This autumn I am fundraising for two charities through the organisation ‘Love Volunteers’. ‘Love Volunteers’ works with local charities worldwide, promoting their work and recruiting volunteers.

‘Experiment Albania’: In February I will be travelling to work in a Children’s Community Centre in Albania’s capital city Tirana. The centre welcomes children from different areas of Tirana outskirts, mainly belonging to Roma and Egyptian minorities, street children and children that are at risk of exploitation. In Albania, almost one quarter of the population lives below the poverty level of US$2 a day. There are around 40-50 children currently attending the centre to do their homework, take part in education and recreational activities and to have a meal and so reducing the impact of poverty on their lives.

‘Nepal Volunteers Council’: In April I will be caring for and teaching children in an orphanage in Pokhara. Poverty and a very low standard of living sadly result in cases where children are left orphaned and uncared-for, often finding their way on to the streets. Some manage to be placed in orphanages. These, however, are poorly resourced. Here I will be offering practical support such as cooking and cleaning, as well as organizing and running educational and recreational activities for the children and assisting in teaching.

All proceeds either go directly to allow the volunteers (like me) to do this or directly to the local communities in need (with a small proportion going to the charities themselves so they can continue raising awareness and recruiting volunteers.)

However small our actions may seem, they may be life-changing for those we are helping. A small act of kindness goes a long way.

If all goes to plan I'll be holding a number of bake sales and events.

To raise money I am also offering dog walking, babysitting, pet care, odd jobs and tuition in French and English. Contact me on: cathy.guest27volunteer@gmail.com

THANK YOU!