In December, I will be working with two children’s charities in Costa Rica and Colombia and was hoping you’d like to help out. My rationale here is that as I’m away for my birthday and Christmas, if you would have sent me a card, bought me a drink or a little gift, perhaps the few pounds you would have spent, you can instead donate to these children.

In Costa Rica, I will be working with IVHQ on a childcare project (https://www.volunteerhq.org/gb/volunteer-in-costa-rica/); here the children come from difficult backgrounds and the program provides support with community centres, kindergarten and day care. In Colombia, I will be at Hogar Bohío de María (https://emilianiproject.org/hogar-bohio-de-maria/); a home for 170 children without families. I will be here across the Christmas and New Year period and can hopefully remind these children that even though they don’t have families, they are still special and cared for.

Both of these charities need volunteers to come and play, teach and generally be with the families and young people they support. They also need resources: toiletries, stationery, games, clothes.

I’ve set up a JustGiving page in the hope that if you wanted to donate anything to support these two charities, you will do so. I will split the money equally between the charities (I have paid for myself for any costs, accommodation whilst there; you won’t be contributing to my trip - everything will go to the children).

If you have any questions, or want to check out the charities, please let me know!

Thank you so much!