Leading overseas development agency CARE International have created a new and innovative brand of outdoor challenge.

The CARE 3 Peaks Challenge Scotland will see participants tackling three mountains in key historical locations in Scotland, each steeped in the country’s bloody past of civil war and conflict. At the same time, they will learn about and support CARE’s life-changing work in modern day conflict zones throughout the world.

The Challenge, taking place on 9-10 May 2009, will see teams scaling Ben Tee (904m), Ben Ledi (879m) and Ben Cruachan (1126m) all in the target time of 24 hours. This intrepid challenge is aimed at raising funds for CARE’s work in over 70 countries, as well as raising awareness of the impact of current conflicts on the worldÕs poorest people. ‘The event tackles the theme of conflict from a historical and a contemporary perspective, with themed mystery tasks adding to the challenge along the way.’

CARE and conflict

CARE International works in over 70 countries around the world, tackling poverty and injustice wherever the need is greatest. Across five continents, CARE’s work has had an impact on more than 65 million people. Many of the countries where CARE works are either in the grip of conflict, have only fragile peace or are made vulnerable by wars in their regions.

Fighting poverty in a war zone is a complex task. Conflict undermines long-term development programmes, ignites emergencies and destroys basic infrastructure, like roads and water pipes. CARE works to make its projects ‘conflict sensitive’ – which means training and helping staff and partners to avoid unintentionally contributing to conflict and to build peace where possible.

CARE works to bring people together to start, and support, peace-building projects. The CARE 3 Peaks Challenge Scotland is part of the CARE Challenge Series of 12 outdoor events aimed at raising over £1 million for the charity.

The CARE Challenge Team, the charity’s in-house fundraisers, have 14 years’ experience of organising and running outdoor fundraising events and will be with participants every step of the way, from training advice and help with fundraising to ensuring a safe and enjoyable event. Participants can be sure their money is going where it’s needed most, as ninety one pence in every pound raised for CARE goes towards CARE’s poverty fighting programmes.