VSO's Work in Nepal

The Boy who inspired me

When I was in college I read this amazing story in Readers Digest about a 6 year old boy who decided that he wanted to make a difference. His story touched me and got me interested in fund raising.

Here is his story......

In 1998, when Ryan was in grade one, he learned from his teacher, Mrs Prest that people were dying because they didn't have clean water to drink. He decided that raising money for people who didn't have clean water would be a good thing. He worked for four months in order to earn his first $70. Ryan’s first well was built in 1999 when Ryan was seven years-old at a school in a Ugandan village.

Ryan’s determination grew from the $70 collected by doing simple household chores to a Foundation that today has contributed a total of 502 water and sanitation projects in 16 countries bringing clean water and sanitation services to over 621,712 people. The Foundation has raised millions of dollars.

Ryan remains dedicated to the Foundation and its work. He continues to speak passionately about the need for clean water around the world, and has visited over two dozen countries in spreading his message. He has made presentations to hundreds of schools, churches and civic clubs, and more than two dozen international conferences and global events including Rotary International and the World Water Forums. He is recognized by UNICEF as a Global Youth Leader.

When Ryan set out to raise the $70 he thought would build a well, he had no idea that his simple quest to make a difference would have the effect is has today. Ryan's story has become an example of how one single person can make a difference. It is also an inspirational real-life story that continues to impact others around the world, regardless of age, to make a difference too!

I think its time now for me to move forward from being inspired to doing. When I found out about the fundraising opportunity I thought that this would be a great learning experience and the confidence I will gain here will hopefully keep me on this path. I hope you can support me through this journey.

Cake Round 2 Results

Well I sold 1.5 cakes yesterday. Was hoping to have sold all of the 3 cakes......As a friend said, "I guess people are on a diet" :) I am very grateful to those who did buy my cakes, it really means alot to me.

Will figure out some more ways to raise the funds. But I wont give up!

Cakes - Round 2!

I am beat! just finished baking 3 cakes for tomorrow. This time its a Date and Walnut cake. Its something I used to have for christmas at home.....whole place is smelling of the cakes.....smells like christmas week :)

Why is Fundraising Important to VSO?

VSO believes in sending skilled people instead of food and money to make a real difference in the fight against poverty. VSO needs to raise £10 million each year in the UK in order to continue their vital work - working through volunteers to fight poverty in some of the world’s poorest communities.

Here is what your money can do for VSO:

£36.40 can keep a VSO obstetrician working in West Timor, Indonesia for a week, safely delivering 12 babies.

£158 can keep a VSO child health specialist teaching 33 future doctors and nurses at Mbarara University Hospital in Uganda, for one month.

£500 can train and provide initial funds to 10 HIV+ women in Mozambique to start their own business, giving them and their children income and hope.

£948 can keep a VSO doctor providing crucial treatment to reduce mother-tochild HIV transmission in Uganda for six months.

£15,142 could help VSO keep a team of irrigation officers in Malawi, aiding 3,000 smallholder farmers to produce a lifesaving crop so that 18,000 people can eat during the dry season.

Your donation does matter! Please consider supporting VSO and help me in my effort to raise funds.