Press Release 02/15/12

For Immediate Release

Local Hikers take on Mt. Kilimanjaro

to help African Orphans climb out of Poverty

 Several local outdoor enthusiasts will hike to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Africa from February 15^th to February 28^th 2013 to raise awareness and funding for ZOE Ministry.  

Fuquay-Varina, N.C. – February 15^th, 2012 – On Friday, February 15^th 2013 several adventurous North Carolina individuals, in partnership with Tusker Trail and ZOE Ministry, will begin their journey to Tanzania, Africa to hike 7 days to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro standing at 19340 feet above sea level .  The “Trekkin’ Team”, as they call themselves, is not only challenging themselves physically to reach the summit, but also to raise funds for ZOE Ministry, a local 501(c)(3)  organization under the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church.  ZOE is dedicated to transforming the lives of African children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, war, disease, famine and other causes.

The local hikers have teamed up with Tusker Trail and created Trekkin’ for ZOE to combine their love for the outdoors and their passion to serve others in need.  Most of the “Trekkin’ Team” has participated in mission trips beyond the borders of the United States and ZOE has always created interest amongst members of the team. “We didn’t just want to do the climb to fulfill some “bucket list” item off our life checklist, we wanted to create awareness for a great mission outreach program and help raise funds for the ZOE Ministry,” said John Chambers, a member of the Trekkin’ Team.  Rob Pavone, another team member, adds “I have personally known Greg Jenks, the executive director for ZOE, for several years now and I have seen his passion for these African children and we feel called to get the word out more on the Orphan Empowerment Program he provides these kids.  His passion “rubs off” on a person, and we wanted to help him out by dedicating a full year to raising the awareness and funds necessary for ZOE.”

Trekkin’ for ZOE’s goal is to raise $19,340 for ZOE Ministry, the summit height of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  This funding will offer 60-80 orphans training and access to resources in farming, animal husbandry, small business, health and hygiene, HIV/AIDS prevention, housing, education and child rights.  The skills these orphans learn will give them the ability to pull themselves out of poverty in 2-3 years and create sustainability in their life and community moving forward.

Corporations and individuals interested in sponsoring or donating to Trekkin’ for ZOE can visit zoetrek.blogspot.com or email Rob Pavone at rpavone@nc.rr.com.  Donation checks can also be made out to ZOE Ministry (Trekkin’ for ZOE in memo line) and mailed to Rob Pavone at 3544 Bainford Drive Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526.  Individuals wanting to do the climb can still join the “Trekkin’ Team”; Contact Rob Pavone if interested.