Hello Everyone!

Did you know that 1.02 billion people do not have enough to eat? That's more than the populations of USA, Canada and the European Union.

It's easy to feel overwhelmed when you hear stats liks this. It's easy to feel like you wouldn't know where to start. However, October 2009 showed that hundreds of people around the world were willing to stand up and find a way to make a difference. I think we've all come to realise that that the 1.02 billion people living in poverty should be interpreted as 1.02 billion reasons why we must act. And we have.

Eat So They Can 2009 has already raised over $155,000 and donations are continuing to come in every day from every corner of the world. Wow! I'd like to share a few quotes with you from one of our hosts, Mary Leach, who really reminded me of what ESTC is all about:

"I think that we tend to avoid the facts. We skim past headlines. When we see news regarding something in a far off place or something removed from ourselves, we turn off or we at least gear down. How can you empathize with something that is so far removed from your own reality?

I'm guilty. I read but I definitely don't think as much as I should. How often do you really consider what it would be like to live in poverty. What it would actually be like to live off a couple of dollars a day. What it would be like to not have enough food to support your family. To be starving. To be uneducated.

So.... I am trying to stop and think. My newest personal challenge is to not just read, but to DO SOMETHING, too. To Think. Talk. Share. Volunteer. Donate. Educate myself.

We hosted an Eat So They Can dinner extravaganza on October 17th and with the help from some fine friends we raised about $500 USD. We're told $500 USD is enough to support a small orphanage in Kenya for a month. Amazing.

I often hear it said, that one person can't really make a difference. But I say different."

Thank you Mary and thank you to all our hosts who have each made such a difference.

Best,

Courtney
ESTC Co-Founder and GVN Foundation Director

Ripples of Difference

Please join us to celebrate the launch our new book Ripples of Difference.

The Ripples of Difference book is a collection of unique and powerful stories written by volunteers from around the world, whose lives have been significantly affected through their experience volunteering. From refugee camps in Africa, to orphanages in Asia, to Eat So They Can events in China, read about how volunteers are touching the lives of others and making a difference – a ripple of difference.

Click here to be among the first to receive your free copy of the e-book as our gift to you in recognition of International Volunteer Day, December 5th.

Stories from New Zealand

I hope you enjoyed the stories from around the world in our October Special Edition. In this edition, I'd like to share a few more stories with you that were held in our local community here in New Zealand.

Maranatha Christian School Eat So They Can

Maranatha Christian School in Lower Hutt, NZ held a wonderful Eat So They Can picnic on 16th October. The students had been learning about Africa for several weeks and decided to do their bit to support the Global Children's Fund by creating an African money trail. They raised NZ$250 and learnt a lot about the lives of children in Africa. A huge thank you to everyone at Maranatha Christian School!

GVN African BBQ

This year, GVN held an African BBQ! The BBQ was planned weeks in advance so when we heard it was going to rain all day on the 17th I have to admit that there was a small moment of panic! Fortunately, we were able to find a new venue and hold an indoor BBQ at a local church hall.
Tracy, the GVN Africa coordinator, made the most delicious food and we all had a feast. There was also live entertainment by some local dance groups, a mandarin singing group, and an African-American poet. The event was a great success and raised over NZ$2,000!

Adrienne Matheson Commited to Shelter Orphanage

Adrienne Matheson from Lower Hutt, New Zealand was a GVN volunteer at Shelter Orphanage in Kenya. Since returning to New Zealand, Adrienne has stayed connected to Shelter through Eat So They Can.

"During my time in Kenya, I knew I had to have an on-going commitment with the orphanage. I knew a little about the GVN Foundation, Eat So They Can event and after finding out more, I realized this was a good way of making a continuing influence.

So this year, 2009, I invited some people who had supported my trip to an ESTC lunch. We enjoyed each other’s company and the food. More importantly, we were moved to donate money by watching the DVD of the distribution of some of the previous year’s ESTC funds in Kenya. It was exciting seeing food supplies taken to the orphanage where I had volunteered.

There is now a sense of peace and excitement for me in continuing to help these children through ESTC. Not only have I been with them in their part of the world, but I can continue to help them from my part of the world."

What next?

I’ve had several hosts contact me asking whether there’s anything they can be involved in before ESTC 2010. First of all, thank you! It’s such a great feeling to have such commited hosts. Here are some ideas for you to think about:

Kilimanjaro Fundraising Trek 2010

The Kilimanjaro trek offers participants the opportunity to help support children in Kenya, and to hike one of the most beautiful mountains in the world. After hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, you will also have the opportunity to tour local projects and meet the children that your ESTC and Kilimanjaro funds are assisting. Eliza, our ESTC host mentor, will be one of the team leaders for this trip and would love to have you join the team. For more information, please visit http://www.globalvolunteernetwork.org/kenya/kilimanjaro/.

International fundraiser

If you would like to continue raising money for a certain country or project, we can set up an international fundraiser for you - just send us an email. For examples of existing international fundraisers click here.

Be The Change

Ever dreamt about starting your own charity or non-profit? Ever wondered what it would be like to work for the United Nations? Our Be The Change course is designed to take your idea for a project or dream and give you the skills and confidence you need to make it a reality. For more details click here

To do List

Donations

If you haven’t yet sent in your donations, please remember that the deadline is 31 December. If you weren’t able to host an event this year you can still participate by making a personal donation here.

Survey

Thank you so much to everyone who has completed our survey. Your feedback is so valuable! If you haven’t yet completed the 3-minute survey, please do so here before 1 December.

Photos and Videos

We are still looking for photos and video footage for the website and next years Eat So They Can DVD! So don't forget to send us all of your wonderful eat so they can moments. Please send photos and video footage to:

Dates for your Calendar

1 December - Fundraising Update

Eliza will be sending you all an update of how much you've raised at the beginning of December.

31 December - Last day to submit donations

Please submit all donations before the end of the year if you wish to be eligible to enter the Grand Prize Draw or the $20,000 challenge.

15 January - Winners announced

The Grand Prize trip winners will be announced!