How often have you said,                               

"I wish there was something I can do to help"

At times, surrounded by the everyday activities, I fail to appreciate how blessed I am.  It's important not to forget and equally important to pass it onto others.  As part of my personal mission I am supporting a wonderful charity organization, Brideg2Aid, by participating in their Killi09 fundraising event.  This entails raising 3,200 pounds (about US$7,000) for the organization to benefit the people of Tanzania and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in August 2009.  I can see you guys smiling and shaking your heads - crazy Melanie - always up for a challenge especially for such a great cause.  But I can't do it alone.  I need your help.

Please help sponsor me.  Your support will motivate me all the way to the top of the mountain when my knees won't!

Your donation: the most efficient way to sponsor me is through monetary donation using this site.  It's simple, fast and totally secure.  Change lives in Tanzania where every dollar counts.  Ten dollars goes a long way to supporting this worthwhile cause.

My commitment: I am making a commitment by taking up extra jobs on weekends. I'm already working at a winery twice a month and am now a Dove Chocolatier!  If you'd like to know more about these; send me an email (yourchocolatelady@gmail.com).  I'm also collecting cans for recycling as well as planning on a couple of fundraising events.

The Cause: In every society there are those who exist at the margins.  Hope for their future is what you and Bridge2Aid can provide.  Access to safe dentistry is beyond the reach of the majority of Tanzanians where the ratio is 1 dentist to every 300,000 Tanzanians.  A shocking statistic made worse because most of these dentists are based in cities while 70-90% of the population live in the rural areas.  Your donation will go towards bringing much needed relief from dental pain to thousands of children and adults.

The Organization: Bridge2Aid is a UK charity organization.  Their goals are (1) to provide primary dental care and oral health education to communities in Tanzania, (2) equip and train indigenous oral health personnel, (3) care for and empower some of the poorest in Tanzanian society, and (4) provide opportunities for dental professionals and others to serve Tanzania.

The Mountain: Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters).  It is about 24 miles wide and 49 miles long.  It consists of three peaks: Shira, Mawenzi, and Kibo (the highest point).  For this challenge our team will be climbing Mt. Kibo.  It will be an 11 day excursion, averaging 7-8 hours of climbing each day at temperatures ranging from -2 degrees celsius to +30 degrees celcius.

Note: US taxpayers cannot claim international donations on taxes.