Gulf for Good announces the “Lebanon Mountain Eco-Trail” to raise funds for two children’s charities in Lebanon

Partners with Middle East Health Magazine in first sponsored challenge

Gulf for Good, the UAE-based charity announces its next challenge: ‘Lebanon Mountain Eco-Trail’ from May 7 to 14, 2010.

This is the 30th challenge since the charity was established in 2001, the second of 4 scheduled to take place during 2010 and the first one to be sponsored this year – by Middle East Health Magazine.

Gulf for Good’s Chairman Brian Wilkie said that the charity hoped to break through the AED 6 million donation barrier in 2010, having raised more than AED 5 million by the end of 2009.

“The Lebanon Mountain Eco-Trail is a great way to get take part in a charitable endeavour,” he said. “It will give participants the chance to discover Lebanon’s remote natural beauty, connect with her warm and friendly people, and experience age-old culture and culinary delights,”

“The route will test the physical fitness of participants, as it will require stamina and perseverance to complete long-distance treks each day to raise funds for two charities in Lebanon – the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and SOS Children’s Villages,” he added.

Determined to conserve their unique natural and cultural heritage through environmentally- and socially-responsible ecotourism, the Lebanese mountain communities created this trail with sweeping vistas of snow-capped mountains, deep lush valleys and the sparkling Mediterranean. It encompasses remote villages, nature reserves, castles, palaces, monasteries and even Roman/Medieval/Ottoman remains.

Callan Emery, Editor of Middle East Health (MEH) magazine, sponsors of the challenge commented, “I'm delighted that MEH is sponsoring this challenge, especially as I'm going to be actually taking part. The magazine has always had a deep commitment to the health of the region, and we are delighted to now combine this with a charitable cause. There's no better way to get healthy than by doing something like this.” He went on to say, “The problem for me is that, even though it's not one of the toughest challenges, I'll still have to start getting fit again, something I haven't done for a good while!”

Emery urged Gulf residents to join the challenge, as “It should be an unforgettable experience and we'll be raising funds for and visiting 2 very worthwhile children's charities in Lebanon, so for me it will be a really special week in many ways.”

A major aim of Gulf for Good and MEH in hosting the Lebanon Mountain Eco-Trail is to bring together people of all backgrounds to push their own limits whilst raising money for a good cause.

By popular demand, the fitness level required for this particular challenge should allow adventurous spirits from all over the Gulf to take part, as long as they maintain a certain level of fitness through regular exercise.

Have you got what it takes? If you are interested in the Lebanon Mountain Eco-Trail or in finding out about Gulf for Good’s other ‘charity challenges’, please call +971 4 368 0222 or visit www.gulf4good.org for more information.

There will be Information Evenings held in Dubai on January 27 and Abu Dhabi on February 2 - these events are the best opportunity to find out all about how the charity is run, all the challenges for 2010 and to ask any questions.

Other Gulf for Good Information

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al Maktoum, Gulf for Good organises exciting adventure challenges around the world. Anyone is welcome to participate, provided they can raise the fixed sponsorship amount, have the level of fitness needed and are 18+ years. Participants will need to pay a AED1,850 registration fee and then raise a minimum of AED12,000 sponsorship money.

To date, 28 G4G challenges, with over 550 participants from 36 countries, including many Gulf nationals, have raised more than US 1.5 million dollars for schools, hospitals, orphanages, and medical equipment in 17 countries across the Middle East, South America, Asia and Africa.

Gulf for Good helps with fund-raising ideas, training and fitness suggestions, as well as clothing and equipment advice. On the challenge, it provides accommodation, transfers, food, guides and medical backup.