MORE than 50 people from Fiji, Australia and New Zealand will begin a five-day trek from Suva to Nadi to raise money for Cure Kids Fiji.
Organised by Accor Hotels, the 26 teams will embark on the Accor Extreme Challenge to Cure Kids to help raise $300,000.
Starting today, the teams of two will also be required to fulfill a series of surprise physical challenges along the way.
"Accor Hotel staff from across the Pacific have been preparing themselves for this event for the past 12 months.
"It is a key part of our company vision, to ensure we give something back to the communities we live and work in," Accor vice president New Zealand and Fiji Garth Simmons said.
This is the fourth extreme challenge event organised by the hotel chain.
As a result of the 2010 Accor Extreme Challenge, the Nadi Maternity Ward was given a makeover and money was also invested in a pilot study into screening of rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
Fiji has a high prevalence of RHD.
Money raised this year will continue to help fund this screening program, as well as an ongoing maintenance program of equipment purchased and given to Nadi, Lautoka and Suva hospitals.
Mr Simmons said the teams were excited about making a difference to the children of Fiji.
"They know they will be pushed well out of their comfort zone but they are keen to do it, because it's for the kids," he said.
"We once again thank our local sponsors of the event.
"They have continued to support us and value investing in the future health and wellbeing of the children of Fiji," he said.
Cure Kids chief executive officer Vicki Lee said they were proud and humbled by the support they had received over the past six years in Fiji from Accor Hotels and its event partners.
"The work we are doing together is resulting in saving the lives of many children in Fiji," Ms Lee said.
"Together we have a long-term commitment to Fiji and its children, and without the support we receive through this event this would not be possible," she said.