Dinner for two anyone?

Another hotel has come to the party with a donation for the silent auction.  This time though The Langham Melbourne have donated a dinner for two, including a bottle of wine at their Melba Restaurant.  From the look of the website, it looks exceptional.  Happy bidding!!

A training update

I've been a little quiet on the blog lately, but that's not to say that things haven't been happening in the background.  The raffle tickets are selling really well and there are only about 25 left, so if you're interested, better get in quick.  Email me at aldasilva0@gmail.com.  An additional donation has come in too, but more about that later.


I was thinking lately that I haven't provided any updates on how my training is going, so here it is.  I must admit that it hasn't been particularly consistent, but I have been riding my bike to work.  It is about a 21km ride in each direction and there are a few hills to climb, which is good since Laos is quite a hilly area.  My aim is to try and make sure that I can do each leg of the ride in under 1 hour.  So far it has been pretty good, but it varies a bit depending on how many traffic lights I get stuck at, particularly in the CBD.  My ride is almost entirely on the bike tracks, but there is a little section at each end that is on roads.


This Monday was the last time I rode, but I may also now have a training partner so that will help with the motivation to get out there in the cold.  :-)


I'm working on how I can actually get my logged cycling data to display properly on the blog so stay tuned for more details.

Fundraising Meter

If you have been following my blog for a little while, you will notice that I have added a fundraising meter to the main page.  This will give you a snapshot of where I am at with the fundraising.  The meter is taken directly from the fundraising page I set up where tax deductible donations can be made directly to ChildFund Australia. If I've done it right, it should update each time I get a donation.  I'm about 1/4 of the way there!!

There are still raffle tickets available (email me at aldasilva0@gmail.com if you are interested in purchasing one) and the trivia night is coming up on the 14th of July so stay tuned for more details there.

Airport West man's ride for charity

The Moonee Valley Leader newspaper has published a small article on the ride that I'm doing.  Not a lot of detail, but a great picture.  I guess some publicity is better than none.  Check it out here.

Double the High Tea

Thanks to the Westin Melbourne for donating a High Tea for two at their Lobby Lounge dining area.  So now you have double the chance to be the successful bidder on a High Tea at the trivia night on the 14th of July.  Make sure you organise your table(s) and bid on the awesome silent auction items we've got so far.

Thank you Westin.

Where does the money go?

Up until now, I've only been able to talk about what the money you are donating and helping me raise will go towards (i.e. household toilets and clean water tanks).  We have now been provided with a picture of what the household toilets will look like and I must say that I'm quite impressed.

The bucket next to the pan is used for flushing and washing and the housing will depend on individual households.  I can only imagine the dignity that this restores to the villagers of Laos, not to mention the peace of mind it gives to families knowing that going to the toilet can now be done safely.


If you haven't already given to this wonderful cause, you can do so at http://www.everydayhero.com.au/aldasilva.  Also, I now have only 50 tickets left in the raffle so if you are interested in winning a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 then contact me at aldasilva0@gmail.com ASAP.

Another silent auction item

Through some great efforts of one particular individual, who has been one of several that have really stepped up to help, I have another item to add to the silent auction to be held at the trivia night on the 14th of July.  The Park Hyatt Melbourne has donated a High Tea for 2.


Thanks Park Hyatt Melbourne.  Check out their site here: http://melbourne.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-melbourne-park/index.jsp?null

Where will we go?

I've had a first attempt at mapping out the locations that we will be visiting on the ride.  Not all of it will be on the bikes, but clearly a fair chunk of it will.  Google couldn't find all the locations, but it's enough to get a good picture.


View Larger Map

Another awesome sponsor

WOW!! The fundraising efforts are really gaining some serious momentum now.  Samsung Australia have donated a brand new Galaxy Tab 10.1 3G + WiFi valued at $600.  The tab will be used as the first prize for the raffle that I am running; starting today.  Second prize will be an Olympus TG-320 14MP Digital Camera valued at $230 and third prize a $100 JB HiFi voucher.  Tickets will be $25 each and limited to a maximum of 100 tickets to improve your chances of winning.  If you are interested in purchasing a ticket or know someone who does, please get in contact with me at aldasilva0@gmail.com.  As always, please spread the word.


Thanks Samsung.

Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 Source: www.samsung.com

And now a word from my sponsor...

I'm very pleased to announce that my first corporate sponsor has jumped on board the fundraising plan.  Belle Fever, have agreed to donate one of their Name Necklaces to be auctioned at the trivia night I will be running around the August time frame.  Please visit their website and take a look at their awesome range.  I will be posting links to all of the companies that contribute in some way or form to my fundraising so check back often.


Stay tuned and/or subscribe to the blog for the details of the trivia night and other great events.