Welcome to my Cuso International fundraising page.
I am thrilled to have been selected as a Cuso International volunteer!
In a short time, I will be travelling to Laos on a long-term volunteer placement where I will be teaching English as a Foreign Language and basic IT skills.
Cuso International is a development organization that works to reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts of highly skilled volunteers, collaborative partnerships and compassionate donors. I want to put the experiences and skills of a varied career in teaching and administration to use so that others might benefit from the opportunities I, my children, and fellow Canadians take for granted.
As part of my commitment to Cuso International, I am fundraising $2000 to help sustain their vital work and enable them to mobilize volunteers, like myself. I hope you will consider making a gift today in support of my campaign. Together we can give hope and change lives.
Right now, for every $1 you donate the Canadian Government will provide $9. That means a $25 contribution becomes $250 and a $100 gift becomes $1000.
Join the Postcard Lottery
Remember postcards? I had a few which I sent from India this spring. They all took nearly three months to arrive but the recipients were delighted. When you contribute at least $25 to my Cuso International fundraiser, you will receive a postcard from me from Laos. Win-win!
Your donation is very much appreciated.
My Personal Web Log
Topics
On learning Lao and dragon boats
This past week has been busy. I've set up a blog, "The Lady Goes to Laos" reached via my Facebook page, and more social media accounts, continued with my Lao language lessons, started the medical clearance process and attended a Cuso webinar entitled "Fundraising 101". I raced at a dragon boat regatta and I picked strawberries out on the Peninsula.
Response to my first email blast was so encouraging that I have raised my fundraising goals. I still need to reach the first $2,000 as part of my commitment to Cuso International (and we are nearly there!) but also know that people will want to contribute more to Cuso once I'm on the ground in Laos.
What exactly can I do in Laos?
First of all, I am not a miracle worker! What I do know is that improved English-language ability in English and better computer skills will allow fuller participation in regional and global conversations which affect Laos. And the Cuso volunteer workers who come after me will continue to build on the work I do. Lightbulb moment...that is why we fundraise in order to "pay it forward".
More about Laos
Did you know that land-locked Laos is one of East Asia's poorest countries and during the Vietnam War more bombs were dropped on Laos than were used in World War II ?. In every sense, Laos is still a developing country. Today, I was appalled to read in the Guardian that Laos is one of the countries that processes the discarded plastics of the developed world. Only the most desperate nations resort to this kind of "industry". Informed research suggests that quality education as a national priority is key to benefitting Laos economically as it has other countries in the region.
One more thing about Laos
There is a version of a dragon boat. Expats are encouraged to get in the boats too and compete alongside Laotians. The icing on the cake!
by Philippa Turney on Wed, Jun 19, 2019 @ 3:08 PM
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Since 1961, Cuso International has been working to reduce poverty and inequality through the efforts of volunteers, partners, and donors. Each year Cuso International mobilizes hundreds of professionals who volunteer side-by-side with local partners to create positive and lasting change.
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Cuso International
200-44 Eccles Street
Ottawa ON K1R 6S4 Canada
Toll-free telephone: +1 888 434 2876
Local telephone: +1(613) 829 7445
Fax: +1(613) 829 7996 | questions@cusointernational.org
Registered charity in both Canada (No. 81111 6813 RR0001) and the
United States (EIN 30-0545486). Copyright © 2018 Cuso International all rights reserved.