Thank you for visiting this fundraising page.

As many of you know, I have decided to travel to the Balkans this summer (from mid-July to end-August) to highlight the best in human endeavour in this previously war-torn region, now in the midst of rebuilding.  I will be concentrating on social enterprises and social businesses (Catalyst’s focus—see www.catfund.com), but will also meet charities, politicians, academics, human rights activists, musicians and others who represent a broad variety of the fantastic people in that region.  I will blog the entire trip and will attempt (my own technical limitations notwithstanding) to include the odd video clip.  To see more about the trip, please view www.catfund.com/Balkans and click on the blog near the top. 

I have chosen the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR—www.iwpr.net) because it is unique in providing an informed perspective in a dangerously divided world.  It provides high-quality, professional and independent journalistic coverage (on its own and via mainstream media outlets) and training to journalists in the most challenging locations in the world.  Without their work, we simply would not know what happens in the parts of the world where we most need to know what is happening.  Born out of the Balkans crisis in the mid-1990s, the IWPR covers trouble-spots in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and South-eastern Europe .  I have met them personally, at length, and can vouch for their professionalism, drive and integrity.  They are the best sort of social enterprise and I have chosen them from among a wide variety of charities operating in the region as best representing, in many ways, the spirit of the trip.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Institute For War And Peace Reporting (Iwpr) will receive your money faster and, if you are a taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.  The trip will cover about 10,000 kilometres--perhaps you may wish to sponsor the journey on a pence per km basis?  Any gift will be much appreciated!

Many thanks for your support--rod schwartz