WALKERS need to get their boots on if they want to join in the Dartmoor Mini Challenge and help raise money for Shelterbox — the Cornish based charity that provides emergency aid for victims of natural and other disasters anywhere in the world. The Rotary Club of Tavistock is organising two sponsored walks for people of all ages to enjoy on Sunday, April 27. Both start from 10am. Walk one of four miles around Burrator Reservoir follows the road; walk two is five miles long and starts at Norsworthy Bridge following a route up to Down Tor, across to Stone Row, on to Combshead Tor and down the valley returning to Norsworthy Bridge. Even though the heavens opened last year the event raised more than £7,000 — enough to buy 14 Shelterboxes. David Glover, secretary of the Rotary Club of Tavistock and also the international events co- ordinator for Shelterbox, urged people to join in the walks. He said: 'We would welcome both those who have given their support previously and anyone else who would like to share the experience of doing something positive for such a great cause as Shelterbox. So why not put your best foot forward.' Among those who have 'signed' up for the event are Rotarians from Torquay, pupils from Crediton School along with children and staff from Princetown Primary School, as well as West Devon Boy Scouts. Since Shelterbox began in January 2001, it has helped an estimated 500,000 people and worked in more than 40 countries – responding to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis, wars, and volcanoes. Each tough, green plastic box containing a 10- person tent and ancillary equipment designed to enable a family of up to 10 people survive for at least six months. Registration forms for the Dartmoor Mini Challenge can be downloaded from http://www.tavistockrotary.co.uk">www.tavistockrotary.co.uk
