Dog Walking Challenge

Can you cover 60 miles (or more) on your dog walks this June?

Step up to the challenge for CHAS whilst getting some exercise with your canine companion!

Starting on Saturday 1 June, you can take part wherever you are to complete 60 miles or more over the month. Get fit and enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged friend as you raise vital funds in support of children with life-shortening conditions and their families through your Facebook fundraiser.

To take part, join our Facebook group and follow the steps in the welcome post, where you can sign up for a FREE doggy bandana and set up your Facebook fundraiser. Our Facebook groups are welcoming environments where you will get all the encouragement and support from the other participants to help you stay motivated throughout the challenge!

We've tried to answer as many questions you may have below, but if you need any more information, please email Holly on teamCHAS@chas.org.uk.

Do I have to cover a set amount of miles?

No, you can set your target miles to a total that works for you – we know everyone and their dog is different! Set your target to a total that would be a challenge for you and your dog. It’s up to you how you take on this challenge.

How do I keep track of how far I’ve walked?

You can use a physical tracking app on your phone such as Strava, then write down how many miles you do at the end of each day on the paper tracker in your fundraising pack. Don’t forget to post in the Facebook group, and on your Facebook page and fundraising page to let everyone know how you’re getting on!

How do I prove that I have completed my challenge?

As part of the challenge, we ask that you set up a June Dog Walking Challenge Facebook fundraiser which you can update daily or weekly with your progress. We recommend inviting your friends and family to your Facebook fundraiser – sharing updates here and on your Facebook profile is easy. The more you share the link to your fundraiser, the more support and donations you will receive. If you’re on Facebook, join the Facebook group for the challenge which is run by the Challenge Events team, and we’ll be able to see your updates there!

How do I set up my June Dog Walking Challenge fundraising page?

Follow this link to join our Facebook group, then follow the steps in our welcome post, where you can sign up for your FREE doggy bandana and set up your Facebook fundraiser in one click! If you don’t have Facebook, you can set up a JustGiving page instead. If some of your friends and family don't use Facebook, we suggest setting up a JustGiving page alongside your Facebook fundraiser – your totals will be added together at the end of the challenge to reflect all of your fundraising efforts! Your banner and title for your fundraising page on Facebook and/or JustGiving will be set up for you, but feel free to personalise the fundraiser 'About' section.

Can I do more than 60 miles?

Yes! You can make your target whatever you want – make sure the challenge is one that works for you.

How do I register for my FREE doggy bandana and fundraising pack?

You’ll find all the details in the welcome post of the June Dog Walking Challenge Facebook group. This will include a link to register for your bandana/fundraising pack and set up your Facebook fundraiser. If you’re not on Facebook don’t worry, you can set up a JustGiving page instead, or email Holly on teamCHAS@chas.org.uk and we’ll help you out.

When will my bandana arrive?

Packs will be being posted throughout May. We will get this to you as soon as we can!

Will I receive a medal for taking part in the event?

All participants will receive a CHAS doggy bandana for their canine companion when they sign up for the event. There is no minimum fundraising amount, but we ask that you try to raise as much vital funds as possible for CHAS throughout the challenge. Anyone who raises over £150 will receive a medal after the event!

A friend accidentally donated to my Facebook fundraiser. Can you give them a refund?

Unfortunately, we can’t issue refunds through Facebook but people can request a refund themselves from Facebook by following the below steps:

Send the donor this link: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/162031714239823

• Select - I donated to a fundraiser on Facebook
• Select - I want a refund for my donation(s)
• Select - I made a donation by accident and request the refund.

How do I send in funds raised from my sponsor sheet or given to me directly?

• If you have a Facebook or JustGiving fundraiser set up, you can receive cash or transferred funds (via PayPal, Online Banking etc) from supporters and add the donations to your fundraising page yourself
• Donate raised funds online here: https://www.chas.org.uk/donate - please put your name and "dog walking challenge" in the message box so funds can be allocated correctly
• Send a cheque to the FreePost address on your fundraising sheet, alongside the sheet itself. Please ensure any donors eligible for GiftAid have ticked the corresponding box in order for us to collect this!
• Transfer the funds directly to our bank account – get in touch with Holly for our bank details – teamCHAS@chas.org.uk

I want to complete the challenge as a team – how do I do this?

JustGiving is great for team fundraising - set up your individual JustGiving page, then you have the option to ‘Create a Team’ and add your team-mates! This links each team member’s JustGiving page to the Team page for a combined total.