Raised: 87%
Target: £5,500.00
Raised so far: £4,807.50
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My story

 
FINAL (probably) UPDATE - Wednesday 16th May
I feel very sad writing this, but basically, my (personal) trip has been indefinitely postponed. The original trip was in May, and then due to van delivery problems was postponed till the end of June. The suppliers didn't make the dates, and so the trip is now happening in October. I can't go in October, as I'm involved in a new project, so, basically, I can't go.

It's obviously very disappointing. For me and for people who supported me. However, the trip itself will still go ahead, and the community in Moldova will still get the vans and aid/equiptment they need.

I will be writing in the snail-mail way to all my donors and supporters to explain the situation fully, and I'm sorry. This is a situation genuinely out of my control.

There is a small chance that I may go next May, but frankly that's a year away. I will, obviously keep you informed.

Thanks for all your support.

***********************************************************

UPDATE - Friday 11th May:
I massively appreciate all the huge support I've received from people I know and people I don't. Thank you.

I wanted to update you - there has been a delay to my trip (an issue out of my hands, to do with WJR's purchasing of the vans, and changes in the European van wholesale distribution chain), so it looks like the trip will be the last week of June. This is yet to be confirmed, and I will keep you posted.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
My great-grandfather, Chaim Tucherman left the Moldova/Romanian border in 1898, escaping pogroms, and now I'm going back. OK, it's 109 years later, but, as far as I know, no-one from my family has been back to der heim since then.

I am part of a small World Jewish Relief team called Mission Impossible raising over £80,000 each year, which is spent on transit vans and humanitarian aid. Sixteen of us will drive four aid-filled vans across continental Europe, leaving London on Sunday 13th May 2007, and arriving in Kishinev, on 16th May. 

We will spend a few days with the local Jewish communities, as well as being involved with the local Jewish Community Centres and meeting with local Jewish business people so that we can share some of their experiences and “Brainstorm for Business”. How much they would like to know about media strategy, events and business-to-business direct marketing is unclear to me, but I will find out.

To date, Mission Impossible has raised over £250,000 and delivered vans, clothing and assistance to needy Jewish communities in the Ukraine and Romania.

I need to raise £5,500 to cover the purchase of the vans, humanitarian aid, and my return flight (although, green as I am, I may return overland). To date, I have raised £4,700.

This trip is particularly poignant for me, as my great grandfather came to Manchester, from Vaslui, near Iasi, now in Moldovia, on the Romanian side of the border in 1898. I've been planning a trip, on and off, for about fifteen years, and I feel like I'm closing some kind of circle: Chaim left Romania pretty much with the clothes on his back, and came to Manchester where he started from scratch (in textiles, of course). I guess I live a relatively comfortable (and certainly pogrom-free) existence.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: World Jewish Relief 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.

Many thanks for your support.

Sasha
xx

Donation by Nick Cosgrove 09/05/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

enjoy the old country, and drive safely Donation by paul & alison 08/05/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

Sorry I couldn't make it on Sunday - good luck! Donation by Sarah Williams 04/05/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good Luck Donation by Rachel, Rob, Sam & Hannah 03/05/07  

£100.00 + £28.21 Gift Aid

v. sorry i couldn't make it...good luck!! Donation by Sarah S 29/04/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

This donation is from my Favourite Aunt Gill who remembers you from Rosh Hashana Donation by Gill Bennun 25/04/07  

£20.00

2 tickets for Kindertransport - thanks you- it was an amazing performance Donation by Gareth Brahams 25/04/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

good luck Donation by anonymous 23/04/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

For kindertransporten Donation by Jill and Dan 23/04/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Sorry I can't be at the film, but good luck with it all! Donation by debra corney 20/04/07  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Donation by Showroom 64 15/04/07  

£100.00

Good luck Sasha! Really hope you make your target. Donation by Diane 12/04/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Good luck Sasha, sounds like a great cause x Donation by Rebecca S 05/04/07  

£10.00

Donation by June Thomas 03/04/07  

£25.00

Such a good idea - get back safely Donation by Elena 28/03/07  

£50.00

Nice one Donation by Jess Gold 27/03/07  

£25.00 + £7.05 Gift Aid

2 tickets for Kindertransport. good luck!! Donation by Mel Hampson 25/03/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Good luck! What a great project. Donation by Kate Blok 24/03/07  

£10.00 + £2.82 Gift Aid

Will be in Italy on the screening date.Good luck with the evening. Donation by Andrew Risner 23/03/07  

£12.50 + £3.53 Gift Aid

Donation by danny shine 22/03/07  

£50.00

look forward to seeing you at 'an inconvenient truth' your trip is amazing. bring back photos. Donation by Flora Hoori 21/03/07  

£5.00 + £1.41 Gift Aid

Good Luck. Don't forget your towel! :) Donation by Darren 15/03/07  

£75.00 + £21.15 Gift Aid

see you on the 24th - B Donation by Barbara Abrahams 02/03/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

Kindertransport Donation by Louise Sylvester 29/01/07  

£60.00 + £16.92 Gift Aid

2 tickets Kindertransport Donation by M&O 26/01/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

2 tickets for plae Donation by Sally Grenfell 25/01/07  

£40.00 + £11.28 Gift Aid

Keep up the great work - Kindertransport (2 tkts) Donation by Ruth & Anthony Warrens 25/01/07  

£30.00 + £8.46 Gift Aid

you are fabulous. looking forward to the play Donation by lara levy-hampstead theatre 24/4 24/01/07  

£15.00 + £4.23 Gift Aid

Kindertransport Donation by Louise Sylvester 24/01/07  

£45.00 + £12.69 Gift Aid

Been meanin to do this for ages Donation by Rivka 16/01/07  

£20.00 + £5.64 Gift Aid
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