Hello,

Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

As you may already know, I'm involved with VSO's Global Xchange project. As part of my work with VSO (Voluntary Service Overseas), I aim to raise £600 for the charity.

How am I fundraising?

To show my dedication to the charity, I'm working for my father on the family farm over the summer and donating all of my wages to VSO.

My sister and I are running the Tees Pride 10km road race on Sunday 5th September. The furthest we've both ran before is 5km, so we're challeging ourselves physically and mentally to raise sponsorship for VSO.

I've held a 'speed mating' social evening (like speed dating but with the intention of meeting new friends!), and a vintage accessories stall whilst at Durham University, and a cake stall at my local village fun day.

A bit more about Global Xchange...

Starting in September, I'm going out to the Ampara region of Sri Lanka for 3 months with a team of 8 others from the UK to work with a team of 9 young people from Sri Lanka. After spending 3 months in Sri Lanka, we're returning with the Sri Lankan team to Blackburn, UK for 3 months. I'll be living in a host home in both communities and will be paired with a young person from Sri Lanka to live and work on  voluntary projects with.

The theme of the exchange is 'youth participation in building post conflict social cohesion through volunteering', and the voluntary work that we do as an international team will reflect that. Areas of Sri Lanka have been affected until recently by civil war and ethnic tensions still exist, and Blackburn has a 25% Muslim population (compared to a 3% UK average), and a lack of cross-community co-operation. Thus community integration work will be central to our volunteering in both communities.

See http://www.globalxchange.org.uk/ for more information on the programme.

About Voluntary Service Overseas...

VSO is a leading development charity with almost 1,500 skilled professionals currently working in over 34 countries. VSO's unique approach to international development is founded on volunteers working together and with local communities to fight poverty and achieve lasting change.

See http://www.vso.org.uk/ for more information on the charity.

How can you help?

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: VSO gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Please support my fundraising efforts and donate to VSO.