'Business Voice Speaks for Kenya'

Dear all

Kenya

On the 24th of June a unique event will take place in the middle of Kenya: around 650 people from over 20 countries will be running a full/half marathon in a game reserve to raise money for charity. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is home to over 80 rhino, herds of elephant and a vast assortment of game including oryx, eland, zebra, giraffe and buffalo as well as the big cats. The marathon, organised by Tusk Trust in conjuction with Lewa and sponsored by Safaricom is primarily staged as a key fund-raising event to support a wide range of programmes: 20% goes to eductional projects, 10% will go to healthcare, community development schemes will receive 25% and the wildlife conservation receives the final 45%.

 Us

 After reading the recruitment poster in the coffee corner, both Ale and myself, seized this opportunity and joined the Vodafone team straight away. However, after 'digesting' the information we realised that:

 - we are not runners, we have never ever done a half-marathon, full-marathon, don’t even run 1km and hey if we can use the car, we use it!;

 - its in a game reserve, with real wild animals possibly chasing us (those of you who have been in Africa know that hiking in a game reserve can be a tricky event). The track will be watched by 100 armed guards and a helicopter to keep those animals away and protect us from being a nice easy take away/lunch break. Are we tired of life itself?;

 - we have to raise at least 2,000 pounds together in order to enter this team on top of our own travel expenses of 2,000 pounds per person;

 - its in Africa, although June is winter time, it will be at 5000 feet, very humid and no trees will give any shade nor protection, so why in earth do we want to do this???

 Well……

 Its for a good cause! We are willing to take up this challenge, to shape up our bodies (no more chips/burgers/ice cream/puddings/alcohol/fast food (sigh, how painful!), getting in the gym & explore Oxford/London and make this thing happen for this is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

 You

 This is where you come in. Although we will do the eventual running, we need you to make this event work. By donating, you will not only help us to enter the marathon, but you will make a BIG difference in Kenya, helping to preserve our gorgeous gifts from mother nature, saving wild animals and helping local communities to work together and make it a better world. Part of our journey will also include visiting those destinations, so we acutally make sure the money will go there where its needed.

 Together

 Besides doing the right thing, we will give each donator a signed photograph of the charity work in Kenya and make you part of our adventure together. We will keep you posted on our progress, both on the financial side and our physical (and mental) condition:)

 We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for supporting us and supporting the Safaricom in Kenya, you can make a difference.

  Ale & Joyce