Make a Difference…..
Our travels have taken us far and wide throughout the world and the more we see the more we realise just how very fortunate we are in our own country and the more we would like to find a way that we can help to make a positive difference. Our travel adventures have made us more acutely aware of some of the sufferings that still go on today in many developing countries; things like poverty issues for basic day to day items , children of all ages being exposed to things they should be protected from and the long lasting after effects of past and current wars and ongoing political problems.
We have visited orphanages in Vietnam and Cambodia, met many poverty stricken and sick children and seen many sites that are quite distressing. We know that we can’t change everything by ourselves but we do believe we can make a difference by supporting some of those people who are over in these countries trying to make a difference. One of these that stand’s apart from the others is The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation (CNCF).
“The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation”
On our last trip to Vietnam and Cambodia I came across and read a book by Christina Noble called “Bridge Across My Sorrows”. This amazing book is about Christina’s life, which starts with her childhood in Dublin, where she becomes a child living on the streets, facing years of deprivation and abuse on a horrific scale. It then takes you through her tumultuous life journey which eventually finds her in Vietnam saving other street children’s lives through her “Christina Noble Children’s Foundation”. Her subsequent book “Mama Tina” continues her story and the ongoing struggle of funding the needs of these children while still trying to help even more children in Mongolia. If you would like a real insight into the Foundation then I highly recommend that you read Christina’s story as we are sure that you too will become inspired and will want to make a difference. The books are available through the Australian office of CNCF and you can email them directly at Australia@cncf.org.au
To assist Christina and her Foundation continuing their wonderful work we would like to support the Foundation in any way that we can and also encourage all fellow travellers to do the same
Please visit the Australian website at www.cncf.org.au for detailed information.
Extract from their website (www.cncf.org.au): Christina Noble Children’s Foundation is an International Partnership of people dedicated to serving underprivileged children with the hope of helping each child maximize their life potential. Our Vietnam and Mongolia charity programmes seek to protect children at risk of economic and sexual exploitation, while ensuring these and other children in need have access to basic care and educational opportunities.
The programmes include:
- emergency and long-term medical care
- nutritional rehabilitation and education
- educational and vocational training
- job placement.
This is accomplished within the context of the family and the community whenever possible, and always with love and respect for the dignity of each child as an individual.
You can help in many ways, by sponsoring a child or a project, holding you own fund raising event, volunteering or by sending a donation. Donations are gratefully accepted via the Everyday hero website at http://www.everydayhero.com.au/charity/view?charity=696
FUND RAISING THROUGH OUR PHOTO COMPETITION
Cruising Plus is holding a Photo Competition as a fundraising event for the Foundation.
Simply send us your favourite “My Best Travel Photo” which must feature you in the photo plus make a minimum of a gold coin donation via direct deposit / cheque to enter the competition. Once we have received your photo and your entry fee donation, your photo will be featured on our “Photo Competition” web page on our website (subject to suitability at the editor’s discretion).
Entries for round 2 close on 30th April 2012 and the winner will be announced on-line on the 10th May 2012 and notified by email/mail. Entries are limited to two photos per person to give everyone a fair chance and the 1st place winner will win a $100 travel voucher towards their next holiday booking with Cruising Plus (applies to new bookings made after the voucher is awarded).
For every entry received Cruising Plus will also contribute an additional $2 and the total collected will be forwarded to The Christina Noble Children’s Foundation once the winner is announced.
You can send your photo/s and payment via the mail to Cruising Plus, PO Box 720, Strathalbyn SA 5255 (please note that photos received by mail will not be returned) or you can send your photo via email (please reduce their size first) and direct deposit your $1 entry fee into the following bank account.
Bank: Commonwealth Bank
Account name: Cruising Plus Client Travel Account
BSB: 065515
Account number: 1009 0633
Reference: CNCF COMP
Don’t forget to send us your name and contact details via email so that we can contact you if necessary!!
We hope that many of you will get involved in the competition and we thank you in advance for your support …… together we really can make a positive difference!!
