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FIND MORE THAN JUST THE FINISH LINE Taranaki 20-21 March 2021 Your Oxfam Trailwalker Preparation Guide 1 www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz
Welcome! We're so happy to see you! Congratulations! You’ve made the first step to becoming an Oxfam Trailwalker and are now part of New Zealand's best endurance team challenge for 2021. In the months leading up to the event in March, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. From preparing for the big weekend, training and fundraising, you and your team will do amazing things. You’ll find more than just the finish line by taking action to tackle poverty around the world one step at a time. Welcome to the team! CONTENTS 1 Your preparation guide 11 Training top tips 2 Kia ora 12 Looking after yourself 3 Your impact 13 Support crew 5 Your check list 15 Fundraising tips 6 Key dates 16 Steps to success 7 Destination Taranaki 17 Online resources 8 You’re covered – 18 Rewards and incentives training and support 19 FAQs 9 Pathway to the finish 20 Raising money and awareness 10 Training 21 Partners and sponsors 1
KIA ORA Haere mai. Welcome to Oxfam Trailwalker. We're excited to launch our 16th Oxfam Trailwalker in the stunning region of Taranaki for the first time in Trailwalker history! Thanks for making history with us. In this booklet you’ll find heaps of helpful advice and guidance. I took part in Oxfam Trailwalker in 2016, and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I will remember forever how it felt to cross that finish line – blisters and all – but I can’t stress enough how important preparation or 100km, you're also challenging the and training was to get us there. My injustice of poverty, climate change and feet wish I took the advice about wet gender inequality. The funds you raise feet and wet socks! Please do take and the kilometres you walk make you advantage of the tips and tricks we've an Oxfam superstar. You’ll find so much put together for you and your team, more than just the finish line throughout and support each other via the Oxfam the coming months, and don't forget the Trailwalker Facebook page. most important tip of all - have fun! Kia kaha for the days and weeks ahead as you train, prepare and fundraise. Rachael Le Mesurier By taking on the challenge of 50km Executive Director and 2016 Trailwalker It all started in 1981…. Oxfam Trailwalker began in 1981 as a military exercise for the elite Queen’s Gurkha Signals Regiment in Hong Kong. It is now one of the world’s ultimate team challenges. Oxfam Trailwalker started in New Zealand in 2006 and since then over 14,000 Kiwis have challenged themselves and challenged poverty to raise over $14 million dollars through this iconic event. Thank you for joining us for Oxfam Trailwalker New Zealand in 2021 – together we will make Trailwalker history! 2 PHOTO CREDITS: All photos by Artur Francisco, Alicia Grocz, Photos 4 Sale and teams.
Your impact – changing lives By participating in Oxfam Trailwalker, you are making the world a better place by giving a hand up to those who need it the most. As you and your team prepare for this epic event, you are raising vital funds to end the injustices of poverty in the Pacific and around the world. Together, you and other New Zealand Oxfam Trailwalkers raise around $1,000,000 each year! Long-term development We work with families and communities to equip them with the tools and resources to meet their basic human rights. We fund long-term projects around the world and work in a range of areas, from water and sanitation to education and creating sustainable livelihoods, to bring about positive change in people’s lives. Responding to emergencies When communities are struck by disaster, they need help fast. Whether it’s an outbreak of disease, a natural disaster or a time of conflict, we respond swiftly to emergencies – providing life- saving aid, support and protection. Right now, we’re responding to these emergencies. Once the immediate danger has passed, we work to help rebuild lives and reduce the risk of future disasters. Campaigning for change Poverty isn’t just about lack of resources. We urge governments and companies to change rules and practices that keep people in poverty, and we support communities to call for justice and take action. Your fundraising makes a difference $55 can buy life-saving water buckets to stop disease can help young people into jobs with skills $122 and training can provide children access to safe drinking water $300 at school
When you walk, you walk with Mila. As you walk and train for Oxfam Trailwalker, think about the people who walk for hours every day to fetch heavy loads of clean water. People like Mila. Mila lives in Papua New Guinea, and she is just one of many who benefit from fundraising like yours. Everyday Mila walked down the river with a child on her back to collect water for her family. But the water she brought back wasn't clean - it was making her children sick. Because you fundraise, you are changing people's lives by installing clean water right in the heart of their villages. Now Mila's walk for water takes minutes - and the water she and her children drink is clean. Her children don't get sick any more. "Since they (Oxfam) came, there is a great sense of happiness in my family'' - Mila A small hand up is all it takes. You're helping people like Mila lift themselves out of poverty for good. You are making a real difference. Thank you. 4 4
YOUR CHeck LIST SURE AND STEADY IS THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE YOU ARE PREPARED FOR OXFAM TRAILWALKER. HERE ARE SOME KEY MILESTONES TO ENSURE YOU ARE ON THE ROAD TO SUCCESS. 1 Personalise your fundraising page 8 Train, train, train. Use our online and make use of all the resources training guides, and take advantage online of our team training days! 2 Recruit your support crew members 9 Make sure you have met your minimum fundraising before Friday Promote your fundraising page via 3 19th March email/social media and start to plan your fundraising events 10 Plan timings of the route – what times are you aiming for? When will you 4 Book your accommodation in arrive and leave each check point? Taranaki – be quick, places sell out quickly. Check out recommendations 11 Organise how you will get to the on our website. event. Remember you must be there to attend registration on Friday 19th Schedule planning sessions with 5 March. your team, covering both your game plan for fundraising and training 12 Finalise all plans (including food!) with your support crew for the 6 Check you have all the right gear. weekend Find out more by checking the Bivouac gear list online 13 Thank everyone involved after the event weekend for all their support Follow Oxfam Trailwalker on 7 Facebook for up-to-date advice and information 5
KEY DATES August 18TH: INFO SESSION #1 - TRAINING 31TH: END OF EARLY BIRD PRICES September 22ND: INFO SESSION #2 - EVENT WEEKEND EXPECTATIONS October 20TH: INFO SESSION #3 - FUNDRAISING November 28TH: NEW PLYMOUTH TRAINING DAY December 5TH: WELLINGTON TRAINING DAY 12TH: AUCKLAND TRAINING DAY JANUARY 31ST: REGISTRATION CLOSES March 19TH: MINIMUM FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT DEADLINE 19TH: REGISTRATION AND EVENT BRIEFINGS 20-21ST: EVENT WEEKEND April 30TH: FINAL FUNDRAISING DEADLINE Dates are subject to change. Check our website and Facebook for more information. 6
Taranaki WE ARE BEYOND THRILLED TO BE HOSTING OXFAM TRAILWALKER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PICTURE – PERFECT NEW PLYMOUTH, IN THE STUNNING TARANAKI REGION! Judged by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top two regions to visit in their Best in Travel 2017 awards, Taranaki has so much to offer-and we agree! From museums, nature walks, culture and cuisine, to surfing and skiing; it fits into anyone's 'ideal' version of a weekend away. It's unique, it's legendary and it's seriously impressive. New Plymouth District Council and Venture Taranaki have been working closely with Oxfam in planning Oxfam Trailwalker 2021 and we hugely appreciate their support. I promote the experience as extremely rewarding personally due to increased fitness, team bonding and the contribution you make to Oxfam's work through the fundraising - PREVIOUS OXFAM TRAILWALKER PARTICIPANT 7
We're here to support Together we WILL achieve great things The more you tap into your support networks for help the better. Also the earlier you start preparing, the easier it will be to succeed in this challenge. Training Days Later this year we will be running some training days. They are loads of fun and a great opportunity to meet other participants. We recommend getting your support crew involved in your training days too! Your coaches We’re at the end of an email, phone call or Facebook message to help you succeed. You’ll hear from the coaches with advice, support and important event information. We’ll share regular emails with you, post tips on the Facebook group 'Oxfam Trailwalker NZ Community' (join us!) and be available for any queries you might have. Fundraising Resources New to 2021, we'll have a hub of fundraising resources for you to optimise your fundraising. Check out www.oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/fundraisingresources TOP TIP To help you have the best time and achieve your best, fill in the Goals section on the next page. 8 8
Pathway to the Finish TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR BEST, EVEN WHEN THOSE TOUGH MOMENTS OCCUR (AND THEY DO) PLEASE COMPLETE YOUR GOAL SECTION BELOW. This a brilliant tool to grab when you’re feeling like things are a bit hard or frustrating. Being able to easily remind yourself why you are doing this incredible challenge will make all the difference. I am doing Oxfam Trailwalker because Support Crew are key to my event weekend plan. How will I get mine involved? When I cross the finish line I will Obstacles that could occur along my Oxfam Trailwalker journey are I will overcome these obstacles by Self-agreement (E.g. To reduce the chance of skipping a training session I will schedule them in advance) I agree to proactively plan my training and fundraising steps so I can successfully reach my goals. I agree to ask for help when needed from my team mates, family, It is important for me to complete this friends and Oxfam Trailwalker staff. Oxfam Trailwalker journey because I agree to have fun and celebrate each milestone along the way! Name Date Preparation 9 + Practice = Success + Fun
Training Make a plan • In your first team meeting, discuss the training approach you’ll do, together and individually, to reach your team target time. • Check when people are available for training and on holiday. • There may be limited crossovers left, so schedule team training sessions and meetings into the calendar. Please RSVP your place on our website at oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/training. • Team walks should be non-negotiable, as by training together, you get a sense of your team pace instead of just your individual pace. Put someone in charge It’s important to talk about what you’ll do individually. It can be difficult to walk together for all your training – so you’ll have to keep going by yourself in between team walks. At times you’ll need someone to take charge to ensure training doesn’t grind to a halt. We recommend this person is well organised, comfortable to speak up and has reasonable knowledge of good walking tracks (or is willing to research them). Train together on long walks And by long, we mean over 25 kilometres. You will each have different highs and lows on a long walk. By knowing about these before the event you’ll know how best to support each other when you need it most. It’s also a great time for talking team tactics, gear and food (there is always plenty to chat about with food). Try and Test Try and test everything! It’s important to work out what works best for you. Train on different terrains – feet move differently on varied terrain and your body uses different muscles. Test food and drink – your body responds differently when moving, so find out what works best for you and your stomach. Socks are also a biggie, and you’ll soon know which ones you prefer (thick, thin, double layer etc.) and which ones help you stay blister-free. Record and update Update your online team page with training photos, stories and tracks covered. This helps your supporters connect with your journey and stimulates people to donate. Keeping a record of your training distances and times will help your support crew with event weekend planning. Training guides are available on our website Need some help getting started with your training? Our training guides can help you plan out each phase. With beginner, intermediate and advanced guides available you can start at the level that best suits you. 10
Top tips Don’t skimp on socks. Good moisture-wicking socks like Thorlo, Drymax Injinji and Icebreaker are great options for Oxfam Trailwalker. Regular sock changes are important too. Keep your feet dry. Wet feet means more friction, which means a higher likelihood of blisters. Again, changing your socks and shoes at regular intervals is a good tactic. Recognise your hot-spots. When you start to get slightly sore, warm patches of skin, act fast with blister prevention so it doesn’t turn into a blister. Need a little extra help? Try out Hikers Wool from Bivouac Outdoor. While distance is important while you train, remember that it's more about how long you can be on your feet instead of how far you can walk! If you have a can do attitude, no doubt you'll be crossing the finish line! alleviating some If the dollars we raise go towards then the ‘hard parts’ of of the suffering in the world, mor e bear able. THANK Oxfam Trailwalker are all the g on the jour ney! YOU OXFAM for having us alon TICIPANT - PREVIOUS OXFAM TRAILWALKER PAR
Looking after yourself It’s extremely important you look after yourself and your team mates in training and during the event. Here are a few key things you can do to look after yourself and ultimately make sure you have a more enjoyable event. Your feet Blisters are the number one injury at Oxfam Trailwalker, followed closely by knee pain. Both problems can be prevented by having the right pair of worn-in shoes. Find the perfect shoes for you at Bivouac Outdoor. See a professional If something hurts, don’t ignore it. Get professional advice and treatment so you don’t create a bigger problem out of a small one. Past participants especially recommend podiatrists, massage therapists and physios to help you stay on track. Keep warm It can get cold overnight on event weekend. Layers are your friend! You'll heat up and down depending on movement, time of day, temperature, fatigue etc – think of yourself like an onion, layering on and off as you need. Keep extras with your support crew so you can travel light on the trail. First Aid First aiders will be stationed at each checkpoint. However, each team is encouraged to carry a standard first aid kit during training and at the event (see the gear list). All participants are encouraged to learn the most up-to-date basic first-aid techniques. Take a break You should ensure you take adequate rest stops. The desire to finish the event should never override the need for personal safety. To prevent exhaustion, your team’s pace should be guided by the slowest team member. Take extreme care on road crossings The trail crosses numerous roads throughout the course. Oxfam Trailwalker endeavours to provide marshals at key road crossings. However, we ask participants to take special care and to obey pedestrian lights when they are in place. 12
Support crew Support crew are the unsung heroes of the event. They will provide your team with unconditional love, dedicated support and endless motivation throughout your Oxfam Trailwalker journey. Every team must have a support crew of at least two people. Your support crew will carry the bulk of your food and equipment and provide all the supplies your team needs so you can travel light on the trail. Only the basics are provided by Oxfam at each checkpoint. Support crew game plan This will help ensure the event weekend runs smoothly for you, and is enjoyable for them too. Create a strategy for the event weekend with your support crew based on the areas mentioned below: Add your support crew to your online team page to ensure they get team newsletter emails, which are packed with event news, tips and advice. Practice your game plan by involving your support crew on long walks, or better still, having them with you at one of our training days for the ultimate pre-event experience. Plan when you are likely to arrive at each checkpoint based on your training times. There’s nothing worse than the team turning up before the support crew! Agree on a budget in advance. Work out who will cover fuel, food, drink and accommodation expenses. We recommend arranging local accommodation for the Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in Taranaki. There is no accommodation available on the trail. 13 Photo Credit: Team Scrambled Legs 2020
Food and drink Determine what food you will need from your support crew and when. You should aim to eat at every checkpoint, even if just small snacks, to keep up your energy. Logistics Prepare a schedule of team members’ requirements for each checkpoint. The more organised your support crew are the more you can relax. Consider having labelled plastic bins for each team member to store their changes of clothes and specific requirements. It's a good idea to have support crew set up your team shelter at the checkpoints, such as a gazebo in case of rain. Communications Make a plan for how you will notify your support crew of your impending arrival at checkpoints. For safety, your support crew should have at least one mobile phone with them at all times. We recommend walkers have two mobiles on different networks. Make sure you and your support crew have the ability to charge your phones along the way so you can always stay in contact. Injuries Blisters are the most common injury, so your support crew should be well versed in how to help your team prevent them. Have a handy supply of blister prevention and strapping tape on-hand to reapply along the way. 14
Fundraising tips from past Trailwalkers How do I raise the most money? Here are the top three tips from past participants for reaching your fundraising goals easily, and having fun doing it! Agree on how to fundraise and book dates. It’s 1 important to agree as a team what the most suitable fundraising activities are. For some it’s doing one or two bigger events like a movie fundraiser or quiz night, for others smaller activities such as bake sales, mufti days and sausage sizzles best suit their lifestyles. Once you’ve agreed on the approach, set the dates! Receive bonus fundraising credits. Encourage your 2 friends and family to shop directly with our sponsors and event partners to receive fundraising team credits direct to your team page. Further details listed in the Rewards section on page 18. 3 Use fundraising promotions. Companies such as Booster Wine Group, Trade Aid and more offer incredible fundraising deals. The top 2018 Booster Wine Group fundraiser team raised over $4,299 and the top 2018 Trade Aid team raised over $2,524. Need a bit of extra help? Make use of the new Fundraising Resources 1 Hub we have avaliable on our website. oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/fundraisingresources 2 Our team are always here to help you - whether that is just to have a chat about fundraising, or want a 1:1 coaching call; give us a call on 0800 600 700 or email your queries through to info@oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz 15
Steps to success Here is an outline of what past Oxfam Trailwalker teams have raised from specific fundraising activities to help you reach your fundraising milestones. Approaching businesses for product donations? Contact us for an Authority to Fundraise letter. Matched donations from employer $2000 Auction $1000 Corporate sponsorship $500-2000 Quiz night $850 Sell Trade Aid chocolate $770 Movie night $750 Garden party $650 Online raffle $600 Sell lunches at work $550 New Year’s Day dinner & raffle $550 Zumba Class $400 Burger and beer afternoon $450 Dinner party $400 Bake sale $350 Sausage sizzle $350 Mufti day gold coin donation $300 Themed morning tea $300 Kids’ pool party and swimming race $300 Christmas crackers sale $250 Sell team t-shirts $250 Draw portraits of pets, people $200 16
Online resources to help you We have a range of great training and fundraising resources for you to use. These will be released on an ongoing basis throughout the lead up to the Oxfam Trailwalker event weekend. Here’s what will be on offer to help you: Email templates Share with your friends,family and businesses to seek donations. Email SIGNATURE banner For adding to your email so everyone knows you’re taking part in Oxfam Trailwalker. Media kit Reach out to local media to profile the amazing challenge you are taking on. Posters So you can print for your workplaces and more. Training guides Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or an expert, there is a guide to suit you. Support Crew guide Keep your support crew up-to-date on everything they need to know to support you on your journey. Download your support crew checklist on our website. Event guide and walker directions All the information you need for the big weekend. This will be available on our website closer to the event weekend - don't worry, 17 we'll let you know when it's available!
To keep you going (rewards and incentives) Everyone appreciates a bit of timely recognition for going the extra mile. We want to celebrate with you by acknowledging you with a few little extras along the way. We have rewards for those who are achieving great things individually and as a team. Reach the following fundraising goals and celebrate your success with these wonderful rewards. RAISE Rewards Watch your email and individual YOU CHOOSE: Fitletic Mini Sport Belt OR our Facebook page for $750 Bivouac Outdoor Drink Bottle additional incentives, including flash challenges to win further rewards. Oxfam Trailwalker 2021 Buff for each $2,000 team member To receive rewards you must have reached your individual or team Premium VIP finish line experience for TEAM $3,000 targets on or before your team the 18th March, unless otherwise stated. $5,000 YOU AND YOUR TEAM ARE IN THE DRAW TO WIN; a trip to Vanuatu, courtesy of Air Rewards must be Vanuatu and Warwick Hotels claimed at or before event registration on Details TBC. the 19th March. BONUS TEAM CREDITS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THESE PROVIDERS: Bivouac: 10% of purchase R-Line: $5/bottle of R-Line credited to your team credited to your team Wireless Nation: $50 donated to your page Out Wear: 20% of purchase when you sign up for one of their broadband credited to your team plans 18
FAQs What is the fundraising commitment? Why is it important? As part of Oxfam Trailwalker, all teams commit to raising a minimum level of fundraising. The money you raise will help to save and improve lives in developing countries around the world and bring real change to people living in poverty. We are here to help you reach your goal – check out the ideas in this preparation guide or on our website. How do I get offline funds or money from a fundraising event onto my team page? The easiest option is to make a card payment to your team page and bank the offline amount. Simply make a donation to your team in the name of the organisation/event. If you have any cheques (to Oxfam New Zealand) or other offline funds, send them to us. Make sure to include your team name and your supporter’s details if they would like a receipt. How do I upgrade my fundraising commitment? Congratulations on reaching your fundraising target! It’s as easy as logging into your account and adjusting your commitment. Historically, almost 80% of teams who increased their commitment successfully reached or exceeded their new target. An awesome result! Note: Team leaders can increase your team commitment. How do we use our team page to fundraise? Your team page is the number one tool you have to get the word out and connect with your supporters. These may be family, friends and sponsors or people generally interested in how your team are progressing. You can personalise your team page with a team bio, photos, updates, links to social media and blogs to keep your supporters up to date. We have aimed to make your team page streamlined and easy to navigate, but if you have any questions about how to edit your team page, please email info@oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz or call us toll-free on 0800 600 700 (within NZ). 19
Raising money and awareness The core aim of Oxfam Trailwalker is about raising money to help end the injustices of poverty. Your team and individual fundraising pages are developed to clearly communicate why donations are so important. Direct people to your team page as much as possible. Here are some tips to help you out. Sponsor yourself Seek matched DONATIONS By showing your contacts how much you from your workplace care about fighting poverty, you’ll inspire Many Oxfam Trailwalkers find workplaces them to donate to your page. The more get on-board too, by way of matching generous you are the more likely they will dollar for dollar donations you raise. follow your lead. Let them know you can post their logo on your team page – everyone likes acknowledgement. Why not ask yours? Get social Share your team page and story with everyone. Post frequent updates about Use the resources online how you are going. At every opportunity We have a great range of resources online include a link to your fundraising page. to help you fundraise, such as email Having a team Facebook page will also templates, banners, posters and more! help increase your reach. These resources are free to use and are avaliable any time of the year. Raise your target When you have reached your initial target, Email everyone keep up the momentum and increase it further! People are more likely to continue Email everyone you know. The more they to support you if you haven’t yet reached know why you are doing it the more likely your target. they will support you. You will have greater success in receiving donations if your contacts are seeing both Facebook posts Approach the local media and emails from you. Talk about your In our fundraising resourses online, there team, any upcoming fundraising events is a media kit to help you spread the word you have and why you are doing Oxfam with the support of your local media. Trailwalker! Thank people! Be sure to say a huge ‘thank you’ to your generous friends. Tag them in social media posts or flick them an email. Videos work extremely well and have that extra impact if you are able to do a video shout-out, or alternatively you can thank your donors directly from your fundraising profile online! 20
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Event SPONSORS Thank you to all our sponsors, partners and stakeholders for supporting our vision of a fairer, safer, more sustainable world through Oxfam Trailwalker. Special thanks to our gold sponsors. GOLD SILVER + BRONZE We couldn’t do it without our sponsors 22
THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME - OXFAM TRAILWALKER 2015 PARTICIPANT 20-21 March 2021 0800 600 700 oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz 23 OXFAM NEW ZEALAND 0800 600 700 or 09 355 6500 | PO Box 68357, Newton, Auckland 1145 | info@oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz facebook.com/OxfamTrailwalkerNZ | #otwnz | Charities commission number: #CC24641
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