Back in 2024, I had the privilege of going on a trip to Borneo with Global Action, a trip I managed to afford by myself at just 16 years old by taking initiative and fundraising in many different ways. It may seem daunting right now, but I’m sharing my story to reassure you that it’s possible. I for one was not going to let money be a barrier to this unique opportunity to better myself, my learning and an opportunity for a good time.
If you’re not familiar with this system, it’s genuinely brilliant. Set up a cause, share it with friends and family, and every time they shop online, cashback goes into your trip fund – at no extra cost. It builds up quickly and feels like free money.
I raised around £500 just by getting people to install the browser extension. There are also bonus offers and competitions where you can earn an extra £10–£50, so it’s worth getting as many people involved as possible, especially for bigger purchases.
You and your group are all in the same boat, so why not work together? That’s exactly what we did – it helped us raise a solid portion of our funds while also getting to know the people we’d be spending so much time with in-country.
Some of the things that worked really well for us included group bake sales, movie nights, and car washes. It’s definitely worth giving it a go.
If you’re keen on activity like me, sponsored events are a great option. I ended up doing a sponsored hike but pick whichever sport or activity you enjoy most. Set yourself a challenge and get people to sponsor your cause! For me, I donned my Global Action shirt and took on the Lake District.
I raised my last third for the trip by getting a little Sunday job housekeeping in a local hotel. This helped me fund the trip and kickstarted my CV, it didn’t take up too much time, and provided a nice stable flow of cash to add to the pot.
Fundraising turned out to be more than just raising money – it was a really valuable experience. It pushed me to think carefully about how I used money, plan ahead, and make smarter decisions. It also challenged me to be creative, coming up with new ideas and ways to reach people and make an impact.
Along the way, I built real skills in financial responsibility and leadership – working with others, taking initiative, and staying motivated even when things didn’t always go to plan. Looking back, those are skills I still rely on today, and they’ve helped me feel more confident and capable in all kinds of situations.
I raised all the money for my trip, and I know you can too. Good luck and have an amazing trip!
Back in 2024, I had the privilege of going on a trip to Borneo with Global Action, a trip I…
Global Action Ltd. Lumley House, 56 Elliott Rd, Cirencester, Gloucestershire GL7 1YS
