Challenge Update: Thanks to your support, I made it to the top!!

Thank you to everyone who made a donation - it was your support that pushed me to the top. I nearly turned back only 30 minutes from the summit, but knowing that you were all counting on me left me with no choice but to keep going.

As of July 24th, we have exceeded our fundraising goal with a total of 3,225 GBP - over $6,000. This is enough money to support the living, working, training, and project costs for two volunteers for an entire year. While supporting two volunteers may not seem like a large impact, consider that 2 volunteers can impact thousands of lives through the cascading pyramid structure of VSO's skill transfer program. You're helping trigger a transfer of skills and livelihood training that can spread through entire communities to benefit thousands of people.

Thanks again for your support, and be sure to check back in a week for a detailed update.

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Thank you for visiting my fundraising page! 

Information about the Challenge:
On June 25th, I will join 29 strangers from around the world to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Our group will risk severe altitude sickness, hypothermia and rock slides in order to raise over $180,000 for Voluntary Services Overseas. While I consider this trek to be one of the most difficult physical challenges of my life, it hardly compares to the challenges faced daily by those who live in the region.

Information about VSO and the wonders your gift will help achieve:
Recognized as one of the top international development charities, VSO is committed to "realizing a world without poverty in which people work together to fulfill their potential". VSO volunteers work with local communities to create sustainable solutions in six 'goal' areas: education, HIV & AIDS, disability, secure livelihoods, participation and governance and health and social well-being. 

Your donation will go directly towards VSO's projects in East Africa, currently focused on providing long term solutions to the AIDS & food crises via education and training in water preservation, crop diversification and food processing.
http://vso.org.uk/about/

Updates on my progress:
In an effort to avoid mass emails, I've joined the world of the bloggers to share my updates on training and explain my motivations for supporting VSO. You can visit the blog at http://kiliforacause.blogspot.com/

Your support means the world to me.  My biggest source of motivation is knowing that you're counting on me to reach the summit.  

Thanks again!!

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