A supporter of Money for Madagascar is set to walk 100km (62 miles) through the Peak District later this month, to raise money for our work providing Malagasy men, women and children a platform from which to overcome poverty and food shortage, and protect their vibrant, vital, natural environment.
Gregg Smith is hoping to raise £500 with his walk, which will take two days on 28-29 June this year.
He says: ‘I first visited Madagascar in 2014, and after spending around six months volunteering and travelling there, I fell completely in love with the place — and its wildlife.
‘Anyone who knows me knows I love animals, and Madagascar is an animal lover’s dream: over 90 per cent of its species are found nowhere else on Earth, including more than 100 species of lemur. (My favourite is the Verreaux’s sifaka)
‘But unfortunately, Madagascar is also one of the world’s poorest countries.
‘More than three quarters of the population live in extreme poverty. Half of all children suffer from stunting due to malnutrition. One in ten children don’t reach their 10th birthday.
‘And while its biodiversity is extraordinary, it’s also under severe threat. More than 80 per cent of Madagascar’s forests have been lost due to illegal logging, mining, and widespread deforestation — often by people who simply have no other way to cook, farm, or survive.
‘This rapid loss of habitat means many species, like the Verreaux’s sifaka, are now critically endangered.’
After his first visit to Madagascar, Gregg wanted to do something to help. He found us.
Since then, he has volunteered with us on a number of occasions.
He said: ‘MfM does so much to support people and the environment, including providing shelter and care for orphaned and homeless children, supporting community-led forest conservation, responding to natural disasters with life-saving aid.
‘Shlepping 100km across the Peak District isn’t going to be easy. I can feel the blisters already.
‘But it’s nothing compared to the challenges facing Madagascar, nor the excellent work of MfM.
‘A donation to support me — no matter how small — would mean a LOT. It would not only keep me going on the walk but will directly fund MfM to continue their life-saving work in Madagascar. Thank you.’
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A supporter of Money for Madagascar is set to walk 100km (62 miles) through the Peak District later this month, to raise money for our work providing Malagasy men, women and children a platform from which to overcome poverty and food shortage, and protect their vibrant, vital, natural environment.
found nowhere else on Earth, including more than 100 species of lemur. (My favourite is the Verreaux’s sifaka)
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