I am currently raising £800 for an amazing charity called Balloon Ventures in collaboration with ICS (International Citizens Service) an innovative organisation providing entrepreneurial education to people in developing countries who need help turning their business ideas into reality.

In order to raise the money I will be doing the following:

1) Taste of Africa
In early April I will be hosting a dinner showcasing cuisine from east and west Africa to the soft rhythmic tones of Afrobeat, Makossa and Coupe Decale.

The menu will include Dodo (Fried Plaintain), Matoke(Ugandan/Kenyan Delicacy), Roast chicken and Jollof Rice in 3 delicious courses.

All details will be confirmed once I have secured a venue watch out here for the facebook event.

2) Living Under The Bread line
I will be living on a £5 food budget for the week beginning 21st March 
It will give me a practical understanding of what it means to live below the bread line and I will be sharing the experience with you on here.

Sponsor me for a chance to shower me in a bucket of ice cold water.

3) 7 day Ice Bucket Challenge
I will be doing an ice bucket challenge for 7 days in a row starting on the 28th March and sharing the recordings on social media.

The 3 biggest donors by 28th March, once I have finished 'Living under the Bread Line', will have the (optional) honour of throwing a bucket of ice cold water over me.

WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE?

By supporting this campaign you will help to provide the resources and know-how micro entrepreneurs in Kenya and Uganda will not receive anywhere else. They will have the confidence to take the calculated action required to learn and gather feedback about the product's feasibility and develop their idea accordingly. 

At the end of the scheme they will have the opportunity to present their business to prospective investors and gain hard capital to put their plan into action. Using the experience and insights they have developed working with us volunteers over the 12 weeks each successful entrepreneur will be able to test, refine and execute their ideas for growth long into the future.

WHY ARE WE FUNDRAISING?

ICS is funded 90% by the government and 10% by charitable donations. Balloon ventures is funded in the same ratio alongside all the other organisations under the ICS Umbrella. 

The fundraising gives us the opportunity to learn and share more information about the work we do with a wider audience whilst the cash is a crucial part of the ICS funding and means we can ensure the resources and services we provide continue to be of high quality.

Thank you for all the support you give! Whether it's a fiver to get me closer to my target or just some words of encouragement, it makes all the difference.

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. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.