It is pretty easy to sit back and just let the world pass you by, acknowledging there are issues but assuming someone else will take care of them. New Zealand is a world away from where I grew up in Birmingham, England and pretty difficult to make comparisons. Alas, as stunning as this part of the world is, there are similar major social issues that aren't being addressed by local or national government. So, I thought it was about time I did my bit to try and help, so the Head2Head Walk was born. So what is the Head2Head Walk? Well last year I came up with the idea of starting a charity walk here in Auckland, New Zealand, to raise money for local communities. I was originally supposed to be taking part in the Oxfam Trail Walk, but through one reason or another, it didn't happen. Both logistically and somewhat ethically, it made more sense to hold an event in Auckland, where we live. After reviewing several routes, I found a route around Manukau Harbour of around 120km. In order to open up the event to more people, my ingenious wife suggested the walk be a relay, that way the walk could be split up into legs of much shorter distances. Through much encouragement and a little bit bribery (only joking) we managed to assemble a total of ten teams to take part, ranging from nurses from Middlemore Hospital to staff from New World, Manuwera. ?The first ever Head2Head Walk commenced on 7th December 2012 at 6pm. ?The walkers set off from Awhitu, with handover to the next walker taking place in Waiuku, Papakura and Hillsborough. ?The was was completed ahead of time in Huia on Saturday afternoon around 4.30pm. Throughout the walk, the teams rallied together and helped each other through what was at times, a very wet and gruelling route. There was a real sense of accomplishment at every stage of the event and it was amazing to see people who had never met each other at the start, having group hugs at the end of their leg. Although there were a few logistical challenges, as to be expected with out first ever event, the walk was completed without any complaints, injuries or incidents. The success of the event was realised a few days after the finish, when emails started to come through asking if there will be another walk in 2013, as not only did they want their teams involved again but had already had friends, families and colleagues wanting to get involved in the next walk. It is was amazing to see a small idea grow into this unique event, which not only created so much fun and accomplishment for those that took part but also helped to raise the required funds.? In fact, the target of $5,000 to introduce the Crackerjack Kids program was well and truly smashed, with donations raising more than $8,000.??This level of fund raising meant we would not?only introduce the program into Randwick Park but also support the program for the next two years. Following feedback from last years walk, the event will be taking place a little ?earlier this year over Labour Weekend - 26th/27th October. ?Start time will be at 10am at the Manukau Head Lighthouse, a brand new starting place and we are thankful to the Manukau Heads Lighthouse Trust to allow us to start our event at this location. ?This will mean we will really be able to take the walk from one head to another, 125km around the Manukau Harbour. Another update to this years event, is the increase to five legs, so the Head2Head Walk teams will now consist of five team members. ?This will ensure each walker will only have to walk 25km, despite the length of the route increasing slightly. ?Good news, the team entrants fee will remain at $100 per team. ?However, due to the fundraising success of the teams last year, we have raised the minimum fundraising total per team to $1,000. ?We hope with the timing of the event, additional person and teams signing up early for the event, this target can be achieved. ?So how about you enter your team?? The vision for the Head2Head Walk was to raise funds for local needs, rather than going into a large ""corporate charity pot"". ?This will continue to be the vision, with the Trust seeking corporate sponsorship for the administration of the charity and?100%?of the donations received by Head2Head Walkers going to where it is needed. ?We will be open and transparent about how every cent you raise is spent, providing monthly newsletters of projects you and your teams have supported. A truly great event to have started and continue to grow!!
