*** Update, May 25 2012

The four days were just wonderful. We had a good start with the visit of the Manovikas Charity and were explained how they help the disabled and their families to become micro-entrepreneurs and by teaching them basic skills to succeed in today's India society. Over night we travelled to the Indian Himalayas where we enjoyed a wonderful 3 days round trek up to the snow line on 3400 m and back.

Thanks again to everybody for your generous contributions!

*** Update, May 12 2012

We are getting closer to the trek - only four days left. THANKS to everybody for the generous donations so far. Iam grateful for so much support. On Wed next week I will pack my backpack, fly to Delhi, visit the Manovikas charity project. Together with the other hikers we will then board an overnight bus for a mangnificient 12h bus trip to the Indian Himalayas. That bus trip is probably much more dangerous than mountaineering at 10.000 feet altitude.. If anybody of you might have pushed the donation to "sometime soon" and still plans to support the cause then NOW would be the right time!

***Update***
WOW - I am completely overwhelmed! Only four hours after I started the campaign the inital goal is achieved. Thanks a lot to all of you generous early donators! Hence, I am raising the goal to 2500 GBP/3000 EUR/2 Lakh INR.

Dear friends,

I am in India now for over 8 months - it has been a great experience so far in every dimension! There are, however, less fortunate people here in India that I want to support. In May I will be trekking for 4 days in the Himalayas in Northern India with other Accenture colleagues for a good cause.

I want to raise funds for Manovikas (www.manovikas.co.in), an Indian Charity which works with VSO (our long-years Accenture Corporate Citizenship partner). Manovikas is taking care of persons with developmental disabilities including those with Mental Retardation, Autism, Polio and multiple disabilities.  Manovikas provides care and support for their well being, self help care, inclusion in mainstream school, employment, respite and residential care.

They have recently started a project in Delhi to improve the living conditions of 1000 poor families that have family members with disabilities  - this project is the target of our fundraising campaign and we will be visiting it on our way to the start of our hiking tour.

I would be very grateful if you join me for this cause.  Donating through this site - JustGiving - is simple, fast and secure. I have done it myself a couple of times already. Your details are safe– they willl never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, all the money raised will go to VSO  India towards funding of Manovikas’ project ‘Livelihoods Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities’

Every Rupee, every Pound, every Euro counts – I committed myself to raise 500 GBP/600 EUR/40.000 INR) and I am counting on you!

Thanks a lot and best regards from Bangalore,

Thomas