Charities
We'll be supporting 2 fantastic charities in the run up to and during our trek to Mongolia. Both work towards a common goal of lifting vulnerable children out of poverty and providing them with food when they are left hungry, homes when they have been abandoned and an education when they have been denied their right to learn.
But before we can even leave our green and pleasant land in July, we need to raise a minimum of £1000 between the 2 charities. Donating online is quick and easy, so if you'd like to sponsor us please follow the links to our donation pages. Any amount you can give will be greatly appreciated.
Lotus Children's Centre
The official charity of the Mongol Rally 2012, Lotus is based in Mongolia's capital, Ulaanbaatar. Initially set up to meet the most basic survival needs of children in need of aid, Lotus has established its own kindergarten and primary school and cares for up to 150 children at any one time. It's also developing vocational pathways to give youths greater employment prospects. Find out more at www.lotuschild.org. Below is a photo from Children's Day in Mongolia earlier this year.
SOS Children's Villages
SOS is the world's largest orphaned and abandoned children's charity and works across the globe to build a caring family environment for more than 78,000 children in need of support. We will be raising funds for the projects in Baku, Azerbaijan where 14 family houses provide a home for up to 126 children. SOS also run a Playbus which travels around hospitals and orphanages in Baku allowing children valuable play time: craft activities, dancing and face painting all help the children gain self-confidence and learn to trust others. Read more about their work at www.soschildrensvillages.org.uk. Below is Eshgin with his SOS Mother, Leyla, in Azerbaijan.