It's been a funny kinda day...

My general approach to life is usually one of; keep behind the scenes, stay out of the limelight and don't draw any undue attention to yourself, but since deciding to undertake this whole Kenya thing, that has had to change.  Shameless self promotion has had to become part of the norm, but to be honest, there is only so much talking about yourself you can do, before you start to bore even your own-self.


But needs must, so I messaged the Western Leader, our free local paper and made them aware of my project.  I explained how I was attempting to raise this money etc. etc.  Then yesterday afternoon I received a phone call asking if they could come to interview me today about; the Mudrun, Kenya and my whole approach to fundraising. At 10:00am this morning a lovely young woman arrived at my house, and she listened and took notes, as I chatted inanely to her about the whole thing... she concluded the interview with a picture or me holding the disgusting white singlet, posed next to Nelson, the large wooden giraffe that resides in the corner of my lounge.. I dread to think what it will be like... but like I said "needs must.." I will post a link if and when it's published.   

The reason I'm doing all this...

Meanwhile yesterday in a concerted effort to generate interest in the auction of the disgusting white singlet on TradeMe and a dire need to raise $7,000, I pushed messages out to as many business' as possible via the Facebook message system.  And it appears to be working.

I'm a strong believer of using the tools at hand and the right tool for the job, and it would seem social media is the tool for this job.  Whilst social media is often seen in a negative light, it has many positive attributes too.  Personally I've found messaging companies and business' via Facebook has proven far more successful than email alone.  It was via this method that I was lucky enough to receive an incredibly generous donation from Franich Jewellers for the Silent Auction.  Then last night I got a brilliant message from David at Hallertau Brewbar and Restaurant he very kindly offered to donate a voucher for a meal for two, for the Silent Auction, along with inviting me to "Hijack" one of their Tuesday quiz nights.  He suggested I bring along some friends and use it for fundraising purposes... I am hoping this means he will allow me to do a little spiel about myself (those that know me, know that is vomit inducing in itself), and then maybe encourage donations.  It's generosity such as this that really highlights the great people our community is made up of.

Asante
Jacq

It doesn't pay to be a fussy eater if you're going to a third world country

And after todays positive outcomes.... I'm starting to believe that's where I'm headed.

Where to start?......


Great News Part: 1
When I opened up my email this morning, I opened what I can only describe as one of the most motivating pieces of news I've had so far on this journey.  As previously mentioned I took a punt and contacted Jamie Fitzgerald via LinkedIn.  It felt great getting a reply and he was pretty encouraging in his response, so I decided to just give him a few more details, to which he has now replied.  I feel honored that he's taken a look at my Facebook page as well as this blog.  He's agreed if times fit into his schedule he will come to the auction and talk and even meet me for a coffee and give me some guidance.  This guy is a legend, the fact that he took the time to reply made my day, his offers of support moved me to tears.  I urge you to check out his website.  

Jamie Fitzgerald - Inspiring Performance

Great News Part: 2

As I've said before this is the time for shameless self promotion, so I headed out to start knocking on some doors and see who is prepared to help the Tall Blonde Chick that need to get to Kenya.  So I stopped in at the offices of the designer fashion label High Society that I pass daily, I met with their Marketing Manager, Claudette and sure enough High Society are happy to donate an outfit for the auction. 

How great is that? And whilst I was browsing the webpage of HSL before adding it to my blog it felt wonderful to read the following, the ethos of their company resonated with me on a whole new level.  

Celebrating 50 years of inspiring woman to live their lives with confidence, style and grace; HSL prides itself on:

• Developing long term relationships
• Reinvention and continuous improvement
• Nurturing its people
• Promoting from within

Great News Part: 3

Like I've already mentioned, on Friday I received a message via Facebook from Jenni Franich offering their support in the shape of Pandora Jewellery.

Today I made it into the store, this alone is always a very special treat, whenever you arrive at this award store you are made to feel like you're the most important person to walk through the doors.  Jenni shot out the back only to appear with a fully made up Pandora gift bag, with  rrp $350:00 worth of fantastic product for me to put up for auction.  When I sneaked a peak, she has very cleverly chosen an African themed the bracelet and beads.

Again: Thank You doesn't seem to be nearly enough, but Thank You and my promise to work my butt off in Kenya is all I can offer.  Asante to all those that have helped me so far.... 

Jacq

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.