Shannen de la Motte
Cause: UN Women Australia
Adventure: UN Women’s Trek for Rights 2018
Fundraising Page: https://trekforrights2018.everydayhero.com/au/shannen-s-trek-for-rights-2018
As our Fundraiser of the Month, Shannen has scored herself a $50 donation to her fundraising page. To be our next month’s winner, make sure you’re uploading your journey to social and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired.
What inspired you to take on your first Inspired Adventure for UN Women?
I can never say no to an opportunity to travel! Particularly when it involves supporting a reputable organisation such as UN Women. I will always be an advocate for gender equality and this is a rare opportunity to see first-hand the impact of the generous work that UN Women do for the women inNepal.
How are you feeling about the challenge ahead? Have you ever been to Nepal before?
Excited! I am still getting my head around the ins and outs of trekking and have a few practice hikes in Melbourne coming up now that the weather is getting warmer. I have travelled to South Africa and Morocco but have never participated in something as full on as this!
What have been some of the highlights of your fundraising experience so far?
The generosity of my work colleagues, family and friends. From the moment I mentioned the Nepal Fundraiser at work, AIG Australia staff have been more than willing to donate and offer trekking tips. At first I wasn’t sure that I would even be able raise the $3.5K minimum by March 2018, but now that I am passed the halfway mark and am confident that we can exceed that amount!
What have been your biggest challenges in taking on an Inspired Adventure? How did you overcome this?
The biggest challenge is the physical preparation and becoming familiar with the world of hiking. I have been told that the physical preparation is 70% strength training and 30% cardio training. Whilst I do gym regularly, I have not had much experience with long distance hiking. Over the next few months I will be dedicating my weekends to some practice hikes around Victoria to become familiar with the added weight, distance and change in altitude.
Have you noticed any changes or transformation in your life since taking on your first adventure?
I am definitely being more conscious of what I eat and am more motivated to keep up with exercise. I will be starting the intense 8 week F45 circuit training challenge this month to build up strength. Having the Nepal trip as a goal to prepare for and look forward to has been the best motivation.
What are you most looking forward to about your upcoming adventure?
The trek itself! I know that the trek will not be easy but it will be a great physical and mental challenge. I cannot wait to immerse myself in the sights and culture of Nepal!
What advice would you offer to other people looking to complete a challenge like this?
Do it! It is a chance to physically how your fundraising efforts can impact some of the most marginalised people in the world. These challenges provide the basis for a once in a lifetime opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and be a part of something big from start to finish with likeminded people!
Become our next Fundraiser of the Month to win a $50 donation to your fundraising page!
Take a picture whilst fundraising for your adventure and use the hashtag #IveBeenInspired and your adventure hashtag. The most exciting use of the hashtag, with a fundraising focus will be our Fundraiser of the Month – it’s that easy!
@INSPIREDADVENTURES
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