Oxfam Japan to trek 100 kms for charity

For most of us, walking 100 kms hardly constitutes an ideal weekend. But if you knew that trekking all those miles would give the gift of education to a child or help prevent someone from getting AIDS, would you take part? For many, the answer is yes.

Next month, hundreds of people looking to make a difference will be lacing up their sneakers for Oxfam’s Trailwalker Japan. Battling against a time limit of 48 hours, teams of four will make their way from Odawara in Kanagawa to the shores of Lake Yamanaka in Yamanashi Prefecture.

This is no leisurely walk in the park; training is strongly recommended if you want to make it to the finish line. “Last year, 75% of the teams that set out from Odawara made it to the end,” says Akiko Mera, the executive officer at Oxfam Japan. “Their times ranged from 15 to 47 hours. But this is not a race — it’s a great chance to enjoy some of Japan’s historic and scenic areas.”

Toward that end, there are a number of checkpoints along the way with food, water and places to rest. “Checkpoint four is a campground where team supporters can stay,” Mera says. “At checkpoint seven, you can use the local facilities — including an onsen.”

Oxfam Trailwalker may only be in its second year in Japan, but the event has been held overseas for almost as long as the NPO itself. The first walk took place 30 years ago in Hong Kong, and has since expanded to Australia, New Zealand and the UK. It’s so popular, in fact, that some participants travel from overseas or take part in multiple walks each year.

Last year’s Japan debut was a success by any measure. “In 2007, we had hoped for 150 teams [of four] and ended up with over 170 applying,” Mera says. “We managed to raise 77 million yen for charity.”

Each team must pay a 60,000 yen registration fee and raise an additional 120,000 yen. For those who want to help out but don’t have the cash (or the stamina), Oxfam welcomes volunteers to work the checkpoints or to serve as interpreters. The NPO also seeks corporate assistance. “A company can use their specialty to help us. For example if they are a restaurant, they could donate food,” Mera says.

The funds raised by the teams will support a number of causes, including emergency aid to Sudan, educational support in Cambodia, HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in South Africa, and income generation programs for women in India.

Like the Trailwalker event, Oxfam Japan is still relatively young, having gotten its start in December 2003. The NPO works locally to raise awareness of issues in developing countries, and they see 2008 as a crucial year. Leaders at the G-8 summit, to be held in Hokkaido in July, will discuss a variety of global issues, many of which accord with Oxfam’s wide-reaching mission to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of people in the third world.

The first day of the conference coincides with the Japanese Tanabata Festival, a day when wishes are written on paper and tied to bamboo. Supporters are urged to make a wish to fight poverty by leaving their name on Oxfam’s website. These responses will then be shared with the world leaders at the summit. Oxfam’s goal is to have 1 million people pledge their support.

Long after each walker’s aching muscles have healed and the world leaders have returned home, Oxfam will continue its battle to help the less fortunate. As the NPO is still gaining a foothold in Japan, its network is still taking shape, and there are a number of ways for people to get involved. Contact the organization for more info about what you can do to help.

This article originally appeared in Metropolis magazine (www.metropolis.co.jp).__

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