Vacationing for a good cause

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Volunteering or working for a cause while on vacation has become quite trendy, and now the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has come up with a way for supporters to raise money for a good cause while training for a rugged outdoor adventure.

Participants in the Hike for Discovery program learn techniques for hiking, climbing, first aid and nutrition in preparation for a strenuous seven-hour hike down the Grand Canyon and back up again.

Training for the excursion is being offered by 23 chapters around the country. The society also offers fund-raising advice to participants, who raise most of their money by creating personalized Web pages about the program. Links are sent to family, friends, colleagues and other potential donors.

The average amount of money raised by each individual is $3,700, with 75 percent of that going to the society, which funds research on cures for the blood diseases. The other 25 percent covers travel and training costs for the hiking program.

The hikes are scheduled to take place April 28-30, May 5-7, May 12-14, May 19-21, and June 2-4.

For details, call (888) 435-7557 or visit www.hikefordiscovery.org.