So what's going on!?! Well, I've been organising all sorts of different fun events since July 2013 in an attempt to raise as much money as possible for the VSO. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who has already helped me smash my target (I started aiming at £1500 remember?!) You have all been amazingly generous - you rock! With the most recent event on January 25th (see the update section) we have achieved a whopping £4412.24!!!!!! WOOHOO!! The fundraising is going to go on a break now though as I focus on finalsing my placement!? Your donations are of course always welcome to the VSO however...

About the VSO: VSO is different from most organisations that fight poverty. Instead of sending money or food, it brings people together to share skills and knowledge. Every pound that you help me raise brings people together to spark a chain reaction which means that fighting poverty can be sustainable and long-lasting.

So far VSO have sent over 40,000 volunteers of 94 nationalities to work in 34 countries around the world. There are currently around 1,500 VSO volunteers working overseas and from some time in 2014 hopefully one of those will be me!!!

The money you guys help me raise will not go towards my personal overseas placement. Instead, to ensure your money is directed where it will do the most good, the VSO design their placements in cooperation with local partners, who have the frontline knowledge to determine where the need is greatest.

For example £1,500 could help VSO....

• Keep an HIV and AIDS specialist in Tanzania, training local professionals and students to prevent HIV in newborns.
• Keep a financial consultant in Tanzania, helping women’s groups establish profitable business relationships and send their children to school.
• Keep a teacher-trainer in Nepal, establishing access to good education for the poorest children. 
• Keep someone like me, somewhere most probably in Africa or South East Asia, doing what I do, erm, helping someone hopefully!?!?!

I'll try and keep you up to date on any further activities happening near you, come along, enjoy, dig deep and sponsor!!! Thanks in advance for your support!!!

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So, thanks!!!! Jessica