Hello! 

The long story: I've signed up to volunteer abroad this summer to help those in need to learn new skills and better their lives for the long term. Helping people is something I'm passionate about and I can't wait to spend ten weeks of the summer making a positive impact on the world. For those that don't know, I already spend a lot of my time volunteering in this country, primarily by handing out food to the homeless and offering a warm heart and genuine conversation. I love the time that I spend doing this and it is often my favourite part of the week.

This passion has led me further afield, and I'm so excited that I have the opportunity to use my life to help people day in, day out for ten weeks.  I will be in Ghana either helping young people in farming where agriculture is the main source of income, or promoting gender equality and inclusive education in schools. I really trust this organisation in that the money collected goes to good use: 90% of the project is government-funded, whilst 10% is gathered by volunteers in order to show commitment and willingness. 

As part of my service I must raise at least the target of £800 which all goes directly towards the VSO and ICS associations, who use this money to fund projects and aid where it is needed - that means none of the money raised here goes towards my journey - flights, transfers, living costs, etc are already paid for, and this was an important factor for me when choosing who to volunteer with. Money raised here is to help those in need.

I'll be hosting a vegan dinner party complete with a dal cook-off, Hare Krishna chanting and positive meditations. I'll also be doing various other activities such as a sleep-out in Manchester, walking 26 miles in 24 hours with BOGLE, and many other, mainly food-orientated, activities. I hope to see you all there and please look forward to your invite. If you think you don't like dal, think again.

*by making a sustainable difference abroad

The short story: please donate. Your money goes towards a very important cause and a charity that needs your help.