Elevate Freedom is a unique and family-friendly opportunity to bring hope to those victimized by trafficking and exploitation. No matter where you live, no matter your fitness level, you have a role to play in this hike for hope! Join as an individual, family, or team, and log your hikes for the entire month of August. It doesn't matter if you climb Mt. Rainier or hike around your neighborhood with the kids, everyone is welcome!
Most commonly, in one of the cities where Not Abandoned works, women come from a rural region that is about 200 miles from where they are being exploited. This long journey to get back home is riddled with emotional and financial roadblocks and can feel impossible. By us hikers participating in the Elevate Freedom journey, we are not only supporting freedom programs through financial sponsorships, but we are also walking in solidarity with these women and learning along the way more about their journey.
As a community, we will climb so that she can also climb: out of exploitation and into empowerment. To help her find the courage, health, and resources to make that 200-mile journey back to freedom we are issuing the challenge for each team to also hike 200 miles. By finding sponsors to financially support us through each of our miles, we believe that we will collectively raise $50,000 to fund Not Abandoned's future Freedom Center in Pattaya, Thailand. This center will serve thousands of women and children with practical and loving resources to secure sustaining freedom, empowerment, and holistic health.
Together, we will climb, connect, and empower; and because of you, she is not abandoned.
August 7-Discovery Park Loop, (3-4 mile loop; 472 ft elevation gain) VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY! *Meet at 8:45 AM at Discovery Park Visitor's Center paking lot in Seattle, begin at 9 AM.
August 14-Bridal Veil Falls, (4 miles RT; 1,000 ft elevation gain) with optional extension to Lake Serene, (8.2 miles RT; 2,000 ft elevation gain). *Meet at 7:30 AM at trailhead or 6:30am at Kingsgate Park & Ride in Kirkland for carpool. Discovery Pass required.
August 21-Wallace Falls, (5.6 miles RT; 1,300 ft elevation gain) *Meet at 8:00 AM at trailhead or 7:00 AM at Wilmot Gateway Park in Woodinville for carpool (park across the street in gravel parking lot & bring mask). Discovery Pass required.
August 28-Mason Lake, (6.5 miles RT; 2,420 ft elevation gain) with optional extension to Mount Defiance, (11 miles; 3,584 ft. of elevation gain). *Meet at 7:30 AM at trailhead or 6:30am at Kingsgate Park & Ride in Kirkland for carpool. Forest Service Pass required.
100% of the proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to Not Abandoned's work for freedom and the opening of our new Freedom Center in Pattaya, Thailand. Pattaya is the world's tragic top destination for sex tourism and exploitation with 300,000 individuals typically exploited here each year.
For the past 6 years, our Employment Education Center has been providing practical support and unconditional love to thousands exploited by the sex industry. The capacity of our current center has been maxed out for some time now and recent sky-rocketing unemployment has only increased the vulnerable population's need for services. We need to expand. This new facility will allow us to reach 4x the number of students with empowerment resources. Together, we can unlock the doors to hope!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Charity Footprints?
Charity Footprints is a social enterprise that connects fitness and charitable giving. We empower people just like you, to get fit & give back.
Our Virtual Races allow non-profits to challenge their patrons to run, walk or ride and raise funds just as they would in a fundraising walkathon. The best part - charities save over 45% in event and logistical costs. So, the dollars that you pay to register or fundraise, go farther.
What is the campaign registration fee?
Campaign registration fee is the amount that you'll need to pay to enroll in this virtual race. This fee (less transaction charges) will go to the non-profit running this campaign as a donation.
The registration fee along with the funds raised through your individual fundraising page will enable the non-profit to fund various programs and pursue their organization's mission.
How can I create my fundraising page?
Well, you wouldn't have to create a separate fundraising page. Once you register for this campaign, we'll give you the link to your fundraising page.
If you workout indoors (treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike etc.), you can upload your workouts here.
How do I join a team on this campaign?
While registering for the campaign, select the team you'd like to join or create a new team and invite others to #GetFitGiveBack with you. If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
I am an international donor (non-US), what are my donation charges and tax-deductibility?
All donations are made in US dollars, so the donations may be levied an exchange rate fee via your bank. Donors will want to connect with their bank to determine exactly what that fee may be. Additionally, international donors will need to reach out to a tax professional to discuss if and how tax deductibility will apply to their donation.
Who can sponsor my fundraising efforts?
The short answer is - everyone. The fundraising research shows that the number one reason for people not donating is that they weren't asked to.
That said, there are things you can do to attract people to sponsor you. Adding a picture to your fundraising page, telling potential donors why this cause is so personal to you, sharing your fundraising page on social media, email, and chat groups.
Last, if your employer has a gift matching program, check with the human resources department to support your favorite cause as well.
Who can I contact if I need help?
You can contact us any time if you need help. We love hearing from our users so please don't hesitate to write to us about issues, suggestions, or to just say hi. You can also contact the non-profit administrator directly if you would like.
How do I change or switch my team?
If you want to join a team (or create your team) after registration, login to the campaign site and you would find a link to edit "My Team" in the menu under your profile in the header.
Organized Hikes (Seattle Area) 
CAMPAIGN CHAT
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