The Week That Was

A busy week work wise, with a few good results on the Kenya front, with one big high.  Once the money for this comes through it will make me feel like this is truly doable, and I will post about it... I'm so grateful to have the friends I have supporting me and helping make this happen, I'm a very lucky person.  


I received a number of emails this week from another contact at Mega Mitre10 who is being really supportive, this contact got my details from the superstar who's been so helpful already, it would seem that the people at Mega Mitre10 Henderson really know what it means to be community minded...  such a great feeling


My whole Africa/Volunteer dream took off when I travelled to the Young Leaders Conference in Wellington with a group of children from my school. It was here that I  heard Cassandra Treadwell speak about the So They Can charity she founded.  At the same conference was a truly inspirational individual by the name of Jamie Fitzgerald, he captivated the audience with his stories of rowing the Atlantic, and trekking across Antarctica.  I have posted a couple of his YouTube clips to this blog and also to my Facebook page.  My favourite being his Sea Anchor story, but the other evening I watched another of his clips called 

Don't Stop Believing

My Head Cheerleader always said  "Action creates Activity" so with these words ringing in my ears.  I'm throwing out a lot of hooks to make this happen, and I'm pleased to report, I'm getting a few bites.  Of course not all will come to fruition, but if half of them do I'll be happy.  

So yesterday I decided nothing ventured,nothing gained, after remembering I had a LinkedIn account, granted I don't currently have many connections on there (maybe I need to change that) I searched Jamie Fitzgerald.   I felt a bit cheeky sending him a message, but I so believe in this project, I thought where's the harm?  Low and behold, less than 6 hours later, an email back, along with an encouraging message and a cell phone number.  Now it's not my style to hound the guy by calling him, but I did reply to his email, outlining the challenge I'm undertaking and asking if there is any way he could see fit to help me, guide me in someway.  Time will tell....

Earlier in the week I had sent a message along with my flyer and donation letter via Facebook to Jenni Franich at John Franich Jewellers.  This is a brilliant local Jewellers situated in Westfield WestCity, Henderson.  The Manager/Owner Jenni is always a ray of sunshine when I go in the store I felt she might just be interested in my cause.  

Like I've said a number of times, I've no intention of repeatedly hounding people that I've contacted, so my approach is, I will ask, and if people want to help they will do so.   I never want them to ever feel pressured.   So on Thursday evening I popped into Franich's to purchase a small gift for a friend, as I walked in the door, I was greeted by name, Jenni and I chatted about my Silent Auction and the ideas I have in place to make this happen, I came away feeling really positive.  Then yesterday, I received a message via Facebook from Jenni, telling me she has something to donate to the Silent Auction that I can collect from her store.  I'm heading down there tomorrow, I'm excited to see what they have so kindly contributed.  I have no doubt whatever it is, it will be one of the top items on my auction list.  Thank you Jenni and the team at John Franich Jewellers.