Damian runs for Lewa Children's Home of Kenya

This is a post which combines two of my current interests - Running & Raising money through running.

Damian who is a fellow runner from Bangalore is running in Sunday's race at NYC. Here is his own take on what he is upto.

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It's that time of year again - time for the New York City Marathon! After last year there were so many reasons I wanted to run it again. Simply put it was a fantastic event, and who wants to miss an opportunity to take part in such festivities again. Also I didn't get to my target time in 2010, so that left me with something to chew on through most of 2011. But most importantly, it gives me the opportunity to again run for the Lewa Children's Home of Kenya.

As many of you know, last year we raised 7500 GBP, which was matched 1:1 by Bread and Water for Africa. With a total of 15,000 GBP (!) Lewa was able to complete it's water security projects (two very impressive reservoirs) that are key to its self-sufficiency in food, and to earning an income from its agricultural surplus. I had a chance to visit these completed projects just 2 weeks ago, and can vouch they have been done to the highest standard, and are already transforming the prospects of the Lewa Home, and associated school.

I'm a big believer in funding activities that enable a philanthropic organization to become financially self-sufficient. And so this year I am running for a similar project: Lewa's expanded Cheese Factory! That's right, the Lewa Children's Home, and it's associated farm, already makes the best Gouda cheese you will find in Kenya, if not in Amsterdam! (sorry if that offends any of my friends from the Netherlands)

Lewa needs to expand this Cheese Factory as they have more demand than they can cater for. I'm running to raise 7500 GBP to enable them to complete this project. And again, this money will be matched 1:1 by Bread and Water for Africa. So you know that any donation you make will go twice as far.

There's only one week now (actually a little less!) until the New York Marathon kicks off. I'd like to ask you to please take this opportunity to make a donation – no matter how small! To do so, please click on the link below, where you will also be able to see some photos and a write-up to better describe the Home, its children, and its activities. Donating is quick and easy, and it will have such a huge impact on the lives of little ones in Kenya.

http://www.justgiving.com/damianmiller/

Since its inception Lewa has taken in hundreds of abandoned or orphaned children, and profoundly touched the lives of thousands of families in its local community around Eldoret in Kenya. By making this contribution you will help Lewa build a sustainable foundation for continuing to help and secure the lives of profoundly disadvantage children, and give them a future they otherwise simply would not have.

Thank you on behalf of Lewa for your support. And I look forward to your encouragement on race day!"

God speed Damian. May you set PBs and may your fund set a record too. Do your bit. Click on the link and contribute to Damian's effort. Remember that no amount is small.