I am cycling hundreds of miles from one end of the UK to the other. Why?! Because no child should have to live on the streets.
In August, I went with my two daughters to Guatemala, where thousands of children struggle daily to survive. Poverty, abuse and family breakdown are just a few of the reasons why children in this country end up living on the streets - it is a complex problem that won't go away overnight, but Toybox and its partners in Latin America are making a difference, one child at a time.
We visited the huge rubbish dump in Guatemala; we couldn't get in due to high security, but we watched as an endless trail of yellow lorries appraoched the gates, well aware that inside each lorry there would be street children desperate to get first pick of the rich resources available. With no home and no-one caring for them, children have no choice but to use the rubbish to survive.
But we also saw some of the amazing things that were happening; we met Cesar who has dedicated his life to the street children, going out every day to offer them friendship and first aid. We spent the day with some girls in a hostel, in the process of leaving street life behind and adapting to life in a family-style environment with the love and security they need.
Toybox has a vision of a world with no street children, and by cycling from Land's End to John O'Groats I hope to be part of this vision. The money raised will be put towards the newest project Toybox supports in a town called Oruro in Bolivia, providing 'Guardian Angels' to look out for children on the streets. You can find out at http://www.toyboxcharity.org.uk/guardian_angels.html.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Toybox Charity 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.
Thank you for your support!
Sally
