What difference did equALL make in 2016
JUNE 2016. GEF FOOD FAST
Disadvantaged children across the world suffer from the harsh effects of malnutrition, abuse, neglect, abandonment and disease. I met Myles Edwards at a networking meeting through my job in 2015, he runs The Gathimba Edwards Foundation. He has made a significant difference to the lives of many children in the Iten, Chaka, Karatina, Eldoret and Kitale regions of Kenya. GEF gives kids in Kenya a true chance to live their lives as children but also to develop as adults.
To keep this fundraiser relevant to the cause, we will be consuming no more than 300 calories per day for 3 weeks. Before the help from GEF, many of these children survive on less, the money raised will help Myles and his team reach out to more in desperate need.
We raised £617.75 fasting for The Gathimba Edwards Foundation. This money went towards building 5 houses in 9 days for families to have a safe roof over their heads, in October 2016.
AUGUST 2016. Take Every Child as Your Daughter
A couple of months ago, my friend introduced me to a organisation called Maiti Nepal. Founded by Anuradha Koirala in 1993 along with teachers, journalists and social workers, Maiti Nepal was "born out of crusade to protect Nepali girls & women from crimes such as domestic violence, trafficking for flesh trade, child prostitution, child labour and various forms of abuse, exploitation and torture".
You can find out their history and further detail of what they do by checking out their website www.maitinepal.org. I have been amazed learning about the depth of their work. These people save women and children from horrific circumstances and give them a new life including education and job opportunities - but most importantly a HOME. They empower these individuals to have a value of self worth regardless of what they have been put through and encourage them to hold a positive outlook for their future.
More than 15000 women and children are trafficked from Nepal each year, some as young as 7 years old. 150000 - 300000 Nepalese girls age 7-24 are currently estimated to be in brothels in India forced to serve up to 50 men a day. Maiti Nepal raids brothels to rescue victims and identify traffickers.
On the 12th of August 2016, we teamed up with club night Aberboomtique, together raising £632 for Maiti Nepal. We received the following message
SEPTEMBER 2016. 82p to Change a Dogs Life
I met Lou Southgate while in Thailand in 2015. As well as being equally passionate about animal welfare, Lou now works at Soi Dog and also travelled around Thailand helping at various shelters and sanctuaries. She became an great friend and somebody that I have stayed in close contact with.
While in Chaing Mai, Lou came across a rescue centre run by a small group of local Thai people called Santisook. Caring for almost 400 dogs, the organisation also educate the community and sterilise and vaccinate - which is so important in a country where there is a high level of animal neglect. However, Santisook are low on funds. Relying on donations Lou contacted me and we discussed how working together we could come up with an idea to help them out. She noticed during her visit that the shelter have a big problem with ticks, fleas and skin problems - the thai climate provides the best breeding ground for these. Simple medical care isn't enough, can be costly and hard to get hold of.
What is the solution to all of this? Regular baths! Bathed regularly with medical shampoos will help these dogs from developing future problems. It is a simple but highly effective idea. Lou worked out that installing 3 bathing stations at Santisook will cost £200 (9,000 THB), cost to install at £45 (2,000 TBH) and specialist shampoos at £45 (2,000 TBH). For £290 we can help revive all the dogs at the Santisook shelter from irritation at an estimated cost of 82p per dog. Going forward this would be a huge step for Santisook and will help them continue to care for the animals in such desperate need.
On the 10/09/16 equall held a 'Dogs Day' in aid of Lou & her mission to help Santisook. A family friendly day of facepainting, goodie bags, obstacle courses, food & drink, meeting local owners & dog photoshoots helped raise £141.33 to install the bathing stations which have since been built.
Thanks Rob Philips for photos, everyone who helped on the day and those who came along.
This post is a shortened version of an older blog.