Ian Sandiford
Jemma's Childrens Holiday
Fundraising for El Shaddai Charitable Trust Ltd
Story
As most of you know, I have been travelling to India 2-3 times a year for the last 10 years, and I have built a huge bond with hundreds of the street children that are helped by the charity El Shaddai.
Over the years I have raised money for many different causes, In the beginning I used to put the money towards practical things, but now I try to put any money that I get donated towards something fun for the children, as I think it's important that they get as much out of their childhood as possible!! The kind of things I put the money towards now are toys, craft materials, sports equipment, days out and lots of parties over the years, for all of them to enjoy!! Every few years i will do one big fundraiser for something very special.
In 2010 I took 30 of them on the train to Bangalore for a 10 day holiday. And my last big fundraiser was in 2013 and I managed to take them on a very special holiday by PLANE to Delhi. Last time we had a problem pop up just before we went, and lost our accommodation at another children's home, so I had all the tickets to get there, and nowhere to stay!!
With the help of all my work friends, I managed to raise enough Marriott points to allow us to stay in the Marriott Courtyard in Delhi!!! This was the most amazing part of the trip, as they absolutely loved the whole experience of being in the hotel. And the whole trip gave them memories to last a lifetime, something they will never forget!! They were all so grateful for everybody's kindness!!
So this year I am going to do the same and take a group of around 30 to Bangalore again in May. The children that I take on these holidays are the ones that don't have any family.
Every May there is a holiday time, when all of the street children that live in our homes, get the chance to go and visit any family they have, but as I mentioned, some of them don't have anyone to go to, so they have to stay back in the homes and watch their friends go off with their families. So these are the children that I take away.
The children that I spend time with in El Shaddai have the protection and love that a child needs, and can feel safe in our homes! Unfortunately many of the children that the charity has in their care, have been put through some bad ordeals at such a young age, so this is why it is important that they now feel safe and cared for. And this is why I like to raise money for fun things, to enable them to enjoy their childhood as children should!
One of the children that came on holiday to Delhi with us is a lovely boy called Raja. I asked the charity for Raja's story and this is what they sent:
Raja with his sister Heena were attending our Day Care centre in margoa - Stepping Stones. When their father passed away from AIDS there was no source of income for the family.
I know I never run marathons, or climb mountains to raise the money, but when I am in India I do work very hard to get all the children smiling every day that I'm there!
So this year I am going to do the same and take a group of around 30 to Bangalore again in May. The children that I take on these holidays are the ones that don't have any family.
Every May there is a holiday time, when all of the street children that live in our homes, get the chance to go and visit any family they have, but as I mentioned, some of them don't have anyone to go to, so they have to stay back in the homes and watch their friends go off with their families. So these are the children that I take away.
The children that I spend time with in El Shaddai have the protection and love that a child needs, and can feel safe in our homes! Unfortunately many of the children that the charity has in their care, have been put through some bad ordeals at such a young age, so this is why it is important that they now feel safe and cared for. And this is why I like to raise money for fun things, to enable them to enjoy their childhood as children should!
One of the children that came on holiday to Delhi with us is a lovely boy called Raja. I asked the charity for Raja's story and this is what they sent:
Raja with his sister Heena were attending our Day Care centre in margoa - Stepping Stones. When their father passed away from AIDS there was no source of income for the family.
Mother was also infected by HIV and was not able to take care of her children. They were removed from the house because they could not pay the rent and mother took them to the vegetable market where she used to sell vegetables in Margao.
Since their income was very little they could not afford to rent a home and they lived on the street without shelter and proper food.
After some days mother also passed away with AIDS and these two children had nowhere to go, so they came back to Stepping Stones asking for help .
After some days mother also passed away with AIDS and these two children had nowhere to go, so they came back to Stepping Stones asking for help .
They were in stepping stones for a few days, and later admitted to our Assagao homes for better shelter, education, care and protection.
I've watched Raja grow up over the years and he is such a lovely young boy, full of fun, cheekiness and love. He really enjoyed the holiday last time! At one point on the plane I was wondering why he wasn't in his seat, so I got up and found him stretched out on 3 seats. He realised no one was using them, so he took full advantage! We had a good giggle.
I know I never run marathons, or climb mountains to raise the money, but when I am in India I do work very hard to get all the children smiling every day that I'm there!
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