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February Events
The infamous Quiz & Curry Night is back on Monday 27th Feb, hosted by the Melksham Tandoori.
Click here to book your place for £15pp inc. choice of 3 curries.
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Can you sponsor Sajina?
This lively little girl was born on 22nd July 2009. She lives with her family in the Eastern region of Nepal famous for Namche Bazaar, the town near the base camp of Mt Everest.
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Help in Haiti
January 13th marked the second anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, so it was great to receive news of progress from Rachel Legoutè.
One of the most discouraging pieces of news from the media were claims that less than half the aid pledged has been spent. One thing you can be sure of is that the money you donate through us gets to work with no delay, improving life for the kids at St Joseph's immediately.
Whilst progress is great at the orphanage there are things that still need to be done. At the moment the Grey Water Septic System is backed up and not working. The cost to fix this is $2000 USD. Until the money is found not only are Gertrude and the children without this essential system but there will be two large concrete holes in the ground causing a real safety hazard.
If you can help with this, or any of our other projects, you can donate via our website.
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Did you know you can choose where your money goes? If you want to support one specific project you can. If you would rather we decide where the money is needed the most then we can do that. Whether you want to make a one off donation or pledge a regular sum just click on the button below to make your donation today.
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This Month We Are...
Thankful for the donation of a kitchen for Dobrovat House and to the company newsprinters for their donation of £1000 for the same project.
Thinking of Jazz Hemmings (previously of Stonor School), the seven strong team at ITS, plus Chris Hutton and his running partner who are all in training for the Bath Half Marathon in March.
John Matthews at ITS (a premium BaP member) has generously pledged to match the funds raised by his team. If you wish to sponsor them you can do so via their mydonate page. Welcoming Jenny James who joins the team as Office Administrator. If Jenny looks familiar then that is because she worked with us as a volunteer back in 2009. |
Awareness Trip Romania
If you are interested in joining us on one of these trips you can contact us via the website it might just change your life!
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Member of the Month 60 second chat
Alex Morgan is the owner of Headspace and our Business Against Poverty Member of the Month. Congratulations Alex!
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Seeing people have those "ah hah" moments during coaching or training sessions. |
Who do you admire in the world of business and why? |
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Anyone who enjoys what they are doing and is true to their values. |
What is your business philosophy? |
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To help people be the best they want to be, and to help businesses get the best from their people. |
Why is corporate social responsibility important to your business?
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Because its all about sustainability - in the community and in business - we can thrive as a society. |
What would your advice be to anyone wondering if their business can benefit from joining Business Against Poverty?
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It's a wonderful warm network of business people making a difference and enriching their lives. |
If you are interested in knowing more about Alex's business Headspace you can contact her via www.ajmorgan.co.uk |
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 Happy New Year!
It is an honour for me to speak on behalf of the People Against Poverty team and to wish you a fulfilled, exciting and happy 2012.
I know all of you care greatly about the plight of the poor and you want to make a real difference to the lives of those in need - you would not be supporting us if not. I also know that we are all busy people and it is often hard to find the time and energy to make a real impact - that is where People Against Poverty and its community centric approach comes in. Whether you are in business or work in education, are passionate about art or music, part of a church or other caring community of like minded people then your influence and your ability to make real change happen can be greatly enhanced by the People Against Poverty team.
By coming together as a group of caring, passionate, like-minded people with shared interests and goals we can work with People Against Poverty to directly support poor communities around the world - offering a handshake and a hand-up not a hand-out. Through People Against Poverty we can support causes that are close to our hearts and that build on our professional expertise or our personals interests. The help we give is targeted and personal and we get a clear 'line of sight' to where it is being delivered and can witness for ourselves the immediate impact our involvement is having.
Thank you for all your support for PAP over the years - following a momentous year last year with a new identity, a refocused vision and a reinvigorated team PAP are ready to make an even bigger difference this year - and with your help we can make this happen together.
Alastair Page - Trustee
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Emergency Appeal
Way of Joy Romania |
This weekend we have talked about nothing but the weather and how cold it is. We may think we have been hit hard but in Romania temperatures have been dropping to - 30 with disastrous consequences.
Below is an appeal from the team there. We do not have any spare funds to assist and urgently need your help.
Please pray for us now it is so cold in Romania. Last night was the worst night for a long time. It is very very cold - 30 degrees celsius. We do not have any heating. In the medical centre the sandstone floor has cracked because of the low temperatures. Mihaela nearly died, it was so cold the heating system froze and when Mihaela tried to open the door the system exploded. Praise God she is okay although very shocked.
The Way of Joy and the facilities provided there are vital to our work. This is the hub for all our projects, legal, medical, canteen and church. It is the hub of the community. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will help to get the heating fixed and these people out of danger.
Thank you for your support you can give will help. If you are able to help you can donate money HERE |
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Project Update
Haiti - St Joseph's Creche Orphanage |
Greetings! My name is Rachel Legouté. I have known and worked with Gertrude since 2005. Many of the children in her orphanages, I have known for a large portion of their lives. In 2010, I moved in with Gertrude for 6 months and worked side by side with my dear friend as she worked to help those who had very little, or nothing at all.
I just returned from a trip to Haiti and I was so pleased with the progress and wanted to give you an update on where your donor dollars have gone and the good they are bringing to people around the world.
A while back, People Against Poverty made it possible to purchase a piece of land directly behind the current orphanage. Last year as I lived with Gertrude, we dreamed of what kind of building we could put up so that the children could have adequate dormitories. I say "dreamed" because that's how it felt...like a dream.
There is also an organization based out of Germany that heard our dream for dormitories and has made it possible for us to put the land you purchased to its intended use. When I first looked out over that back land a year ago, it was dry dirt with a few trees and some discarded trash from the neighborhood. When I stepped outside this past week, I saw beautiful dormitories almost finished. Ceramic, fixtures, doors, and beds are all that remain to be finished! |
We are thankful for your support, and I am very happy to have been given an opportunity to share with you just a few of the things that your dollars have done. Most importantly I want to thank you for investing in our children. They always greet me with smiles on their face. They are growing well and are well looked after thanks in part to your generous donations. Please don't forget the children of Haiti in your thoughts and prayers. We are forever grateful for what you do!
Rachel Legoutè |
We started 2012 in style with a new office and our first networking event of the year attended by over 30 members and guests. We outlined our achievements in our charity projects in 2011 and announced plans for 2012. In addition, stalwart supporter and Silver Member, Jerry Walsingham of Mail Boxes Etc ran Bath and West Wilts Means Business - an afternoon of inspirational speakers with great practical tips for SME's to progress their business, despite the economic climate. Thank you Jerry for your support.
Coming up...
The Entrepreneur 2012 Competition: a number of our members are already planning some exciting events!
The CEO/MD Sporting Challenge, a cycle ride from London to Paris - BaP embraces the 2012 sporting theme!
The BaP Black & White Ball confirmed for 24 November - save the date!
Please help us spread the word within your own networks. We'd love to welcome new members, and if you already have sole trader or SME membership, why not consider raising your profile by upgrading to Silver, Platinum or Gold Membership? Email us and we'll send you full details.
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Events News
Ask the experts: Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity
We've all been there - an urgent deadline to meet, a presentation to prepare, a prospective client about to walk through the door for an online demonstration - and the IT systems go down. Worse still, data is lost, payment, ordering and operations systems freeze and your business loses time, money and reputation.
 This event will be held at the offices of technology solutions provider ITS, where members and guests will have the opportunity to pick the brains of the ITS "tecchies" and discuss their IT challenges and concerns. All accompanied by a glass of wine and some nibbles, plus networking, of course!  ITS Platinum Partners 17 April 2012, 18:30 - 20:30 ITS, The Stables, Notton, Chippenham, Wilts, SN15 2NF BaP members £10 (or FOC if bringing 2 non-member guests) / Non-members £15 Click here to book now
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