There are many ways to fundraise these days, and often the best way to support an important cause is to combine it with a personal challenge, like trekking.
This is why international children’s charity World Vision is proud to be hosting a number of challenges in 2025 around the world.
The Camino de Santiago Trek runs from 4 to 11 October 2025, and this year’s version has just been completed by a group of fundraisers this month. They explored the final section of the French Way in Northern Spain, one of the pilgrims’ routes to magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Next year the same trip will be offered, including the five-day walk around the hilly landscapes of Galicia, with its many cultural and historic points of interest.
“The pilgrimage has definitely brought me closer to God. I’m pleased to have contributed to the work of World Vision and it’s a big tick off my bucket list,” said supporter Jill when she completed the Camino de Santiago trek in October.
The Nepal Trek runs from 8 to 20 November 2025, taking travellers to the town of Pokhara before setting off on a five-day trek of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trail, including magnificent views of the peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. This visit also includes a trip to the Sarlahi region, including seeing World Vision projects that support livelihoods, nutrition, health, savings groups, and life skills.
The trips are operated by Different Travel, a tour operator focused on communities so that everyone benefits from the trip – the local community, the participants, and of course World Vision through fundraising.
Each trek requires supporters to raise funds for the trip itself as well as hitting a fundraising target, so it’s a perfect opportunity to host fundraising events within communities as well, from bake sales to charity runs and more.
World Vision UK – Camino de Santiago Challenge Trek Teresa’s Case Study
I was inspired to walk the Camino de Santiago years ago after reading Paulo Coelho’s The Pilgrimage, which planted a seed in me to one day follow the same path. When the chance came to make it a fundraiser for World Vision UK, it felt perfect – not just a personal goal, but a way to help others.
The challenges began before the trek – starting with my feet! Born flat-footed, I’ve always struggled with muscle pain from walking and standing. A visit to a local outdoor shop revealed I’d also been wearing the wrong shoe size, causing joint misalignments. This led to appointments with foot specialists to prepare for the 115km five-day trek.
I was also concerned as to whether I could meet the fundraising target. My plan started with giving up an extra week of annual leave, taking on a small Saturday job, and starting a JustGiving page to contribute regularly over eight months. I also shared my progress and training updates on social media so others could sponsor me.
Living in Milton Keynes gave me plenty of great options for training walks. With its many lakes, parks, and woods, I had diverse routes to explore and discover more about the city I call home. As a non-driver, I was able to see how many beautiful places are accessible on foot.
Finally, the week arrived, and I found myself in Spain, ready to embark on the Camino de Santiago alongside other World Vision supporters. The journey was filled with unforgettable sights: cows herded through quaint hamlets, unexpected floods and waterfalls from recent rains, serene eucalyptus forests, and the awe-inspiring cathedral in Santiago, where pilgrims were blessed with the giant swinging incense burner. Even the unique local cuisine (pulpo anyone?) added to the adventure. Along the way, fellow pilgrims greeted us with the heartfelt wish, "Buen Camino!"
Connecting with other World Vision supporters, including those we met on the pilgrimage from other countries was inspiring. The sense of shared purpose and community was profound. Several coincidences came up that left us in awe. We had amazing guides who encouraged and supported us throughout every step.
The Camino left me feeling revitalised, stronger, and more determined to face life’s challenges. It was deeply rewarding – not only for the friends made and the challenge accomplished but also for the lessons learned along the way. Even battling a stomach virus, the Camino gave me what I needed. It is more than just a physical journey; it’s a spiritual adventure that will test, teach, and transform you.
