By Suzzie*, Recruitment specialist
AWM profiled the plight of Syrian refugees some years ago around the same time a group of my friends and I wanted to push ourselves to complete a physical challenge. Considering the dire situation that was and is still ongoing in Syria, taking on an active fundraiser seemed like a good opportunity to raise some much-needed funds for Syrians in need.
Aiming high
After some discussion, we decided to take on the Three Peaks Challenge in the UK. This is where people climb the highest mountain in England, Scotland and Wales within twenty-four hours. It certainly was a challenge, but at the same time it was not as hard as some may expect, because we were doing an activity that we love.
A team effort
I didn’t go alone. My husband, my dad and three more couples were there too. My dad and a friend were our support team. Not only did they drive, they also filled flasks, and crucially, had cooked food ready for us to eat when we came down from the mountains. We couldn’t have done it without them. Although we did the climbing, in some ways it was harder for the drivers because they had to drive through the night and keep us on schedule. They definitely ‘got the t-shirt’ too.
‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Raise awareness too
We were a mixed group of friends and while not everyone fundraised everyone took part. The heavy news coverage of the Syrian conflict helped my friends who weren’t believers, to connect with the huge humanitarian need.
Hopefully you will inspire others too to launch forward into raising funds to see change in the Arab world. It’s especially fun if you pick activities you love to do, like we did.
If you do decide to take on a challenge to climb a few mountains, I do think that you need a team alongside you.
Up for the challenge?
You don’t have to love climbing mountains, like Suzzie, but you may have another skill that could be used to help raise funds for ministry to Arab peoples.
Browse our fundraising section and download our new fundraising pack, equipped with ideas, guidance and even pre-designed sponsorship forms.
Why not explore here for more information, or contact us at fundraising@awm-pioneers.org to chat further about your fundraising ideas? We’d love to hear from you!
*Name has been changed to protect identities.
**Library image used for illustrative purposes only. Image credit = David Billings from unsplash.
