<p>The poor sap you see on the left is Charlie. Charlie is an orphan. His mum and dad died when he was just a baby. That must be horrible, right? No one to buy you presents for your birthday, no one to take you to school, no one to cook for you and show you the way in life.</p> <p>Charlie's story tugs at the heartstrings I'm sure you'd agree. So I want to help Charlie and many others like him around the world. Asia, Africa, America and even in the good old UK; orphans don't get the proper care and attention they need at such a young age.</p> <p>What I propose to do is as follows. In January, using my own money and my own annual leave from work, I will fly to Kerala, India and work with local orphans and other disadvantaged children. I will help teach them english, help them play sports...heck, I've even been told I might have to show them how to dance (I'll take my hip flask for that lesson).</p> <p>You can read more about the project here:&nbsp;<br /><a href="http://www.gvi.co.uk/projects/Asia/India/volunteer-orphanage-india/home" target="_blank">http://www.gvi.co.uk/projects/Asia/India/volunteer-orphanage-india/home</a></p> <p>So I am doing my little bit and covering all my own costs - if you would like to show your support by making a generous donation to Orphans in Need, who do sterling work, then please do. It will make my two weeks with the children all the more worthwhile.</p> <p>What's more, my employers (Atos) will kindly match any sponsorship I receive. So as a well known supermarket regularly drill in to us...every penny does count!</p> <p>Thank you all in advance.</p> <p><strong>Alan</strong>&nbsp;</p>