About Virtual Explorer
What is Virtual Explorer?
Virtual Explorer is a unique virtual challenge experience. While it is difficult to travel nationally and abroad, Islamic Relief has a way in which you can get on your feet, enjoy the great outdoors and be transported to another time and place as you move, all whilst raising vital funds to provide water for life for communities across the world.
How do I take part?
Click sign up, select the journey that you want to take on, decide whether you're going to walk, cycle or run and connect up your Strava app to track your miles. Once you’ve done all that, grab your trainers or get on your bike and start racking up your mileage!
Is there a registration fee?
There is an optional £10 registration fee for selected virtual explorer challenges. This fee will cover the cost of Oculus glasses that are required to complete your virtual explorer experience. The glasses would be sent to you via post and should be worn to watch the immersive videos that you will receive throughout your journey.
Do I need to do a specific distance to complete the journey?
Each journey has a specific distance that you have to complete in order to be sent the emails with the immersive videos and podcasts.
If I register for one journey but want to do a different one, do I have to register again?
As you registered for a specific journey, you will only be sent the emails with the immersive videos and podcasts for that journey. If you want to complete a different journey instead, you can register again for the journey you want to do.
Can I do more than one of the journeys?
Absolutely! There’s no reason to stop at just one! Just remember, you should fundraise for every journey you take on.
Do I have to complete the journey in a specific amount of time?
No, you can take as long as you need to complete the journey.
Are there any age restrictions to taking part?
Anyone under 18 who wants to take on a journey must have parental or guardian approval to do the journey. Full details can be found in the terms & conditions.
Do we travel to the locations as part of the journey?
No, these journeys are purely virtual and do not involve any travel.
Fundraising
How much money do I have to raise?
Each journey has a specific amount that you must raise - check the target on your fundraising page to see how much that is. Full details can be found in the terms & conditions.
Can I only fundraise online?
No, you can fundraise offline, see here for different ways to donate. Please remember to reference “Virtual Explorer” when making any deposits or transfers. You can add offline amounts onto your page once they have been received by Islamic Relief. For more information on how to do this, please contact challenges@islamic-relief.org.uk
What is Virtual Explorer fundraising for?
Any money raised through fundraising for Virtual Explorer will go to providing Water for Life for communities across the world. Visit the cause page for more information. If you would like to fundraise for a different cause, please contact challenges@islamic-relief.org.uk
Tracking my Activity
How do I connect my tracking device?
Please see here on how to connect Strava to your JustGiving page.
I don’t have a smartphone or fitness device, can I still take part?
Absolutely, you can manually track your miles on your JustGiving fundraising page every time you finish your activity.
I forgot to track my miles. Can I add them afterwards?
That’s okay, you can manually track your miles on your JustGiving fundraising page instead.
What is Strava?
Strava is a way in which you can use your phone to track your physical activity - from the distance you've travelled to the time it took to the route you've taken. Strava uses GPS to track this information and logs it for you to look over and share with your networks as a way to encourage and be encouraged by your friends, family and followers.
Get help
I have some questions and I'd prefer to speak to someone about Virtual Explorer. How do I contact you?
You can get in touch with us by emailing challenges@islamic-relief.org.uk
I'm having problems with my JustGiving page/account
If you’re having problems with your page or account, don’t worry, just get in touch with the JustGiving support team by emailing help@justgiving.com.