View of Mt. Kilimanjaro

It’s no coincidence that the 13-member Danone team chose SOS-Arusha, in Tanzania, as one beneficiary of its efforts (SOS Villages in Kenya and South Africa will also receive funds.) The city of Arusha, in northern Tanzania, near Kenya, is a jumping off point for many of the country’s most famous national parks and mountains, including Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Why did the Danone employees choose children and SOS to begin with? “We had three ‘must haves’ in mind,” says group leader Adrian Bodkin. The team wanted to leave a legacy; they “wanted to work with a renowned organization we could trust to make best use of the money,” says Bodkin; and they sought a project that aligned with their daily work in Danone’s Baby and Medical unit.

SOS became the “obvious” choice, says Bodkin, because of the long-term partnership Danone has had with the organization, and because of the proximity of an SOS Children’s Village to Mount Kilimanjaro. The funds will go, in part, to building a second bore hole to expand water access to families at SOS-Arusha.

Three little girls from SOS Tanzania

The idea to help poor communities came to Bodkin long ago. In developing new suppliers for Danone’s baby food ingredients, he started talking to developing country growers about problems they and their families faced. He knew that someday he wanted to do something more to improve lives.

Last year, when Bodkin and his colleagues decided to help children in need, the idea of raising money by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was broached as a joke. Then, according to Bodkin, they asked, “Why not?”

Their original goal was to raise 1,000 Euros each, before what Bodkin calls their “magical thinking” grew to a total of 50,000 Euros. Team members began by targeting family and friends, then sponsorships began coming in from other Danone staff and from company suppliers and partners all over the world. “It was amazing how everyone seemed to engage in the idea. Momentum built, and money came in fast,” he says.    

After the expedition, which was exhilarating but quite a challenge because of the diverse ages and physical condition of the team members, the group visited SOS-Arusha, home to 100 children. The team found the experience “overwhelming,” says Bodkin.

“We were amazed how well SOS-Arusha is set up and managed, with very high quality standards. We had great contact with the children, and spoke to SOS Mothers, Teachers, and the Village Director. These are really warm, professional people with a clear view of future steps and needs,” he says. Team members were struck by the difference between the SOS Village and the poverty of the surrounding area. They were pleased to learn that schools and programs associated with SOS-Arusha are open to local children and families.
 

The Danone team reaching the summit

The expedition itself did not come off as easily as the fundraising. “The physical conditions on the way to the top were very hard,” says Bodkin. “We had everything thrown at us—sun, rain, cold. We trekked through forest, scrub, and desert conditions.” High on the mountain they found themselves covered in deep snow. The weather, the pace, and the route took a toll on the group but they pulled through, and are stronger for it.

“I now see that what we often see as barriers are no barriers at all. They only exist in your mind,” Bodkin says.

You too can make things happen by supporting SOS Children's Villages around the world. Make a donation or become a Fundraiser for SOS today to spread the word.