It was enough, as it turned out, to get her to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, with a little help from Inspired’s Nadia Killeen who, despite being unwell herself, pushed Margaret ‘over the top’ when all she wanted to do was sleep, 10 metres from the summit.

“The trip was the highlight of all trips and maybe even my life – every day, walking, watching Mount Kili get closer and closer. My tent mate Sharon was amazing, with her sheer determination to place a plaque at the top of Mount Kili. The last day running down through the rainforest with three other trekkers – it was exhilarating. We had done it!”

And for the most part, the aspects of the trek that she feared the most – like the late night climb from Kibo Camp – while challenging, turned out to be a quite an adventure. “It was thrilling – Nadia and I walking in the dark across a dried up stream bed with only my headlight to see where we were going. I slept well that night!”

Margaret’s mother and sister are both cancer survivors so the Cure Cancer cause is close to her heart. “Their ability in getting the word out there is nothing short of terrific. My fullest compliments to Cure Cancer and Inspired Adventures on their part, coming up with great ideas and overwhelming support where we, us trekkers, benefited.”

Margaret would love to do the climb again but doesn’t want to tarnish the memories. “Everything, including the weather, was perfect. It has changed me,

having contact with so many kind-hearted people who were very supportive.” Instead, Margaret would like to go ‘home’ to Scotland one more time and do the Great Western Highlands Walk – perhaps in 2012.

Even now, six months after her return, Margaret is constantly surprised by people’s interest in her achievement. “One of my clients has asked that I write a little story for their group’s newsletter.” Recalling the memories won’t be a problem. “I still relive the trip as though it were yesterday.”

★ LAOS  ★ CAMBODIA  ★ VIETNAM 

“Across the world, girls face double discrimination due to their gender and age, leaving them at the bottom of

the social ladder.” Plan

With 2012 just around the corner it is hard to believe that girls around the world still find themselves at the bottom of the social ladder. Research shows that:

• girls are more likely to be forced into the sex trade;
• more likely to suffer from malnutrition;
• more likely to become infected with HIV;
• more likely to be subjected to intimidation and violence and
• more likely to be forced into marriage at an early age.

Our good friends at Plan have been working hard to address these issues and are empowering women and girls all over the world to overcome poverty.

In July 2012, Plan brings you the Asia Insight Tour – an inspired adventure like no other. Differing from our other trips, the Plan Asia Insight Tour has no challenging physical component. The trip has been exclusively designed to allow participants to engage with their experience on a deeper level and immerse themselves in the cultural and community development aspects of the trip. This is a very unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and off the tourist trail to see firsthand how Plan helps communities address gender inequality facing young girls and women.

The Asia Insight Tour follows on the success of the Plan Trek Nepal. In May 2011, 13 people trekked the Himalayas to raise over $53,000 for Plan. Inspired Adventures and Plan have teamed up again in 2012 to offer you a rare adventure that will take you right down to the grassroots level where Plan does its most important work. You will be taken to Southeast Asia’s most and least visited areas and your heart and mind will work overtime when you talk directly with community project participants as you acquaint yourself with Plan’s projects.

The Asia Insight Tour encapsulates everything that you could ask for in a unique travel experience – a rare insight into communities and the impact of grassroots projects implemented by one of the oldest and largest children’s development organisations in the world.

Inspired Adventures fully supports Plan’s commitment to investing in girls in order to break the poverty cycle and we are excited to be able to offer this tour with a difference in 2012.

As a Mum to a beautiful 3-year-old girl, with many exciting opportunities ahead of her, it is unbelievable that many girls around the world are so suppressed and have very little opportunity available to them to have a good life. Many of us naturally take education, healthcare and the support of a loving family for granted.

Our ability to make a difference to these girls’ lives starts with knowledge and insight. That is, getting a clear understanding about the problems that they face and how we can effect change.

Justine

♀ More information on Plan’s campaign to fight gender inequality

♀ Find out more about the Plan Asia Insight Tour

♀ Read more from Justine’s Corner

Our first Inspired Adventure

Saturday 10 December is International Human Rights Day. It marks the 63^rd anniversary of the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is also an important day for us as the impetus to launch Inspired Adventures came about after a chance meeting with a Tibetan monk who had suffered many human rights abuses. When we met him, he was living in exile in Dharamsala, India.

Palden Gyatso’s story was moving. His determination, resolve and simplicity invoked an epiphany within that could not be ignored. From that chance meeting, Inspired Adventures was born.

“The human body can bear immeasurable pain and yet recover. Wounds can heal. But once your spirit is broken, everything falls apart.”  Palden Gyatso 

It made sense that our first adventure was the “Trek for Tibet” for the Australia Tibet Council, an organisation working hard to promote the ‘human rights and democratic freedoms of the Tibetan people’. In November 2005, I took a group of 19 people to the home of the Dalai Lama and together we trekked through the Indian Himalayas to raise money almost $40,000 for the Australia Tibet Council. Although each and every trip that Inspired Adventures has organised, this first trip was very dear to me and became the motivation to keep on keeping on.

Recently, Inspired Adventures has teamed up with Amnesty International Australia. Amnesty fights hard against injustice and is a staunch defender of human rights abuses.  They campaign on violence against women, promote the rights of Indigenous peoples, defend the rights of refugees and demand dignity using human rights as the key to releasing people from the trap of poverty.

Inspired Adventures isn’t just about raising funds for our charity partners. Every step of the way we are championing the cause of each and every partner. Our causes are diverse and range from defending human rights to working towards a cure for cancer and other diseases; raising awareness of SIDS and promoting disability inclusion as well as rebuilding the lives of youth in crisis and putting an end to animal cruelty. Every day we are working with participants who are doing incredible things for our charity partners. We know that none of these problems can be solved overnight. However we do believe that together we can all make a difference.

Justine

Trek for Tibet 2005

HUMAN RIGHTS AND YOU…

• Find out more about Palden Gyatso…

• Learn about the work of the Australia Tibet Council and find out what the Tibetan community in Australia are doing on 10 December.

• Join the Kilimanjaro Challenge and help Amnesty International Australia defend human rights abuses.

• Read the Universal Declaration on Human Rights