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April 2010


Share the Love Help us get the word out!

"Word of mouth" and "By Friend" remains the most effective way to get folks involved with the event - so why not forward this email onto folks within your networks - and together we will build this event into a premier fundraising event for the Dalit kids of India. So what are you waiting for? You can send an email to a friend straight from the website.

Send a pre-prepared email to a friend.

In The News We're delighted to welcome Kerang Primary School to the School's Walk! Graeme Coleman, the principal of the school has confirmed that the entire school is getting involved in their own version of the 50km event. Kids helping Kids - way to go! Read about the School's Walk here.

Team Page
Dont forget to update your team page with a profile, photo and some news about your travels on the trail. It's great reading the adventures of our walkers and a number of teams are now using the pages as an inter-team communication tool - which we think is pretty clever.

Teampage

In The News Event Prizes

Through the kindness of our sponsors we are delighted to be able to offer fundraising prizes as recognition of all your hard work. The top 3 individual fundraisers will be eligible for prizes. We know how hard it is to raise funds - we've been there.

Product Updates
Donate to Yourself
If you have not already done so, be the first to donate to yourself - this will show your potential sponsors (1) how invested you are in what you are doing - physically and financially, (2) how passionately you feel about the cause, and (3) that you trust the charity with your own money. Make sure you give yourself a big donation – others are more likely to match the amounts already offered and follow your leady.

Your supporters can donate safely online by clicking here.

Go to Fundraising tips here.

Keeping Warm
The temperature can drop dramatically in the Dandenong Ranges and a change in weather conditions can see the mercury plummet. If you are unable to warm yourself you may suffer hypothermia. Learn the symptoms and know how to treat it (refer to your Mapbook for more details). Watch the weather conditions when training and on event day and always be prepared for poor weather - carry wet weather gear and warm clothing.

Go to Training Tips here.

For more information about the event go to our web page:
http://www.walk4charity.com

We welcome your comments and suggestions on this newsletter.
Email the editor.

 

Back issues of Go the Extra Mile newsletters can be found here.

Click here for Newsletter archives.



Register Here Only 2 weeks to go and the training for some has just begun in earnest, while others are starting to think about tapering for the big event. Whever you're at, the trail is a great place to be at the moment with friends, family and lots of chocolate.

Not registered yet?

To get involved - register securely here.

Time to pay your registration fee?

Pay securely here.



"Dalit" can also be translated "oppressed," and this is a fitting description for the nearly 300 million Dalits that live on the Indian subcontinent. In 2001, Gospel for Asia began an outreach ministry for the Dalit children. Today the Bridge of Hope program has 58,000 children enrolled, giving them an education and meeting their physical needs by providing food, clothing, supplies and by providing medical care on an ongoing basis. Dalit adults are also attending literacy programs and parenting classes. As you give to reach the Dalits, you are touching those considered "untouchable". Gospel for Asia is committed to breaking the poverty cycle that traps the Dalits and sharing the message of Christ's love while meeting the very real and desperate needs of the Dalits in practical ways is making a massive difference to countless thousands right across India.

Watch the slideshow about life for the Dalits here.



Marc Howie of the The Incredibles

"I am doing the “Go the Extra Mile” walk primarily because I believe in the work that Gospel for Asia does.  Usually I am more of an Armchair Activist, and it is easier to just give a donation to ease the conscience. I thought walking 50km would be a good chance to stretch myself physically and mentally beyond my usual comfort zone, but I also wanted to show my support in a practical way.  I do hope this event grows to become a permanent fixture to raise the profile of Gospel for Asia. We take so much for granted in Australia, it is hard to imagine the Dalit people living their whole lives without hope for a better life, or without basic education.  No one should be “Untouchable”, we were all made in the image of God.The older I get the less exercise seems to be a priority. This way I help the poor by helping myself. Yes, 50km is a really, really long way, but this life is about more than just seeking my own comfort."



 Our Top Teams & Walkers - The Leaderboard  

Team Fundraisers
The long and the short of it $2,555.00
Hill's Tribe $2,091.15
Breathing Not Talking $1,226.00

Individual Fundraisers
Bronwyn Neville $2,272.50
Beverley Hughes $1,028.40
Madeleine Jackel $747.00


We are delighted to announce that Instant Shade is our preferred marquee supplier for the event this year - Rob Morley is a great bloke who has gone the extra mile for the Dalit children. Much thanks Rob!
Instantshade
Spectular Effect - The Stunning Starshade

"Our marquees are light, easy to transport and store, and quick and easy to set-up. They come in a number of sizes, including small stall (2.4m x 2.4m), standard stall (3m x 3m) and double stall (3m x 6m). They can be customised with temporary or permanent signage. We handle sales and hire of all types of marquees. Get in touch with us on 1800-083-300 or for more details visit www.instantshade.com.au"

Remember to support those who support us!y


Do you know a budding road marshal? If you know someone who can help please encourage them to contact us.

Sydney, Adelaide and Perth Bushwalkers
- know someone who could help us get a walk started in those cities? We'd love to hear from them as we look to extend Go the Extra Mile into other capital cities.

We walk to change the appalling situation that traps the Dalit children of India in a lifetime of extreme poverty. Through the work of the Bridge of Hope centres, the poverty cycle is being broken - the gospel message of Jesus is being preached, dignity is being restored and lives are being transformed - forever. Remember that every dollar you raise is used to bring tangible benefits to countless children's lives!

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