Getting ready for Kenya!

Hi everyone,

I'm very excited to let you know that I will soon be heading to Kenya! I'll be spending the first 10 days helping to lead the Mt Kilimanjaro trek with Graham and Ruth. I can't wait... although I'll admit that I'm also just a little bit terrified!!

After the trek, I'll be carrying out some research with the projects we work with. The goal of my research is to seek local definitions of a ‘model orphanage’ from a staff perspective, a volunteer perspective and from the perspective of the children themselves.

I will then create an orphanage development framework which will help provide:

- A foundation from which to shape future GVN Foundation funding

- A means to evaluate the success of GVN Foundation grants

- Clear short- and long-term goals for both orphanage staff and GVN Foundation staff

- A basis from which to develop sustainable orphanages

I'll be keeping you posted on how it goes but if you'd like to find out more or you have any suggestions, please feel free to send me an email or comment on this post.

Happy Holidays!
Eliza

Happy Holidays!

We would like to begin by wishing you a safe and happy holiday season.

Nearing the end of our 4th year, we continue to be amazed at the generosity and true giving spirit of donors from all over the world and all walks of life. It is clearly evident that one of GVN Foundation’s greatest strengths is its amazing and compassionate donors.

Here are a few of the things we take great pride in mentioning as GVN Foundation achievements over the last year:

Eat So They Can: Thanks to our fantastic hosts, the 2008 campaign raised over $60,000 and 5000 disadvantaged children from schools and orphanages in Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Uganda benefited. Our 2009 campaign has already raised over $170,000!

Emergency Relief: Thanks to all of the donors who rallied together for the Asia Pacific Emergency Appeal after tsunamis and earthquakes devastated the region, we were able to raise over $1200 for Vietnam, $2600 for Samoa and $4200 for the Philippines.

New Partnerships: Thanks to increased support, we have been able to grow and set up exciting new partnerships. GVN Foundation Australia is now operating in Sydney and Faith Victory Association (FVA) is our new partner in Rwanda. We also teamed up with AfricaAid in Tanzania for this year’s Eat So They Can.

Machu Picchu Fundraising hike: Thanks to our amazing trekkers, over $27,000 was raised to support the Mercedes de Jesus orphanage in Peru as well as the community of Pampallacta.

Again, we offer our thanks and deepest sentiments of gratitude for all your support over the last year. It is our hope that your holiday season will be filled with peace and the upcoming year will be filled with success, adventure and joy.

Best,

Courtney, Lauren, Eliza, and Caitie
GVNF Team

Free gift for you for the holidays from GVN!

In recognition of the thousands of volunteers around the world who have given their love, energy, and time through helping communities in need I would like to give you a copy of GVN's brand new book - Ripples of Difference!

Ripples of Difference is a collection of unique and powerful stories written by volunteers whose lives have been significantly affected through their experience of volunteering abroad. From refugee camps in Africa to orphanages in Asia, read about how volunteers are touching the lives of others and making a difference - a ripple of difference.

To download your free electronic copy of Ripples of Difference simply click on the following link: www.ripplesofdifference.org/download.php

The Ripples of Difference theme dates back to when I visited a small village in Papua New Guinea. I tossed a stone into a lake and watched the ripples of water get wider and wider and larger and larger. I realised that by myself I could do very little to bring about long term change, but that a multitude of like minded individuals could literally create enough momentum to significantly change the world in which we live.Mahatma Gandhi said "You must be the change you wish to see in the world" so I challenge all of you to stand up and just like the authors in the book, create your own ripple and join the sea of change that is bringing hope to those in need.

Sincerely,

Colin Salisbury

GVN Founder and President

A Memorable Welcome!

Hello Everyone! I wanted to introduce myself and tell you a little bit about my exciting introduction to the GVN family in New Zealand! My name is Caitie Goddard and I stepped foot in New Zealand for the first time 2 weeks ago! I am going to be the programs coordinator in the foundation office and I am thrilled to be here! I am coming from the great state of Michigan in the U.S.A and I think my favorite part of the big move across the world is going to be missing this year's "Michigan winter" where you are guaranteed at least a few days off of school due to snow and clothing layers are not a suggestion or a fashion statement but merely a way of life. Summertime in New Zealand-here I am!

(Photo: That's me and two of the amazing women I met in Taupo at Be The Change. Remember their faces-these are future humanitarian leaders of the world!)

My first week in New Zealand actually found me out of the office and in Taupo for a Be The Change conference. What an awesome week! The Be The Change Course is designed to take your idea for a project or dream to start a charity and give you the skills and confidence you need to make it a reality. There are three things I really love about Be The Change; the first being we had our own United Nations! In total, we had 9 countries represented-very cool! Secondly, it was a group that spanned generations and vocations so everyone got to take advantage of areas and ideas they may not have been familiar with. Third and most importantly-the people! What an incredible group. The people who sign up for Be The Change are those interested in making a difference; it could be as small as making a difference in their own personal lives and communities to some grand ideas that may impact the world! Regardless, the passion and energy generated this past week will stay with me for a long time-I can't wait to see what everyone does!

For those of you who might be interested in attending a Be The Change course I suggest you take a look at our webpage http://www.gvnfoundation.org/gvn_changemakers/courses/ or send us an email! We will be happy to tell you more so you can see if this program is right for you! While I am sad to leave the great people, great times, and GREAT food (thanks Stan-I wish I could take you everywhere!) I know I have some amazing memories from the week and now it is time to put my own goals into action; "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

(Photo: A shot of some of the participants/facilitators for the week next to Lake Taupo. For the Lord of the Rings fans out there, you could see "Mount Doom" in the distance!)