So the birthday girl has yet another demand….

Jayshree would like you all to support her favourite charity organisation, Shivia Microfinance instead of buying her any presents for her birthday (she doesn't need any more golf shoes we all agree!). Shivia Microfinance is a charity that has been working with poor communities in India and Nepal for the past 12 years providing training and microfinance to start up sustainable enterprises such as basket-weaving, small shops, sari making and poultry-raising.

Loans are very small - US$200 on average - and it takes 5-6 loan cycles for one borrower to move from below to above the poverty line (US$2 per day). The loans are often described as "life-changing" and lead to positive knock-on effects in the community enabling children to go to school for the first time or have access to health-care.

Jayshree has supported and helped organise fund-raisers for Shivia by selling goods made by local artisans in West Bengal. She intends to do more this year and has requested that you all donate online at www.shivia.com.

We can't thank you enough for being part of our Shivia family.

We would like to thank the following off-line donors: Mr Sanjay Jaitha for his donation of £50, Mr Narendra Sinhji Jadja for his donation of £250, Mrs Ruksher Malik for her donation of £150 and Jaideep and Anju Mathur for their donation of £300. We have received £1155 from anonymous donors. Thank you all!

So please dig deep and donate now.