As you may be aware I have recently returned from two weeks in Indiawith the Tag Rugby Trust. (November 2010)
The Tag Rugby Trust is a rugby based charity that exists to help improve the lives of children in some of the poorest regions of the world. They currently work with orphanages and government schools in India, Zambia, Uganda and Kenya using the game of Tag Rugby as their vehicle. They fund the tours through volunteers who pay to join the adventure and who work closely with the children in a coaching capacity. Almost without exception the volunteers say that the tour is a life changing experience for them, which I can verify from my own experience.
They make a difference to the lives, not only of the children they coach, but also the volunteers and friends of the Trust. They are passionate rugby people and know the power it has to break down barriers and to create life long friendships. Above all, they believe that these positive experiences should be not only for the developed world but to growing “rugby nations” who don’t currently have the resources or opportunity to introduce children to the game. They provide that opportunity. In fact, taking this philosophy to the places they do to is arguably the most important ruby export that we can think of. The values installed into the children are many but in essence they revolve around:
Respect, Teamwork, Creating friendships, Breaking down social & geographical barriers, Co-operation between different communities, Tolerance, Exploring & accepting different cultures, Achievement & fulfilment.
The Tag Rugby Trust is fast approaching its tenth anniversary and to celebrate this fact which coincides with me reaching the ripe old age of 50, I have committed to raising £50,000 to fund projects in Uganda and India, which will make a difference and improve the quality of life not only in the short, but long term for those children fortunate to be involved. Whilst in India, I witnessed for myself the life changing effect projects like this can have on individuals, children who attended the very first coaching sessions in Uganda and India, have gone on to represent their respective countries at international level, including the recent Commonwealth Games. All I met are a credit to the work that has been undertaken previously.
So how can you help? Please donate and help me achieve my goal of making a differance in what is a special year for me. If you are a company and wish to help I am looking for 100 companies to each donate £500 towards the projects. In return you will be given exposure in any media activity that is undertaken, as well as being provided with pictures and updates on how your money has been spent. Fingers crossed if all goes to plan, your company logo will be displayed on the shirts of teams taking part in coaching sessions and tournaments across two continents. With the TRT being a registered charity (Reg'd Charity Number is 1108947) you have the opportunity to show the donation as such within your accounts.
If you would like to help me in achieving my target and make a difference to the lives of children less fortunate than ourselves, please donate on this page. All donations however small or large, will be gladly received as every penny will count in the march towards my £50,000 target.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any donations you feel you can give.
Martin
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.
So please dig deep and donate now.
