World Malaria Day is this week, and we’ve been hearing tons of creative ideas for sacrificing $6 for a life-saving mosquito net. Some activists are accepting the challenge on a larger scale and are going to great lengths (or in this case, great heights!) to help end malaria. One of those big actions is happening this summer through a trip organized by our friends at Venture Expeditions:  the 5 summits hike.  A team will be summiting 5 mountains in Colorado in just 10 days, all while raising funds and awareness to help end malaria deaths by 2015.

Meet are a few of the hikers, who tell us why they’re motivated to climb mountains to end malaria:

Ben Upham Minneapolis, MN Full-time student, trip leader

“I am going on this trip because I had an awesome experience on the trip last summer and would like to help others have a similar experience. Also, I believe that Venture is a worthwhile organization to invest in.”

Elanor and Andrew Straight Austin, TX Childcare Provider and teacher

“We have two children under the age of five and we want to do our part to save the lives of the thousands of children struck down by this disease.  We are raising this money and doing the hike in memory of my father, Paul Douglas Rimmer, who lived in Westcliffe, CO and passed away suddenly from a massive heart attack a year ago.”

Jordan Ask Cedar Rapids, IA, Full-time student

“To benefit the world, discover my soul. I’m touring to help raise awareness for Malaria in Africa and to grow in my faith with Jesus Christ.”

Ngozi Williams Bolingbrook, IL
“I am also doing this trip because this will be my first big activism/advocacy activity since college and one of my biggest fears ever since graduating was that I was going to have to put this big part of who I am away in order to function and properly fit into the “adult world”. With an opportunity like this, I feel I can still be an adult, dream, and most importantly, be in community with other people who want to stretch their comfort levels and make time to care for the needs of others.”

Sarah Brubaker Federal Way, WA, World Vision ACT:S intern

“I love advocating about injustices, the outdoors, and spiritual journeys, so this is an incredible opportunity to combine all three.”

Want to join the team (we have a few more spots!) or support their climb?  Learn more here!