Need some inspiration? We have heaps of tips on fundraising and fitness to keep you motivated!
Red Cross Journey FAQs
What is Red Cross Journey?
Red Cross Journey is a step challenge with a twist, where you will learn about remarkable refugee journeys that thousands of real people have embarked upon. With four inspiring journey options, you can choose the distance that suits you best! You will learn the incredible stories of refugees and international delegates as you progress to keep you inspired. As you take part in the challenge, you can ask people to sponsor you and reach your fundraising goal, helping to ensure vital Red Cross services continue to be available now and into the future.
Which journey should I choose?
It can be hard to know which incredible journey to pick. The best choice for you will depend on how you approach your journey. Are you participating as an individual or a team? The 80km and 175km journeys are both achievable for an individual to complete in the 6-week period. They work out at around 2km or 4 km daily on average over 42 days. Will your main activity be running or biking? The bigger distances are better suited to teams or avid cyclists. Are you choosing to count all your activities (for example counting housework, gardening, cycling, and all your steps on a Fitbit) or just one? If you are collecting all your kilometres by using our kilometre conversion chart, then you may be able to opt for a bigger distance.
How do I collect my kilometres?
You can collect your kilometres through your activity of choice – walking, running, cycling, swimming, skating, gardening, tai chi, housework, or even washing the car! Use your Fitbit or download any fitness app of your choice (e.g., Strava, MapMyFitness, etc are free to download) to keep track of your steps. If you are completing activities that cannot be counted like this, use our handy kilometre conversion tool that will tell you how your activity translates into collected kilometres. Please download our guide below on how to add your fitness activity to your page.
When is Red Cross Journey?
Red Cross Journey is running from September 5 to October 17 2023, but you can sign up anytime between those dates! Depending on when you sign up, you will have up to 6 weeks to reach your goal. You can go at your own pace to complete your challenge, and we will be here every step of the way to support you!
I am unable to walk - how do I take part?
Red Cross Journey is for everyone. Red Cross helps everyone, and anyone can join the Red Cross whānau to help others. It’s important to us that Red Cross Journey is accessible to all. If running or walking is not for you, you can do the distance in any way that works for you. Check out how Matt participated in Red Cross Journey in his own way. If you have any questions or concerns about how Red Cross Journey could work for you, please contact us at journey@redcross.org.nz.
How do I fundraise?
While you take on the challenge, you can ask your friends, family, classmates, or colleagues to sponsor you. You can ask in person, via social media, email, or any way that feels right for you. Some people like to organise their own fundraiser, like a bake sale at the office, making hand-made treasures to sell, or your own idea! Remember to keep everyone updated on how you are doing by sharing photos on social media and thanking them for their support once they have donated. See below for four easy tips to start you off!
Can I join as a team with my friends?
Absolutely! You can create a team with your friends, whānau, classmates, or colleagues. It is a great opportunity for team building in any environment. If you are a school group, please get in touch directly with us at journey@redcross.org.nz, for your discount code for free entry and specialised resources.
How can a school get involved?
Red Cross Journey is the perfect event for schools! It can promote friendly competition and team bonding, while also being educational. Your school will learn about important global events and get to know the stories of some of the people who have been affected by disaster or conflict. It’s free to join for school groups – all you need is a team captain to sign up your team (teacher or student). Your school will learn about the global migration crisis while following a virtual journey. Through stories and discussions, students will develop a better understanding of the experience of refugee-background Kiwis who have been forced to flee to find safety. Contact journey@redcross.org.nz to get your school discount code and toolkit.
What do I do if my fitness app isn’t connecting to my profile page?
If you have issues syncing your app, try logging out and reconnecting. For Fitbit users, make sure you ‘start’ an activity on your phone app (not your wearable device) and save it. Your activities on your wearable device will not automatically add to your page unless you start the activity on the app first. If you have any questions throughout the campaign, please get in touch journey@redcross.org.nz.
Helpful resources will be uploaded here!
Download the guide below to help you set up your fitness apps. You can also download the photos below and share them on social media to ask for donations.
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Download2023 - Poster for your Fundraising Event
Download2023 - Fundraising guide
Download2023 - School Toolkit
Download2023 - Red Cross Journey Email Signature
Download2023 - Red Cross Journey Email Signature (2)
Download2023 - Steps Guide
Download2023 - Red Cross Journey Conversion Chart
DownloadEverything you need to know about fundraising!
How do I increase my fundraising?
Successful fundraising starts by sharing your story – people want to support others in their journeys, and they will want to help you reach your goal. Communicate often and people will be inspired by your passion and excitement.
Tip #1: Get ready - stand out from the crowd and update your fundraising page with a good-quality photo.
Tip #2: Lead the way – be the first to make a donation through your profile.
Tip #3: Share your intention – Add a blog post to your page explaining why you’re taking on your Red Cross Journey and what it means to you.
Tip #4: Spread the word - share your page through word of mouth, social media, email, or phone.
Spreading the word!
The more people who know about your event, the more people will get involved. Here are some quick tips on how to get the word out there...
- Share your fundraising page and your progress on your social media pages – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, LinkedIn – leave no social media stone unturned.
- Email/PM your fundraising link to at least 30 of your friends.
- Let the community know – post about your event on local community noticeboards and social media pages.
- Make a video, tell everyone why you are doing what you are doing and how they can help you achieve your goal.