Frequently asked questions
Charity Challenge overseas events
What does it involve?
By signing up to undertake an overseas challenge you will be taking part in a fantastic experience, which will undoubtedly provide you with enough memories for a lifetime. But, it won't be easy.
The conditions and accommodation will be adequate, but on occasion may be basic, and you will probably be sharing rooms with strangers - and on occasion the odd member of local wild life!
Fundraising challenges are, by their very nature, harder than a normal holiday. All your needs will be taken care of, and you will be in a beautiful location, but you are there to complete a challenge. That may mean early starts and a demanding schedule. You will have devoted considerable time and effort to training and fundraising - this is a challenge that will keep you busy for months!
Who takes part?
Participants from all walks of life take part in overseas challenges. One of the many aspects that make them such unique and entertaining events is the wide range of individuals taking part.
You can participate as an individual or in a group. Please go to the individual challenge websites for age restrictions.
What about sponsorship?
Sponsorship targets vary depending on the challenge you undertake. On average, one third of the sponsorship money that you raise will go towards the cost of your trip, and this should be made clear to your sponsors.
We always encourage that at least half the revenue raised should go back directly to the charity. Therefore if ground and flight costs are £1,200 per person, you could aim at £2,400 individual fundraising target, with a £200 registration fee.
If you are not happy with this, most companies offer the option of you paying the tour costs yourself, which include an initial £100 donation to WaterAid, you then just commit to raise as much sponsorship money as you can.
What is included in the sponsorship/cost of the event?
Included in the cost of your trip will be return flights to and from a London airport; internal road and air transfers (including luggage); all accommodation during your challenge; food and drinking water; activity equipment, such as bikes, canoes and kayaks, as required; English-speaking guides; medical support.
You will need to budget for transport to and from a London airport, gratuities, personal spending money and (if required); visas; overseas airport departure tax; vaccinations; and any optional extras you may require during the trip.
For more specific details about what each of the challenge companies' offer, please visit their websites.
Who benefits from the money I raise?
After the tour costs are paid, every penny raised goes to WaterAid, to help people in developing countries gain vital access to clean water and sanitation.
How do I pay my sponsorship money?
The initial registration fee should be sent with your registration form to the event company that you choose to sign up with.
All the sponsorship money that you raise should be sent directly to WaterAid. After you have registered we will send you further details on how to do this.
What happens if I can't raise the money?
If you have chosen to take part by raising the minimum level of sponsorship, 80% of that money must be with WaterAid eight weeks prior to your departure date. We will give you all the fundraising support that we possibly can.
However, should you be unable to meet this target you may wish to make up the difference personally, or postpone your trip to give yourself more time to raise the money. We will not be able to authorise you to take part before you have reached your target.
How fit do I have to be?
You don't need to be super fit, but taking the challenge seriously and training properly will play a major part determining how much you enjoy yourself. Please visit the challenge companies' websites for more specific information and guidelines.
Most importantly, do remember it is not a race, and will not be run as such. There will be participants of all ages and abilities on your challenge and it is important that the whole group makes it, supporting one another as necessary.
Where will I be staying?
The nature of these challenges mean that they will often take you off the beaten track and into some unusual and remote locations. Your accommodation may be basic with limited home comforts, it will generally be shared throughout the challenge. Specific details will vary according to itinerary and company, more specific details can be found on each challenge company's website.
Often to reward your hard work more comfortable arrangements may be made once you have completed your adventure!
What about insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory on all overseas challenges.
For more information, please visit the challenge websites.
What will conditions be like?
The challenges take place throughout the world often in less developed countries than the UK. The infrastructure is likely to be fairly limited in many of the regions that we are visiting and consequently access to some of these areas is often very difficult.
The roads can be very rough and facilities are often basic. If you are looking for a five-star holiday, you should not be applying for a WaterAid Challenge expedition. If however, you wish to visit a new country, undertake an adrenaline-pumping challenge, you are over 18, lead a moderately active life and are in good health, then this really is the trip for you
What is the local impact of the WaterAid challenge expeditions?
The impact on the local environment is much less than that of some other charity or adventure tourism expeditions - where large groups (sometimes up to 100 people at a time) are visiting what are otherwise quite remote areas.
WaterAid Challenge events may have slightly higher costs but groups are typically 25 people - some as low as six people. The expeditions try to minimise the impact on the environment and local cultures by promoting an understanding of the local people, their customs and traditions.
All waste paper is burnt or buried and all other waste is carried out of the area. Only biodegradable soap is allowed when washing in rivers - otherwise washing has to take place at a safe distance from a water source. Toilet facilities are also set up at a safe distance from water sources, and toilet paper is burnt (if safe) or buried.
It should also be remembered that in many cases expeditions are bringing a much-needed source of income to these areas.
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