Clean Water or an iPad 3?

It's a strange questions to ask; Clean water or an iPad 3?


This is a question I found myself pondering recently.  For those of you that know me, you will know that I have been wanting an iPad for quite some time.  I had chosen to wait until the release of the iPad 3 before I bought one, which was only a couple of weeks ago.  The iPad 3 launch was right around the time that I decided I would join the Laos Water Cycle to raise funds for ChildFund's clean water and sanitary project in Laos and Cambodia.  So at this point I had to ask myself whether it would be right to spend the money I'd been saving to buy the iPad I've been wanting or kick-off my fundraising efforts by putting my money where my mouth is; I chose the latter.  Yes, it's a sacrifice that I've had to make, but I don't have to worry about where my next drink of water is going to come from or have to risk my life just to go to the toilet.  It's a small price to pay so that the children in these villages don't have to spend their days carrying water from sources miles away and the project benefits the whole community.


I'm not implying that everyone should be making these sacrifices, but if you have the ability to donate, then please make a donation through my fundraising page at http://www.everydayhero.com.au/aldasilva.


Thanks.  Al.

Chris Mastaglio - Country Manager, ChildFund Laos talks about the importance of the Laos Water projects

And so it begins...

On November 24th 2012, I will be boarding a plane on my way to Laos and Cambodia.  "Why" you ask?  I have joined a cycling tour that will take me over 464km of road visiting remote communities where ChildFund Australia is conducting projects to provide clean drinking water and sanitary facilities.  The first challenge is to raise the necessary funds to enable ChildFund Australia to continue their work in these parts of the world and to cover the cost of the trip.


To this end, I have set up a fundraising page where supporters can make tax deductible donations that will go directly to the ChildFund Laos Water Project. In addition, I will be organising several events to help raise funds to cover the cost of the trip.  Any funds raised in excess of what is necessary for the trip will be put directly into the water project.  I hope that you will find this a worthwhile cause and feel compelled to contribute whatever is within your means. I would love to have you attend the events also.


I have set up this blog so that supporters (and potential supporters) can be kept informed about how I am progressing with fundraising, training for the long hours in the saddle, upcoming events, etc.  I will also use this blog to keep people updated as much as possible while I'm on the trip, including photos.  Please subscribe to the Atom feed with your favourite reader so you don't miss out on any of the action.  You can also "Follow" this blog using the link in the top left-hand corner of the page.


Finally, as you can image, I need all the support I can get.  If you are able to help with the organisation of events, spreading the word, drumming up support.  Or if you have contacts in the media, industry, small business that might be interested in sponsoring me or helping to spread the word, please reach out to me.


Thanks for reading...


Al.