A group of 11 Robert Gordon University (RGU) students are taking part in a Challenge Event to scale Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for a charity project which provides education and healthcare for children in Tanzania.
The award winning student expedition, organised annually by the fundraising arm of RGU’s Students’ Union, RGU:RAG, is aiming to raise money for Childreach International, a leading global charity which supports children in the developing world.
The students will be traveling to Tanzania on June 4, 2016 where they will begin their six day trek up the mountain.
Prior to the trip itself, each member of the team is required to raise £2,895 by organising a variety of fundraising events such as bake sales, ceilidhs, street collections and pub quizzes in and around the city.
Team leader, third year Communication Design student Aileen MacAlister (22) who has spent the last two summers taking part in charity exhibitions for Childreach International, said: “I have been involved with Childreach International since my first year of university. I got involved because it gives participants a chance to challenge themselves while raising money for an amazing cause.
“I have come back each year because I have seen how the work that they do really makes a positive impact on the communities that they work in.”
In preparation the students are planning to climb Ben Nevis together after the fundraising period is over to get a small taster for what it will be like to reach the summit of the world’s largest free standing mountain.
Once in Africa, the group will also be visiting one of the projects in Tanzania which their fundraising will be benefiting, giving the students a first-hand insight into the work that Childreach International is doing in the area.
Team member Rachel Cruickshanks (21), a third year Events Management student, adds: “I’m really looking forward to visiting the schools and experiencing the different life they live, as well as the personal challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and being out of my comfort zone.”
Third year Architecture student, Ben Muir (22), is looking forward to the challenge but is slightly worried about altitude sickness.
“We are trying to get as fit as possible, but fitness can only help us so far. The problems will come once we are above 4000m, as the altitude sickness will start to affect some people, and I don’t know if I will be one of the unfortunate ones.”
He added: “I’ll be delighted to reach the summit at Uhuru Peak but I’m really excited to work with the charity out there and seeing the difference that all our hard work makes, which I think is more important when it comes down to personal gain.”
Anyone looking to support the team can donate through the team members’ individual JustGiving pages which can be found at www.justgiving.com