In a remarkable feat of determination and environmental commitment, VoFG Child Ambassador Nico Roman Cordonier-Gehring embarked on a 67-kilometer paddling journey from Cambridge to the sea to raise funds for charities dedicated to combating climate change and protecting children´s rights.
“As wildfires, heatwaves and floods worsen, I am desperately concerned about the terrible impacts of climate change on our local fenlands and our natural systems worldwide, and on the most vulnerable people - especially children. Rather than staying sad and angry, though, this summer I decided to kayak from Cambridge where I live to the sea, to raise funds for local and global charities who are trying to protect children's rights and nature from the impacts of climate change,” shared Nico.
The courageous journey began early morning, with Nico pushing off from the Cam. Armed with determination, a strong sense of purpose, and the support of friends and family, he set his sight on completing the two-day 67-kilometer course. The journey was as much a test of his physical endurance as it was a testament to his unwavering commitment to advocating for the rights of nature and children.
Nico was determined not just to complete the journey but also to raise funds for local and global charities. He set up an online fundraiser that garnered an outpouring of support from inspired individuals all over the world, surpassing his initial goal of £2,000 and raising more than £4,000 in donations!
The funds raised during this daring adventure were donated to global charities the Voices for Future Generations Children's Initiative (vofg.org) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (iucn.org), and to local charities Wicken Fen (nationaltrust.org.uk) and the Cambridge Botanic Gardens (botanic.cam.ac.uk).
Nico presenting one of the charities with a donation.
Nico expressed his motivation for undertaking this journey, saying, "I love our natural world. I believe it is important to protect and restore habitat for endangered species (including my two Hermann's Tortoises), and to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially by empowering youth and children. Climate change is getting worse, not better, and we need to do everything we can to support organisations who are helping to make a difference."
After reaching his 67km goal, Nico´s effort did not end there. He decided to create a Fundraising and Awareness Handbook to continue inspiring youth to take action.
“I love our natural world. I believe it is important to protect and restore habitat for endangered species (including my two Hermann’s Tortoises), and to advance the global Sustainable Development Goals, especially by empowering youth and children. Climate change is getting worse, not better, and we need to do everything we can to support organisations who are helping to make a difference.”
As climate change remains a pressing concern for communities worldwide, Nico´s determination is a shining example of how individuals, regardless of their age, can make a profound impact in the fight for a more sustainable future.
