Thank you for visiting my fundraising page.
Accenture and VSO have partnered to offer the Kilimanjaro Challenge. This challenge is made up of three components:

1.) I pledge to raise $6,000 between now and July 2007, which will be donated to VSO. None of the money donated will go toward my travel expenses. I have pledged to pay my own way to Nairobi.

2.) I will travel to Kenya to visit one of VSO's programs, Leo Toto, meaning "to raise a child" in Swahili. Leo Toto is a camp located in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya, which provides healthcare for children living with HIV and AIDS.  There, I will get to see your generous donations in action firsthand. I will also get to meet some of the children who will benefit from the volunteers' work.

3.) I will be joining a team of 30 climbers from across the globe to go on one of the greatest challenges of my life, a climb up Africa's highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, in the name of RAISA (Regional AIDS Initiative of Southern Africa).  Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa (nearly 18,000 feet) and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. This will involve an intense 6-month training regimen to prepare for the rigorous 6 day trek.

 To accomplish this considerable challenge, I will need all of your help in the form of encouragement and charitable donations. $6,000 is a lofty goal, but with like-minded friends and family, I have no doubt that we can reach it together.  Donations of any amount, small or large, will be greatly appreciated.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Voluntary Service Overseas 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.

Also, please keep in mind that since VSO is based in England, all donations are made in British Pounds.  ~1.9 USD = 1 GBP.  If you have any questions regarding exchange rates, please refer to this site: http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=1&from=USD&to=GBP&submit=Convert .

So please sponsor me now!

Many thanks for your support. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me: vijay.v.devarajan@accenture.com

"Whenever you are in doubt or when the self becomes too much with you, try the following experiment: Recall the face of the poorest and most helpless person you have ever seen and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be for any use to him or to her . . . Then you will find your doubts and your self melting away."

- Mahatma Gandhi