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<p>Hello and thanks for taking some time to visit my JustGiving page.</p>
<p>On the 12th August thirteen intrepid colleagues, friends and I will be cycling 141 miles from Whitehaven to Tynemouth in aid of Shared Interest Foundation.</p>
<p>The Foundation does some fantastic work around the world providing business skills training to those who need it.</p>
<p>Education, training and access to fair finance are essential in maximising business opportunities for communities in the developing world.</p>
<p>In 2009 alone, the Foundation worked with almost 400 individuals in four countries throughout Africa. Now in its penultimate year, the Big Lottery funded Rwandan Producer Support Project aims to provide training, mentoring and counselling to local businesses.</p>
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<p>The project encourages diversification, adding to the existing skill bank to ensure success for the future.</p>
<p>To date the African projects have been a huge success and as a result the Foundation is now looking to expand its services into Latin America.</p>
<p>In addition to these training projects, Shared Interest Foundation also focuses on raising money that can be used to help fair trade business should disaster strike.</p>
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<p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p>
<p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>
<p>Many thanks</p>
<p>Andrew</p>