The Mongol Rally is, above all, a charity fundraiser and no team is able to cross the start line without first having raised AT LEAST £1,000 for one of the Rally's official charities. And as we Gadabouts were once kids too, we have decided to raise money for the Christina Noble Children's Foundation. The CNCF is an admirable foundation which aims to help bring support and medical help to disadavantaged children from in and around Ulan Bataar. As well as raising money, should we make it to Ulan Bataar alive we'll be given the chance to meet some of the children whom the foundation has helped. 

CNCF - Christina Noble Children's Foundation

CNCF have a variety of projects in Mongolia that change the lives of kids who have often been given a pretty rough hand in life. The funds from the Mongol Rally support the running costs of the incredible Blue Skies Ger Village in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

The Ger Village houses abandoned or homeless children and gives them a new chance in life with a safe place to live, education, and all the support of a family with their innovative techniques.

Each residential ger is staffed by a Ger Mother, often a single parent herself, who creates a loving home for the children. Older children help to care for the younger, and assist their ger mother with simple domestic chores. The team running the village is continually looking for innovative and effective ways to deliver a better environment for the children and funding has enabled a range of improvements.

At school age the children are enrolled alongside their peers at the local district school: learning within the community and gaining vital qualifications for later adult life.

The Ger Village is on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar and is enclosed with a large 'Hasha' (fence), which helps create a small community atmosphere.

CNCF doctors visit several times per week, and a team of two Managers, both themselves qualified doctors, are constantly on-hand to advise, protect and encourage the children. There are monthly outings, occasions of great excitement.

Wherever possible the Foundation seeks to reunite children with their families and assist the family face the future together.

For more information on the Christina Noble Children's Foundation head to www.cncf.org.