Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Hi to all my friends!  

I am in need of your help.  In September I will be trekking across the Namib Dessert for Fredericks Foundation.  I will be trekking 100km in 4 and half days across various difficult terrains in temperatures of 30 - 40 degree C.  I will be camping which, for those who know me, is just as much of challenge as the trek!!!  I am aware that there are many good causes out there, and it is a 'big ask' for donations during this difficult period but this is such a good charity.  

This walk is both mentally and physically challenging for me but it's nothing compared to the milestones some people have to go through just to get off benefit and make their way in business.  This charity not only helps the individual improve their quality of life, it then helps the individual to improve society around them.  

Please, please support my sandy quest!  If you see me walking the Surrey Hills with a pack on my back, I haven't left home, I am in training!  Rick is not coming  with me (much to his disappointment) as this is an all girl quest.  

Please read on.........

In The UK too many people are reliant upon support from The State and find it difficult to become independent. Those individuals that want to do something and contribute to society need to be provided with the support to do so, this support structure is not available from government or banks. The majority of people that Fredericks help are remarkable individuals who have often endured considerable hardship, but they are totally committed to changing their lives and making a positive contribution to the society within which we all live.

Fredericks Foundation (Fredericks) is a charity that helps disadvantaged people to start their own business as a means to achieve financial independence and renewed confidence and self-esteem.  

Fredericks clients are all unemployed when they come looking for help; they may also be single parents, disabled or have served a prison sentence. These people find it difficult or impossible to obtain financial support through regular channels.  For all of them self-employment offers a real chance to support themselves and their families once again.

Fredericks offers microloans of up to £5000 and the business support that enables people to turn their vision into reality. Currently Fredericks has funded nearly 500 businesses and is acknowledged as having one of the lowest cost bases for its output.

Who do Fredericks help?

Our constituency are the financially disadvantaged, unemployed, single parents, ex-offenders and disabled people of any age. For more information click here

Why help Fredericks?

Fredericks aims to be a highly efficient charity and was recently acknowledged as having one of the lowest cost base for it's output. Fredericks starts about 3 new businesses a week but what is even more impressive is 85% of our loans are repaid and this allows us to reuse £8.50 out of every £10 raised -an exceptional figure for this sector. Most of our overheads are covered so any private donations can go straight to the loan fund to be used AGAIN and AGAIN.

Our model has allowed the Treasury to save millions of pounds of benefits, further more our clients are now contributing taxes rather than receiving these benefits.

THANKS A MILLION!!!!!

Mel  xxx