The virtual challenge is the latest in a series of activities and events planned by Kids 4 TOGO which has so far raised over £10,000 in two months.
Group spokesman Tony Read said: “Kids 4 Togo is a fundraising initiative created by children and their families from St George’s Church in Dumfries, who want to help the fight against hunger in Togo, Africa.
“We aim to raise £11,000 for Compassion UK’s ‘Planting A Way through the Storm Project’, which will provide enough seeds and fertiliser to feed 1016 families in Togo for seven months.
“We have already raised over £10,000 towards our total through donations and sponsorship, but are not ready to stop there!”
He revealed they have already notched up 839 miles, with 2378 to go.
Ten children, aged between one and ten, are taking part with their parents, supported by members of St George’s and their friends.
Their tasks so far have included a virtual trek across Togo, whereby the youngsters walked, ran and cycled a collective 360 miles in four weeks; a Taste4Togo event required them to taste three foods whilst blindfolded, donate £3 and nominate three friends to do the same; and the third is a virtual trek home with the local community invited to help by walking, running or cycling the collective of 3217 miles back home to Dumfries.
Donald Campbell, minister at St George’s, said: “This is such a ‘good news’ story at this time when we need good news to cheer us all up. It’s an amazing project by the kids and we are very proud of what they are achieving. Their efforts will result in tremendous benefits for other children in one of the poorest countries in the world.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to join with Kids 4 TOGO and make as big a difference as possible.”
To get involved, donate £5 as a registration fee at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/kids4togo and then submit your weekly miles.
And to find out more and watch the group’s progress, go to www.facebook.com/kids4togo.
