We did it!
Karen Parker raised £2,065 from 17 supporters
or
Start your own crowdfunding page
Closed 24/11/2017
Weʼve raised £2,065 to help fund a touring company in Zimbabwe
- Worthing, United Kingdom
- Funded on Friday, 24th November 2017
Don't have time to donate right now?
Story
Collen Sifaya was born in rural Jambazi village in Zimbabwe in 1971. He is in the early stages of starting a touring company focusing on the history, culture and traditions of Zimbabwe as this is overlooked by most operators.
I met Collen as he was the tour guide when I was on Safari. I was struck by his caring nature and good heart and decided I would like to support him in building up his own business, something he has dreamed of doing since he started guiding in 1995. I have helped him put together a business plan and price up what is still needed. The truck is nearly ready but needs some more work on it i.e. an engine overhaul.Collen is doing what he can in the little spare time he gets. The tents have been purchased and he is putting together an itinerary. A webpage is currently being put together and will go live in the next few weeks.
Collen has managed to put some money aside but his current basic salary goes towards looking after family responsibilities and getting home to see them when he can. He works for 3 weeks at a time as a tour guide between South Africa and Victoria Falls. He drives 5000 miles during these trips as well as overseeing the tour and looking after the guests. This takes a toll on him and affects family life as he does not get to see his wife or 3 daughters for months at a time
Getting a business loan in Zimbabwe is not an option, there is not even a local currency. Collen is a very special man and to enable him to live with his family and operate tours within Zimbabwe would make such a difference to his life.
Collen currently has a bank account in Namibia therefore any money raised will be transferred here.
I understand people will not have the passion that I do for this project as they have not met Collen, however any help is most greatly received and will help change someone's life forever. It may be you will be able to go on one of Collen's tours too.
Thank you in advance for your kindness
Karen
Updates
12
- 7 years ago
Karen Parker
7 years agoThank you all for your generosity - the money you have raised will buy park permits, tents and sleeping bags. The truck is nearly finished and with Zimbabwe looking towards a new beginning it is timely for Collen to start his new business. You have all been part of making a huge difference to someone's life - you are amazing - again thank you - Karen and Matt xx
Share this update to help us raise more
- 7 years ago
Karen Parker
7 years agoDay 13 We break camp heading west and spend a night with the local Tonga people of the Binga area where we learn their culture. (L, B, D) Day 14 Drive to Victoria Falls and hotel stay. (B) Day 15 Free day for activities. (B) Day 16 Airport transfer. TOUR ENDS.
Share this update to help us raise more
- 7 years ago
Karen Parker
7 years agoDay 11 We leave Mana Pools and drive back to Makuti for a night. (L, B, D) Day 12 Travelling off the beaten track to Matusadona, weather dependent. The following morning we have a morning game walk in the park. The park sits on the shores of Lake Kariba and is home to the Big Five as well as hundreds of bird and animal species; most of which existed here even before the dam was built. It is an unfenced park: the animals move around freely, attracted to the Zambezi water supply, age-old migration routes and habitat. (L, B, D)
Share this update to help us raise more
Karen Parker started crowdfunding
Leave a message of support
Supporters
17
Sheila
Aug 3, 2017
Good luck.
£50.00
Lucy Wilkinson
Aug 2, 2017
£15.00
Suzanne O'Brien
Jul 11, 2017
Good luck with this project. Glad to support it x
£30.00
roger lightbown
Jul 11, 2017
Go for it!
£15.00
David Jones
Jul 10, 2017
Wishing all the best in raising funds to make this dream a reality.
Jackie Grand
Jul 9, 2017
A privilege & a pleasure to be involved - thank you for including me xx
£100.00
Pia Aaby Steffensen
Jul 8, 2017
What a fantastic idea. Ive Met Collen an a Safari Tour from Victoria Falls to Cape Town. I Can only agree. He is a very special man who deserve all the help he Can get. He will do right!!
£100.00
What is crowdfunding?
Crowdfunding is a new type of fundraising where you can raise funds for your own personal cause, even if you're not a registered charity.
The page owner is responsible for the distribution of funds raised.
Great people make things happen
Do you know anyone in need or maybe want to help a local community cause?
Create you own page and donʼt let that cause go unfunded!
About CrowdfundingAbout the fundraiser
Karen Parker
Worthing, United Kingdom
Collen Sifaya was born in rural Zimbabwe. He is a qualified experienced safari guide who has love for nature and people. He spends months at a time away from his family as a hard working tour guide. To help him realise his dream by donating whatever you can will be life changing