Hello and thank you for visiting my fundraising page.

 

My mission is this:

A solitary cycle down some of South India’s most beautiful and untouched landscape that lies between Mumbai and Goa: the Konkan Coast. There will be hills, there will be language barriers (no speak Hindi!) and there will be heat, sun, sweat, dust and punctured tyres. Furthermore, I’m not going to stop cycling once in Goa but intend to continue southwards in spite of the rising heat and humidity, eventually reaching Karnataka and Kerala on two wheels. So in the name of all the fantastic work that International Animal Rescue undertakes (not just in India but across the globe) please take a moment to opt for the easy option from the comfort of your own chair and sponsor me. Even if it’s as little as a pint at your local or the cost of a pizza from the take-away, IAR will ensure it goes a long way in their efforts to reduce suffering to animals.

 

IAR have recently experienced a historic breakthrough in animal welfare when the last dancing bears of India were taken off the streets in December 2009. Working in close partnership with three other NGOs, more than 600 bears have been rescued and given a permanent home and lifetime care in sanctuaries throughout India. Understanding the importance nurturing sustainable solutions, IAR have provided a rehabilitation package for the bear handlers, known as kalandars, so that they can learn new trades and continue supporting their families after surrendering their bears. For the first time kalandar children are able to attend school and receive an education sponsored by the Kalandar Rehabilitation Project. By working with these other NGOs to achieve such excellent results, IAR demonstrate their ability to liaise, coordinate and implement sustainable animal welfare policies harmoniously –key qualities of an exemplar organisation.

 

For more information about the other inspiring work of IAR please visit www.internationalanimalrescue.org In the meantime, I’d better reapply some sun cream, get back on the saddle and continue making tracks!

 

Having personally visited their animal rescue centre in Goa, I can assure you that without IAR here the plight of sick, injured and abused animals would know little relief. Obviously flying to India as a lone female with just two small panniers and my mountain bike for company has raised a few eyebrows, but it’s not about that…it’s time to raise some funds.

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Leah

 

P.S Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.