By Rebecca Dipple
Meet Bec, Head of Partnerships at Inspired Adventures. In October 2024, she joined a group of Opportunity International supporters for a multi-day adventure in India. Bec reflects on the profound impact of this journey, especially the project visits that showcased Opportunity International's work and its transformative effect on communities. Returning from the experience more inspired than ever, Bec highlights how truly impactful and meaningful these adventures can be.
About Opportunity International & the Adventure
Opportunity International Australia aims to end poverty in developing countries—one family and one community at a time. Through small, impactful loans, they empower women to build businesses, create sustainable incomes, and unlock brighter futures for themselves and their families. Beyond financial empowerment, Opportunity International addresses key factors that perpetuate poverty. They enhance health, sanitation, and nutrition, ensuring families can live without the burden of preventable diseases. They support education, equipping children with tools to escape poverty and deliver training on domestic violence prevention and human trafficking, ensuring safe and thriving communities for future generations.
This year, I had the privilege of joining a team of Opportunity International Australia supporters (Peter, Kate, Franca, and Tamara) as well as charity representative, Kieran, on a 9-day fundraising adventure in India. Having Kieran from Opportunity join was particularly meaningful, as he shared information about the organisation throughout the adventure, explaining exactly how they work and where the funds raised would go. It was fantastic for him to walk side-by-side with Opportunity's supporters, getting to know them on a deeper level and further building those donor relationships.
The itinerary was a dazzling mix of cultural immersion, physical challenge, and deep connection to purpose. We spent three days trekking through picturesque villages, pausing for masala chai, and taking in unforgettable, breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas. We explored the vibrant towns and cities of Kolkata, Darjeeling, and Varanasi. The highlight of the entire experience was meeting the resilient and inspiring women that Opportunity International supports through their microloan programs. This group of women in Varanasi are just a small number of those who are supported by this work. Imagining this on a larger, worldwide scale, became that much easier after hearing from these women.
Trek For Opportunity, India 2024
A mix of project visits, trekking, and impact
A Transformative Journey and Project Visits
One of the most powerful aspects of this adventure was visiting communities near Varanasi, where we met women whose lives have been transformed by Opportunity International’s microloans. We met with several women, including:
- Rani, A Tailoring and Beauty Entrepreneur: Rani, had purchased a sewing machine with her loan, starting a tailoring business and offering beauty services and products to her community. It was really special to hear her story, and how much strength and resilience she has shown to get to where she is. We were excited to buy bright colourful bangles from her store and even got some beautiful henna painted onto our hands.
- Suggi, General Store Owner and Baker: Suggi had gone through many hardships in her life, but through her determination for a better life for her family she took several small loans which enabled her to open up a general store, which sold everyday goods and water balls and snacks. Suggi has been able to construct a house and pay for her daughter's weddings as a result of the success of her store. Suggi showed us around her house and store, which we felt very lucky to have witnessed.
Hearing their stories and witnessing the tangible impact of these loans was humbling and inspiring. It was clear that these small financial loans have a ripple effect—empowering women, supporting families, and fostering independence. Financial access is inclusive, requiring no prior banking history or financial proof, ensuring opportunities for the most vulnerable.
A Challenge with Purpose
The trek itself was both physically demanding and spiritually rewarding. Waking up in tents to stunning views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including glimpses of Kangchenjunga, was breathtaking. This journey of endurance and exploration was further enriched by the meaningful project visits, making it an experience I’ll never forget.
This partnership between Opportunity International and Inspired Adventures exemplifies the power of combining adventure with purpose. It left all of us deeply inspired and more connected than ever to Opportunity International’s mission and the life-changing impact of their work.
Fundraising Success
The team may have been small, but it was mighty—4 participants raised a total of $40,576!
This group was connected to Opportunity International in unique and meaningful ways:
- Peter, who knows the Founder of Opportunity International had been involved with the charity since its very early days in the 1970s.
- Kate, another participant, had also been supporting Opportunity for many years. She found it incredibly impactful to see firsthand the impact the funds raised were making.
- Franca, a long-time supporter who donates annually through her business. As part of her fundraising efforts, she organised a flash mob with her staff as a creative way to fundraise!
- Tamara, a staff member from RedZed, a corporate partner of Opportunity International.
This campaign showcases the power of engagement. The adventure was an impactful way to involve corporate partners and major donors while providing a firsthand experience of the difference their funds raised make. This deepens donor connections and allows them to see exactly where their funds are going, fostering an even greater commitment to the cause.
The combination of passionate individuals, a shared purpose, and the stunning natural backdrop created an adventure that was truly one of a kind. The team raised impressive funds, and lefted the trek with lasting friendships and a wealth of knowledge. It’s a journey I’ll always look back on with immense gratitude and fondness.
What the team loved
What were the highlights of your Inspired Adventure?
More Information
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