288. India!

288. India!
Originally uploaded by heathre

My official fundraising pitch :)

Next March, I’m going to Bangalore India on a Women Build/Habitat for Humanity volunteer trip. Along with 100 other volunteers from around the globe, I’ll be working with Indian families to help build safe and affordable homes. The project kicks off on March 8th, which is International Women’s Day. We will be building in partnership with
rural and underprivileged Indian women who have formed microfinance self-help groups so that they can save money to build better lives for their families.

Most of you know that Women Build is a cause near and dear to my heart. Over the past five years, I’ve been volunteering at Portland Women Build alongside some truly amazing women. We have built four homes and most importantly, have helped four families reach their goal
of owning a safe, affordable home. I’ll be traveling to India with two other awesome Portland Women Build volunteers – Mel George and Katie Hughes. And of course, I’ll be bringing my camera and I’m really looking forward to documenting our journey and experiences.

Sounds fabulous, right? Here’s how you can help!

1) Donate online through my Habitat for Humanity Global Village webpage:
Heather's Women Build Trip Fund
I need to raise $1,950 for the trip fee, which covers my trip fees like food and lodging, but also includes a donation toward the IndiaBUILDS program. These donations will be paired will be paired with the savings of women’s self-help groups to help some of India’s poorest families gain better lives. And your donations are tax deductible!

2) Donate toward my airfare fund at my paypal site
Airfare will be around $1,700 – I’m still on the lookout for a great deal, but that’s a realistic figure.

At the risk of sounding like a bad infomercial, if you donate $50 or more, I will send you an 8x10 print of your choice! Here’s a link to some examples: prints for india

Please consider giving if you can. And if you can’t, all your good thoughts, positive energy and fund-raising tips are also greatly appreciated! (Or India travel tips!)

Take care,
Heather