***Appeal #2 - thank you to all who helped raised nearly £2000 in the last 12 months! A large number of companies, family, friends & celebrities have helped me raise funds for this deserving cause. I will forever be grateful to  Robin Williams,  Joanna Lumley, David Jason, Robbie Coltrane, Jeremy Irons,Christine Hamilton, Joe Pasquale, Richard Branson's office, Peter Gabriel, Alan Titchmarsh, Brian Blessed, Chris Bonington, Wendy Richard, George Michael, and many more...To see the last campaign , visit- www.justgiving.com/karenbilling

As of July 8th 2007, a number of other celebs have been very generous in donating items to be auctioned to support my fundraising efforts for SHIVA.  These include Kylie Minogue, Sarah Ferguson - Duchess of York, Emma Thompson, Jose Carreras,  Phil Collins, Twiggy,  Bryan Ferry, Ricky Gervais, Katie Melula, Norah Jones, Ewan McGregor, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Anita Roddick and more. I am incredibly grateful as money raised will help so many children!

This fundraising page is for Shiva Charity and one of it's projects -the KBS (Karen Billing School) in the Eastern Himalayas - over the border with Nepal near Darjeeling, India. Please dig deep and sponsor online.  Not only do you help provide educations for the school I sponsor, but for all the SHIVA Charity educational projects.

Having visited Shiva projects in Nepal, I can wholeheartedly vouch for their good work. As a mother myself, I can't imagine my kids not having access to education, not knowing the pleasure a book can bring - and them not being able to dream or aspire to something greater in life.  But for many children, this is commonplace.  Parents can barely afford food and clothing, much less afford to send a child to school that might otherwise be working and bring in a bit of family income.  Education for many can be a luxury.

I sponsor a school through Shiva Charity.  It is just one of the Shiva schools helping children break out of poverty through education. Donations received will literally change lives - of the children involved, their siblings & families, and the community at large. Like a ripple effect, it touches those near and far.

In April 2007, my 13 yr old daughter and I went to the Himalayas (with our own savings for all travel & expenses) to visit the school I sponsor.  I was so happy to share this experience with my daughter as I know it has forever changed her outlook and made her see how fortunate we are and how others need a hand. Prior to going, she managed to raise a significant amount for charity in her own right.  Meeting the students and staff at the school was an amazing experience - one of the best times of my life and I am forever committed to helping SHIVA. 

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Schools Helping India Voluntary Association (SHIVA) will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.   If you wish to remain anonymous, please make up an email address anbd contribute- but by giving your true identity, you can be thanked!

No personal contact info will be released to others.

You can also donate by visiting my website: www.Buttermilkbarn.com - for products that have proceeds going to Shiva.

 Many thanks for your support and should you have any further questions about the projects, ways to help, or making a donation by cheque -please email me: homespunamericana@hotmail.com

Karen Billing