What say we throw a party? I've been thinking about throwing a big bash for a while, ever since I got my PA. I also have a friend (who will remain nameless in case she wants to choose a fictionsuit) who's interested in raising money for some overseas voluntary work.
"Hmmm," thought expressionless. "These two seemingly disparate ideas may go together like whelks and satay sauce..."
So, I asked her to write up what she's intending to do, and thought we could have a fund raising shindig (London being the prefered choice to get as many people as possible). I'd welcome for suggestions on how to organise it. We'd need:
Venue - somewhere cheap/free to hire, in which we're able to play very loud music.
Entertainment - calling all DJs! We need enough for the whole evening. I would ask for musicians too, but that's a logistical nightmare. I'm dying to hear you spin, Lyra (if you're free and up for it).
Transport - the difficulty of getting a PA to London when you don't drive (although there's a possibility of me having passed my test by then, I really can't bank on it). If anyone has any suggestions (preferably that don't cost much).
Publicity - it'd be great to put together some cheapo photocopied flyers, to get people who aren't part of the site involved. Plus asking tons of friends/family/colleagues along. The more the merrier (and the more money gets raised). This would have the knock on effect of introducing newbies to the site.
I want tons of ideas. If this plan gets the vote from you guys, I'd also really appreciate a volunteer from the London mob to help organise stuff at that end (I wouldn't be able to do everything from Southampton). I'm thinking that we charge a small entrance fee for the charity proceeds, either in a venue that's happy to make the money off the bar, or in a place where everyone can bring their own piss.
Here's some info on my friend and what she's raising cash for:
When hurricane Mitch devastated Honduras in 1998, it destroyed the infrastructure of the country. Part of an on-going process Honduras has had repairs from international relief efforts, however much more needs to be done.
I have the opportunity to work closely with Save the Children and I-to-I, to build classrooms for children and construct homes for rural families. Assisting in English teaching programs, and learning English language skills is vital if children want to get ahead in life.
I-to-I was formed in 1994 as a TEFL (teaching English as a Foreign Language) training organisation, and currently train about 1,000 people per year in the UK. It is a non-profit organisation registered in England. As a founder member of a Year Out Group, formed to promote the concepts and benefits of well-structured year out programmes. Fellow members include Project Trust, Raleigh International and Gap Activity Projects.
Each year, I-to-I sends 800 volunteers abroad on meaningful teaching, conversation and work experience projects. As they are not a charity, the placement fee defrays the expenses of project development, travel insurance, pre-departure training, accommodation, and the services of paid overseas co-ordinators during the entire placement for health, safety travel, and project medication issues.
I-to-I provide volunteers TEFL training and counsel about travel and safety issues at a pre-departure group briefing. Upon arrival they receive airport pickup, accommodation and the services of an in-country co-ordinator to create the infrastructure for their voluntary placement and give support when needed.
Also, I-to-I periodically provides monetary assistance to overseas institutions that acutely need help. Previous benefactors have been the Uganda Community Tourism Association, and we are currently providing textbooks for English Language institutes in La Paz and Cochabamba, Boliva.
Here is just one of many examples which describe the experience of one volunteer.
“I have just been so busy, and so caught up in the India experience – I’m loving it. The placement is great, all the boys and the priests that we are living with are lovely and really accommodating. We are teaching the little boys English, and are helping on a health project: we have just completed programmes for Children’s Day and World Aids Day. I’ve spent a week in Bangalore visiting Asha (our Indian co-ordinator), and she was lovely and her hospitality was next to none. We are going back to the school – I can’t wait to see all the children again.” (Maddy, India, 2001)
The projects have been selected because they are safe, and worthwhile. I-to-I maintains daily contact with in-country co-ordinators and makes regular site visits to ensure this remains the case. The projects are NOT tourism field trips; travelling with I-to-I means that volunteers are making a positive impact to local communities at grassroots level.
I hope to raise £1,695, which are the cost of the three-month program fee and includes accommodation and food. Visa, flight and insurance, are excluded in program fee. I hope to depart from dates of 5th of May 2002 and arrive back on 5th July 2002.
As a graduate, I have developed a strong interest to contribute my skills and help undeveloped countries, especially in Honduras. I would like help give families a chance for a home of there own, where living conditions were once so poor that 3 families struggled under same roof.
I understand that perhaps, that may have already been approached by individuals, who would like funding or sponsorship, for voluntary programs. Thus, upon my voluntary work experience, I would like to present my experience through a presentation or speak at a function that your organisation may sponsor. Contributing and encouraging future volunteers to help others in undeveloped countries.
I'm sure there's plenty of stuff/concerns I've forgotten to mention. Over to you... |
Or are there any other ideas for bringing the bucks in?