The world is in crisis – Action Aid

Collapsing banks, the credit crunch, job insecurity … at times like this it’s hard to spare a thought for those far from home.

These are the words of a 32 year old expectant mother from Kenya

“I am not sure if this child will be lucky enough to see this world.  My health is failing me fast because of the distance I have to cover to get food for my family.  I am in a dilemma whether to take care of the unborn child or my other five children”

Imagine having to make that choice …….

Even before the current economic crisis people around the world were already feeling the effects of rising food prices, inadequate housing and a lack of other essential services.  As always it is the poorest who suffer most, particularly women.  But there are solutions that could create a fairer and more sustainable world for everyone, rich and poor.

The leaders of the G20 – the heads of state for 20 leading and emerging economies – have a unique opportunity to make far-reaching reforms when they meet in London on 2nd April.

They must take crucial steps to rebuild global economies in a way taht finally delivers decent jobs and public services for all, eradicates the scourge of global poverty and inequality, and addresses the immediate threat of climate change.

The question is will they be brave enough to make the right choices?

Action aid needs your help to tell Gordon Brown and his fellow G20 leaders they must put people first.

Please register your action by e-mail to campaign@actionaid.org or call

01460 23 8047. 

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Support poverclimaconomy – one crisis …. however you look at it

www.actionaid.org.uk

Why Action Aid?

Chris and I have been supporters of Action Aid for getting on 15 years.  We were introduced to the charity way back by a work colleague of Chris who told us about sponsoring a child.  This immediately appealed to us as it was a tangible way of helping a child less fortunate than our own children.  The rest is history as they say …….

We are now sponsoring our fourth child – Kundan Kumar.  What does this mean to Kundan?  It means he gets an education and will be able to help sustain his family in the future. 

Kundan is now 5 years old and one of a family of 4 children.  He is Hindu and lives in a small house made of mud walls and a straw thatched roof.  His family depends on wages from agricultural labour and the little they earn is enough to feed the family for just three months of the year. 

It is very difficult for children like Kundan to attend school as his caste is discriminated against and therefore schools are not traditionally available in his area.  Kundan is very fortunate because he is able to attend a small nursery class in the village.

Action Aid India is working in partnership with PGVS (Parayas Gramin VikasSamiti) a local organisation and they together with the Dalit community aim to takle issues of discrimination to help people gain fair access to education,  healthcare, water and to find alternative ways to earn an income.

If you would like to help us to help children like Kundan please contact Action Aid and do something amazing www.actionaid.org.uk

Welcome to My Blog

I am married to Chris and we have five adult children between us – all who are grown up and left home (or will be leaving home soon).  I am one of the Silver Surfer generation!

I have an entrepreneurial background and have never been afraid of doing something new.

My early career was in the investment banking sector and I worked for Citicorp in London and then for Gulf International Bank in Bahrain.

In my late twenties after Stuart was born I started an exclusive baby clothes business with my mum.  Princess Diana had her first son Prince William and the popularity of handsmocked clothing was very in vogue.  We saw this opportunity and created Classy Baby providing a range of beautiful hand made baby and childrens wear to the rich and famous.  We were even featured in a full page in the Daily Telegraph and in Good Housekeeping and Lady Magazine.  Our clothes sold in Liberty of London and were also available through “mail order”.  Our heirloom baby clothes are still being passed down through the generations today.

Whilst my children were growing up I then set up and ran my own company providing business support to small companies involving everything from basic administration and secretarial services to bookkeeping.  The equivalent these days would be to be a virtual pa.

As a result of success in this business I was introduced to the world of vets and now provide consultancy services to one of the largest group practices in SE London/North West Kent – Parkvets www.parkvets.com  I am a member of the Veterinary Practice Management Association and became The Veterinary Business Journal Practice Manager of the Year in 1999 http://www.parkvets.com/about_us/people/biog_sb.html

My husband Chris is also from an entrepreneurial background and as a qualified accountant with huge experience in owning and running his own company we now have a pefect personal and business partnership.

We formed Management in Practice where we provide consultancy services to small businesses and specialise in the veterinary sector. To find out more www.managementinpractice.co.uk

We both share a dream to be financially free and to be able to give our time freely to help others.  Our dream is to visit India and to help children less fortunate than our own.  We have supported children in India through Action Aid for many years.  To find out how you can do the same www.actionaid.org.uk

We have a passion for skiing and it was our dream to own a property in the French Alps and be able to ski whenever we could in our very own “back garden”.  We achieved that dream in 2007 when we completed the renovation on a lovely old property we purchased in 2005 in Moulin Peisey Nancroix.  To find out more read our blog at www.helloworld.com/lepasseu and visit our website www.alpineambiance.co.uk  Alpine Ambiance offers luxury ski chalet holidays in the beautiful heart of Paradiski.

In 2004 we were introduced to the world of network marketing and we have never looked back since.  This is a fantastic route to market for so many businesses and the result is that many many people can achieve their hopes and dreams and financial freedom from being involved in the business of their choice.

helloWorld was our natural choice given our business background and that it is an fantastic marketing and communication tool for any business.  The helloWorld Studio offers streaming video technology to everyone at an affordable price and no business should be without it.  helloWorld is offered through V M Direct and we are proud to bring this technology to the UK as V M Direct Affiliate.  It is the way to do business.  For more information http://www.vmdirect.com/beesley (just click on the UK flag when you get there to find out more)  To view our video “Using helloWorld in Business” see us on The Best of Croydon http://www.thebestof.co.uk/croydon/41490/1/1/the_best_of.aspx