Hello!  :)

 

During summer 2014 I am going to spend 10 weeks in Costa Rica and Nicaragua with Raleigh International.

 

Raleigh International is a youth and sustainable development charity that also works in Borneo, Tanzania and India.  Based upon 4 core values – courage, drive, discovery and integrity – Raleigh’s mission is to build sustainable communities whilst conserving the environment.  As they have a constant presence in the countries that they operate in, they can ensure that the work done by volunteers will really have a sustainable, lasting beneficial impact.

 

By volunteering, I will be able to play a small part in helping them move towards their goal.  This fantastic opportunity will involve 3 sections:

 

 

Community phase:
In 2011, volunteers –

 

Constructed 6 water projects, providing fresh drinking water to 855 people.

 

Built 5 multi-use community centres.

 

Built 4 primary schools, 1 secondary school and 1 kindergarten, directly affecting 439 students.

 

 

 

Environmental phase:
In 2011, volunteers –

 

Installed 2 bio-gas units as an alternative energy solution and income generating project.

 

Worked in nine different national parks, building 8km of trails, 2 water systems for ranger stations and 3 observation platforms.

 

Protected the eggs from over 1,500 turtles.

 

 

 

Adventure phase:

 

This will involve covering 240-280km in 19 days through some incredible natural environments – such as the Costa Rican rainforest or Nicaragua’s Momotombo volcano.  Wild camping in the jungle with up to 10 hours trekking each day; I can definitely say that this will be my biggest challenge yet!

 

 

 

By taking part, I will be helping to make a real difference to the lives of families in Nicaragua and conserve the amazingly biodiverse natural environment of Costa Rica.

 

 In order to do this I need to fundraise a total of £3,150 (this works out at about £368 per month!)  Of course it won't all be through donations, I'm going to work for it too - but anything you can give to support me will be really appreciated! 

 

 

Fundraising Events - (keep checking back for updates!)

 

Fundraising gig - Thursday 20th March, 7:30 - 10:30pm
@ the CUBE Café | Bar at Déda, Chapel St, Derby, DE1 3GU 
Enjoy live music in the relaxing atmosphere of the CUBE.  Musicians to be confirmed, but expect an eclectic mix of pop, jazz, rock and folk from local artists.  Tickets only £5!  (You need to get them directly from me, not from Déda.)

Sponsored fell race  - 5th April 2014
I will be doing the Three Shires event, a 20-mile route via Gun Hill, the Roaches, Gradbach and Three Shires Head - this is equivalent to the length of Lake Arenal, Costa Rica’s longest lake!

As well as raising money for a great cause, your sponsorship will definitely make the training worthwhile!  

Cake sales at as many events as possible (particularly orienteering events for hungry runners!)

Selling handmade cards - get in touch if you would like to request a unique, personal card for a special someone.  Only £1.50 per card!

Car boot sales

 

 On this page I will post updates about my progress and fundraising events, so please keep checking back to see how I'm doing!

 

 Thank you!

 

 Sophie  x