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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Take on the million step challenge

This news post is over 4 years old
 

A new charity challenge is aiming to get people fit and healthy, whilst raising vital funds for good causes

A new health challenge is aiming to raise funds for charities and help busy people lead healthier lives.

One Million Steps, recently named as a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneurs Social Good Award, hopes to raise millions of pounds for UK charities of all sizes.

Participants in the challenge aim to walk an average of 10,000 steps a day for 100 days - one million steps or 500 miles. Research shows the average Briton walks only 3,000 to 4,000 steps a day with one poll showing, for many, it could be as low as 2,000 steps.

Founder Ranjit Ghoshal came up with the idea when he injured his knee training for a charity challenge. Working in the non-profit sector, he realised the need for a platform based on social innovation principles and health campaigns that ensured that the product was accessible, acceptable, affordable, and, critically for participants and donors, accountable.

He said: “We know the benefits of an active life. 63% of UK adults are now overweight. Diabetes levels are rising and we are increasingly aware of how stress affects mental health. Walking has been shown to be extremely effective for both physical and mental well-being.

“My mission was a mass challenge event that businesses and charities of all sizes could promote to staff and supporters, costs less than travelling and taking part in a big event like a marathon and allows charities to scale their fundraising efforts easily. Instead of having to sign up for an overseas trek or race, and take the time out to train and complete, you fit your million steps into your existing lifestyle

“You can choose to walk up mountains, race around the local park, dance the tango, or take aerobics classes. Do it solo, with friends, or team up with work buddies but importantly, it had to be automated so participants could focus on their challenge rather than constantly updating progress.”

Those who take part receive a Million Steps pedometer and app which records steps, distance, and, importantly, active minutes.

Integrated fundraising pages show a participant’s challenge progress - this provides accountability so friends, family, and colleagues can cheer participants on and donate to their chosen charity.

For more information, see the One Million Steps website.