Smashed it!

6 days and counting . . . 

So pleased to finally be able to say I have hit my £800 target this morning!

A huge thanks to all of the amazing people who have helped me along the way, both with donations and your wonderful words of encouragement and support. 

It really does mean a huge amount.

A special thanks to my wonderful neighbours who recenlty donated and are the reason I can share this great news with you today. Much Appreciated!

It is hard to believe that in just under a week I will be boarding a plane bound for Malawi.

My bags are packed and ready, my phone has just been switched to pay as you go for the first time in 10 years and I'm starting to say my goodbyes starting with big BBQ this saturday. 

Fingers Crossed for good weather . . . 

xx

2 Weeks Notice

12 Day's to go ... 

Before I start, I have to let you all know that due to an unexpected allergy to Chilli, I am unable to complete the Chilli Challenge but instead I'm provide you with very un-flattering picture of my swollen face and lip, and failed attempt at eating chilli's. 
Lucky Escape if you ask me! :D

With just under 2 weeks to go it is time to get both physically and mentally prepared.

I'm in the progress of finalising formalities before I leave. Time to think about the boring details like finishing work, ending my phone contract, cancelling subscriptions, packing (for real) and most importantly getting medical clearance :/ !!!

I am currently in the process of packing up everything I own, as well as my backpack! My room is being painted while I am away, so its starting to feel a little like I am really packing up my entire life to moving away. A very odd feeling, but still pretty surreal that I will be living in Malawi for three months....I'm sure it will hit me soon enough.

I have heard all good things about Malawi from everyone including my doctor and travel nurse, to the odd stranger that has donated or attended one of my fundraising events. My excitement only mounts as I heard back from a returning volunteer and Sangilo Team Leader Becky, currently in Malawi (see you very soon!). 
Thank you for the advice, I have now added a library and stationary shop to the packing list *hehe*

We are edging closer and I only have £138 left to raise to reach my target so please help me out!

Text TANU55 £2/£5/£10 to 70070
or visit
My JustGiving Page 

xx

Oh so close . . .

I am so very close to my fundraising target with only £218 left to go.

Fundraising had to be put on the back burner over the last few days as I sort out getting my medical clearance, which is prooving to be a little trickier than I fisrt anticipated, so fingers crossed....but I'm back and have lots coming up!

Tomorrow I will be hosting Friday Fun-day at Harris + Hoole in Crouch End from 3pm so don't miss out!!

Not only will there be face painting, games, sweet treats and crafts, but there is also coffee, snacks and the well needed chance to relax for all you lovely parents ;)

.....and let's not forget my Chilli Challenge!! This is one that I am not looking forward to, but it's all for a good cause so there's no escape. 

Text TANU55 £2/£5/£10 to 70070

 

or visit

 

My JustGiving Page 

xx

Kids Friday Fun-Day

My fundraising efforts are set to go off with a bang, I'm nearly half way and I'm set to host an action packed charity fundraiser in the form of 

Kids Friday Fun-day!

Harris + Hoole in Crouch End have kindly offered me a space at back of their store to be able to host Friday Fun-day and we will be lucky enough to be joined by local mum and face painter Kate from Doodle Cheeks.

With "guess how many sweets in the jar", drawing & colouring, face painting and some small craft activities, there's plenty to keep the children entertained while parents can sit back and relax with a coffee from Harris + Hoole.

Perfect start to the weekend if you aske me....and to top it off,

ALL Proceeds go to Charity!!!

It's an event you can't afford to miss!

Hope to see you all there.

xx

Big Difference with Small Change! #smallchangechallenge

You are looking for a job....now imagine you did not go to school. You have no education. You cannot read or write. What would you do?

This is the harsh reality that many people around the world face everyday of their lives. 

Malawi is one of Africa's poorest countries and the lack of education is very common, meaning entire families are stuck in a continuous cycle of poverty.

You can help change this, with just small change.

I will soon be off to Sangilo, Malawi to help provide sustainable pre-school and primary education in what is currently a very basic village. 

I am aiming to get 800 £1 donations in just under 20days, in order to help me reach my £800 target! 

This is where you come in...

You just need to donate £1 & spread the word with #smallchangechallenge!!

Simply 

Text TANU55 £1/£2/£5 >>to>> 70070

or visit

Just Giving

Need an incentive?! 
Well since I hate chillies I promise to eat a whole chilli for every £100 I make by April 1st to show you just how dedicated I am....and that's not all, I will film my suffering for your enjoyment.
We are so up to 2, but this is potentially 8 very hot chillies!!!

Your small change combined will make a big difference.

xx

Engage Stage - Mission Accepted

Our Journey

As promised, I have returned with a training update and some photo's! 

Intensive training weekend it sure was...

We covered everything imaginable, from Millennium Development Goals (MDG's) and health & safety, to cross-cultural working and integration. As expected, there were also plenty of group activities and team building exercises.

With 22 in total, it wasn't a small group, but everyone was very friendly and it provided the prefect opportunity to meet others in the same boat. 

Being able to sharing our excitement and worries, helped to bring this currently surreal experience to reality.

Our Malawi group is a crazy bunch, but I love them all and can't wait to share this amazing experience with them!! The next time we will all see each other is at Heathrow airport for our departure.

After an action packed three days, I arrived home absolutely exhausted! All plans went out the window in favour of some quality time with my duvet ;)!

xx

P.S Hope no one minds me using the group photo :D x

Engage Training Weekend

Packed and ready to go

Blogging on the go.....

Currently en route to the April departure Engage Workshop after a near ticket disaster (stupid ticket machine)...why are there no human beings in train ticket offices these days!!!

Back to the important stuff....

Part of the ICS Lattitude programme, we are bound for fun packed and detailed traning weekend in preparation for the lead up to our departure......which is fast approaching!

Our training weekend is designed help get our heads around what is set to be a life changing experinece. It will cover everything from the ICS & Lattitude programme, emersing yourself into a new culture, health and safety, and cross cultural working. In addition, we will recieve our pre-placement information handbook, and have our inevitable questions answered. I know I definitely have some!

This also gives us the chance to meet our fellow team mates for the very first time! We will be spending a lot of time together over the next few months, so I suspect we are all excited and anxious to meeting one another, and in store for some quality team bonding. 

Bound for the beautiful, Britsh countryside of Buckinghamshire, and this weekend destined for some spring sunshine, I imagine we are going to have no problem settling in together.

I will hopefully have an update and some pictures to share with you come Monday...

(or if you have instagram @tanushrid)

Bye for now xx

Open Mic Night - Charity Special

I've teamed up with Big Bang Entertainment to bring you an exclusive Open Mic Night - Charity Special!! 

Join us as we collaborate to bring you the biggest night ever.

The night will be filled with a handful of guests from the charity as well as local vocal performers who would like to showcase their talent on stage...... And lets not forget you!

All proceeds made on the night will be donated to charity.

A donation will be made to latitude on behalf of Tanushri Gukhool via just giving towards her £800 target.

The entry fee is £3.

Snacks and beverages will be available to buy at the bar.

Any audience members that would like to perform please contact Tanushri Gukhool or Sophie Lorrayne Stephenson via Facebook inbox by Thursday 20th March.

Hope to see you all there. 

xx