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HOPE HIMALAYANHIMALAYAN WALKWALK

IN AID OF THE STREET AND SLUM CHILDREN OF CALCUTTA

26 Oct-10 Nov 2013 ABOUTABOUT TTHEHE HOPEHOPE FOUNDATIONFOUNDATION

“HOPE IS DEDICATED TO PROMOTING THE PROTECTION OF STREET AND SLUM CHILDREN PRIMARILY IN (CALCUTTA), AND THE MOST UNDERPRIVILEGED IN , TO PROMOTE IMMEDIATE AND LASTING CHANGE IN THEIR LIVES.”

The Hope Foundation is an Irish charity established EACH PERSON who takes part in the in 1999 in response to the plight of the street and HOPE Himalayan Walk fundraiser... slum children of Kolkata (formerly is directly contributing to helping change Calcutta) who face a bleak future of poverty, children’s lives and offer them safety, dignity disease, violence and premature death. These and opportunities for a better future. children desperately need a chance to escape this terrible cycle and change their futures. For further info on the work of HOPE visit www.hopefoundation.ie

www.hope-foundation.in / www.hopechild.org The estimated population of street children in or call +353 (0)21 4292 990 Kolkata is over 250,000. HOPE is currently reaching out to almost 25,000 street children through education alone and thousands more through primary healthcare, in partnership with Irish Aid.

HOPE has offices in Cork, Dublin, Kolkata, the UK and Germany, and works in partnership with local Indian NGOs. Currently HOPE funds over 60 projects in the areas of: education, healthcare, shelter, vocational training, drug rehabilitation, counselling and human rights advocacy. HOPEHOPE HIMALAYANHIMALAYAN WALKWALK Sat 26 Oct-Sun 10 Nov 2013

WHERE DOES THE HOPE WALK TAKE PLACE? This Walk is a breathtaking trek in the Himalayan foothills in the north of India in the state of West . The areas we will be exploring are the environs of , and parts of the Dooars, the Himalayan region around .

WHEN DOES THE WALK TAKE PLACE? This is a 2-week trip from 26 October - 10 November 2013.

HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO RAISE TO TAKE PART? This trip is €5,000 per participant. You can choose to fundraise or pay yourself, or both, depending on what suits you. HOPE will supply info and support on fundraising to all our walkers. Out of these funds, approximately half will go to cover your trip costs with the balance going as a direct donation to HOPE’s projects.

WHEN DO I NEED TO SUBMIT THESE FUNDS? The following instalments of funds are requested for the trip: 1) Deposit €300: On Registration 2) Instalment of €1,000 (not incl. deposit): By 31 May approx. to cover flights & insurance 3) Balance €3,700: By 27 September 2013

WHAT IS COVERED BY MY FUNDRAISING TARGET? Your €5,000 will cover: flights, insurance, accommodation, meals, tour guides, all transport in India. It will NOT cover: visa for India (€50 for Irish passport), vaccinations and malaria tablets, single room supplements, changes to flight return dates, extra insurance requirements, off-itinerary activities.

WHAT IS ON THE ITINERARY? HOPE Walkers will depart from Dublin on Sat. 26 October for Kolkata (via Dubai), arriving on Sun. 27th. Over the first 4 days the group will visit various projects in Kolkata to see the work of HOPE first- hand and do some volunteer work with the children (see details further on). The group will then travel (by overnight train/jeep) to Chalsa in the north of West Bengal, from where you will spend 3 days trekking in the Dooars region and seeing the amazing wildlife there. Following this, the group transfers by jeep to Kalimpong, also in West Bengal, and commences further walking here (2 days). See next page for further details on the Dooars and Kalimpong. Finally the group returns to Kolkata (by air) for 2 days of project visits and activities before departure.

HOW FAR DO WE WALK EACH DAY AND HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE? The group will spend between 4-7 hours on each walk. Reasonable fitness is required but these are flexible walks aimed at people of varied fitness levels. Our experienced tour guides will accommodate all members of the group so walkers can progress at their own pace. Jeeps are on hand at all times for tired walkers! You won’t need any special equipment (apart from good boots and maybe a trekking pole). There is no risk of altitude sickness as you will not be high enough for this to be an issue.

WHO WILL BE PARTICIPATING WITH ME? The group will comprise of approximately 15-25 walkers of all ages and fitness levels.

HOW CAN I FUNDRAISE FOR THIS TRIP? When you sign up HOPE will send you further info on fundraising and you will receive support from our Cork and Dublin offices. Enlist as many helpers as you can to help you reach your target! We know that fundraising can be daunting, but people just like you are reaching and even surpassing their targets every year - you can do it too!

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

FILL OUT THE REGISTRATION FORM INCLUDED WITH THIS PACK AND RETURN TO HOPE WITH

A DEPOSIT OF €300 PLUS A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT.

SEND TO: HOPE HIMALAYAN WALK, THE HOPE FOUNDATION, SILVERDALE GROVE, BALLINLOUGH, CORK. The Dooars (Duars) are the floodplains and foothills of the eastern in North-East India around Bhutan. ‘Duar’ means door and the region forms the gateway to Bhutan from India. The Dooars are famous for their gardens which were planted by the British and also the dense forests and jungles that make up DOOARSDOOARS the countryside.

A number of rare endangered species such as the , rhinoceros and elephant make their habitat in the forests of the Dooars. Other inhabitants include different types of deer, bison, birds and KALIMPONGKALIMPONG many exotic plants.

Walkers will be based in the small town of Chalsa (‘Queen of Dooars’) for 4 nights (163m/535ft). You will spend 3 days in the Dooars region, walking in the hills, tea gardens and forests and viewing wild- life in the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

More details of the programme will be provided This tranquil hill station (1,247m/4,091ft) is located on top of a ridge and will include on the east of the river Teesta with stunning views of the snowy opportunities for elephant Kanchenjunga peaks. Kalimpong is famous for its hospitality, exotic rides, jeep safaris and blend of cultures and religions, and its artisans who produce Tibetan hopefully some close and Bhutanese handicrafts and jewellery that is much admired. A encounters of the wild kind! great destination for shopping and sightseeing as well as trekking! VOLUNTEERVOLUNTEER ON HOPE’S CHILDREN’S PROJECTS IN KOLKATA

A unique aspect of this trip is our Volunteer Walkers also attend HOPE FOUNDATION DAY, Visits to HOPE’s projects in Kolkata. These will our annual celebration of the achievements of take place before and after the walks. This will be HOPE and our partners and beneficiaries in a chance for trip participants to see first-hand Kolkata. Children from HOPE’s projects will treat just where your fundraising money is being put to you to a vibrant live show with all of HOPE’s staff, use and to give some of your time and energy to partners and guests in attendance. the children who live in the HOPE protection homes. You’ll also meet those who attend projects like schools, medical facilities and craft cooperatives run by HOPE together with our local partner groups. You’ll have an opportunity to talk with teachers, counsellors, administrators and other project staff who will answer any questions you may have and can tell you more about specific projects.

If the itinerary allows, walkers can also get This is a unique opportunity to see your involved in a special excursion with the children fundraising in action and volunteer a little of your from HOPE’s protection homes. In previous years time to help. You will never forget your time with we have had sports activities and ‘ART IN THE the children of Kolkata who have been given so PARK’ outings which were a great success. little but have so much joy to share.

CONTACT US: THE HOPE FOUNDATION, SILVERDALE GROVE, BALLINLOUGH, CORK 021 4292990 / WWW.HOPEFOUNDATION.IE Our thanks to: Loretto Kennedy; Siobhain Danaher & Ann Hargaden for the use of their photos in this publication HOPE WALK 2013 Registration Form

NAME: ______PASSPORT NAME (IF DIFFERENT):______

ADDRESS: ______

CONTACT PHONE: ______EMAIL: ______

OCCUPATION (FOR PERMITS IN INDIA):______

ANY SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS ______

T-SHIRT SIZE: SMALL MEDIUM L ARGE X-LARGE

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE HOPE WALK? ______

ACCOMMODATION

*SINGLE ROOMS: The accommodation budget for the HOPE Walk is based on 2 people sharing a room. If you want to request a single room there is a single supplement payable (in addition to your €5k target). On our previous trip this cost came to €500; this year’s cost will be confirmed before departure. This extra cost should be advanced to HOPE before departure along with your fundraising money. Single rooms are subject to availability.

Please tick your accommodation preferences below:

Twin Room sharing

Twin Room sharing with Walker of my choice: NAME: ______

Single Room (I agree to pay the single supplement TBC)*

DEPOSIT €300 - PAYMENT DETAILS

Cheque/Draft Enclosed: made payable to: The Hope Foundation

Credit/Laser/Debit Card: Card No: ______

Expiry Date: ______CCV No. ______(last 3 digits on back)

I confirm that I have read and agree to the HOPE Walk Terms & Conditions overleaf (required)

I confirm that I am in sufficient good health to take part in the HOPE Walk (required)

I give permission for my contact details to be given out to other Walkers who may like to contact me before or after the trip (optional)

I give permission for HOPE to include me on their mailing list for further info about the work of the charity and future fundraisers (optional)

SIGNATURE: ______DATE: ______

PLEASE POST THIS COMPLETED FORM + PASSPORT PHOTOCOPY + DEPOSIT TO: HOPE HIMALAYAN WALK, THE HOPE FOUNDATION, SILVERDALE GROVE, BALLINLOUGH, CORK OR REGISTRATIONS CAN ALSO BE SCANNED AND EMAILED TO: [email protected] TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. Walkers must be over 18yrs at the time of 7. Your passport must have at least 6 the Walk. Under-18s must be accompanied by months validity left from the end of the trip to a parent or guardian (over 21yrs). apply for an Indian Visa. Therefore it should be valid until 10 May 2013. If your passport 2. All funds submitted to HOPE towards your expires before this date please renew as soon Walk fund are non-refundable. In the event as possible and forward a copy to HOPE. of cancellation, these funds will be appropriated to HOPE’s street children’s 8. All walkers will be covered by a group projects minus travel fees incurred. In the travel insurance policy taken out by HOPE. event that you are having trouble reaching However, any pre-existing medical your target, please call HOPE for assistance conditions may NOT be covered by this and to discuss possible options. policy. You may be requested by HOPE to contact the insurance company in this regard 3. The budget for the HOPE Walk is based and any additional costs must be covered on: privately. Details of your standard cover will be forwarded by HOPE.  Flights at a group rate departing from and returning to Dublin on the dates 9. By signing up to the HOPE Walk you are designated (26 Oct - 10 Nov 2013); confirming that you are in sufficient good  Room-sharing: 2 persons to a twin health to take part in this trip however in room; some cases a letter confirming this may be  Travel insurance, accommodation, requested from your doctor. meals, transport and tour guides as per itinerary to be set by HOPE and our Please inform HOPE before signing up if you Indian tour operator. have any medical condition that could affect you on this trip. HOPE reserves the right to The costs of a visa for India, vaccinations and refuse a place on this trip to malaria tablets, single rooms, changes to anyone deemed medically unfit to take part. flights, extra insurance cover and non- itinerary-listed activities are NOT covered by 10. All participants in the HOPE Walk must your fundraising total of €5,000. take full responsibility for getting all the necessary vaccinations for India, obtaining 4. Fundraising for the Walk will be overseen malaria medication and bringing adequate by HOPE. Walkers should keep HOPE informed supplies of any existing medication. of your public fundraising activities and abide by any guidelines given by HOPE in relation to As HOPE has no qualified medical staff, fundraising practices. please do not contact our office for details of the required vaccinations for 5. HOPE and our travel agents reserve the this trip. You will need to attend your own GP right to make changes to the Walk itinerary if or a travel medical specialist in this regard. necessary eg. due to weather conditions. If you choose not to get shots or take 6. HOPE cannot make alternative travel medication or prefer to use alternative arrangements for individuals on the HOPE medications, that is your personal choice and Walk. The only exceptions are: HOPE can bear no responsibility.

 Booking of single rooms on request, 11. Participants are responsible at all times subject to payment of a single for your own health and safety and the supplement to be advised; safety of your personal possessions. While  Booking of alternate return flight HOPE, together with our travel agents, will do dates from Calcutta to Dublin, all we can to ensure the best conditions subject to payment of extra airline possible for your trip, we cannot accept charges and any extra cost of extending responsibility for any injury, loss or damage travel insurance cover. There is no that may be suffered by you during the course option to return from a different airport. of your trip or for conditions in India that are Contact HOPE to enquire. outside of our control.