When I visited Uganda in 2003 I had a personal encounter with the realities of a third world country.   I returned home with a new perspective on health, wealth, happiness, education and many other things we in the west often take for granted.   I saw too how a little UK sterling when turned into Ugandan shillings really does go a long way.  

This Christmas, I have decided to have a 'green Christmas', to reduce my carbon footprint and donate the money I would have spent on Christmas cards and postage to the charity for which I am a Trustee and Treasurer, YOUTHWORX-East Africa (YEA).   I invite you to consider doing the same by donating to YEA through this JustGiving fundraising page.  Maybe share a 'virtual' cup of coffee and a mince pie with me - the cost of this would cover the daily living costs of one of our volunteers.   It is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. You can send me a Christmas message, and your donation will go directly to the charity.   If you are a UK taxpayer, you can make your gift go even further by Gift Aiding your donation. 

To find out more about the work of YEA visit our website:  www.youthworx-ea.org.uk 

Please don't think the lack of a Christmas card means we are not thinking of you.   Colin and I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and a healthy New Year.    As a familiar Christmas carol says:  'Love came down at Christmas'.    Let us spread a little of that love around and help a little go a long way.  

Thelma