Second edition of Hope 260
After a successful first event in 2019 (where A Rocha was present), the ASAH collective wished to hold another HOPE 360 event in Valence, which took place on 9 October, a festive and sporting event for the benefit of solidarity projects.
ASAH is a network of thirty Christian-inspired NGOs, active in emergencies, development, advocacy, environment or solidarity in the North and South. For this event, 15 solidarity projects were put forward – to improve ecology, health, education or socio-economic development on an international level.
The Connected Challenge
This year’s event officially started on 3 June with the “Connected Challenge”. The idea? Take on “Zero emissions” travel challenges and reach the collective goal of 40,000 km! Participants could publicise their challenges and raise funds for the project.
We are proud to announce that we were able to raise a total of 3,215€ which will be allocated to our project! Thanks to you, 35 bio-sand filters for the inhabitants of Kampala in Uganda can be financed. We would like to thank all the participants and donors who made this great achievement possible! Here are some of their beautiful challenges:
- Coline walked 375km and linked the two A Rocha France centres, sharing with us daily discoveries about the nature around her!
- Paul (13) and his father Jean-François who cycled over 300km to the Hope 360 event in Valence
- The Faure family, who embarked on a daily effort to reduce transport-related emissions
Coline at the end of her 375km walk for Hope 360
The photo competition
We also had the honour of hosting a photo competition for the participants of the “connected challenge”. From insects to sublime landscapes, ducks, flocks and you yourselves with the event T-shirt, you gave us a great views! Congratulations to all participants! You’ll find the winning photo below and the gallery to come on our social networks.
Congratulations to ©Benoit BAUMANN for his winning photo!
A stand at Valence
In the end, a great team of A Rocha Ambassadors were able to man the stand on Saturday 9 October 2021 for the closing event in Valence. Here are some of the highlights:
- Nature walk in the Epervière “Between the motorway and the Rhône, biodiversity is coming back”. Malcolm White was able to lead two workshops with half a dozen participants, which allowed us to open our eyes to the diversity of species of flora that surrounded us. Even in autumn we were impressed!
- The “Biodiversity Jenga” allowed us to understand the challenges of biodiversity loss in a playful way! More information here
- Interview on stage “The issue of sustainable development in the South”. Jean-François Mouhot developed this topic during two events on the podium
- Round table with RCF. Jean-François Mouhot spoke live on Radio chrétienne francophone, here!
- Meetings on the stand – exchanges throughout the day between the many visitors and our seven confirmed Ambassadors. About a hundred contacts established!
This collaboration with ASAH for Hope 360 has thus allowed us to develop wonderful projects and to open new doors through the much appreciated meetings. We look forward to the next edition!