The past year has been such a disruption for so many people worldwide and New Beginnings Charitable Foundation has missed many fundraising events.

As a result, we plan to hold a virtual fundraiser starting on Thursday 1st July and continuing throughout the month. As summer teams are, unfortunately, once again unable to travel to Uganda this year, we thought it would be a great fundraising opportunity to walk/cycle/swim/run the distance from Kilkeel to the New Beginnings Childrens Village in the Nakasongola District of Uganda which is 4250 miles!

The plan of action is that when you complete a distance throughout July (either by walking/running/cycling/swimming), you click into the website and log the miles you have covered.

What makes this fundraiser extra special is that the children in the Village plan to participate and meet us on our journey as they are currently in a lockdown and therefore not able to attend school. They already have their route marked out and four laps of their route at the Village totals one mile and they are so excited and eager to start. We are also looking forward to sharing pictures of them taking part on our social media platforms! Strict procedures at the Village have been adopted to carry this out safely.

We also ask that you forward photos of you on your journey to us by email to newbeginningscharity@hotmail.co.uk or DM us on Instagram or PM on Facebook (for social media purposes) and then make a donation. Please note that there is no specified amount, every penny counts.

Anyone can donate via the JustGiving page or by popping a donation in an envelope marked Miles 4 Smiles and leaving it into the charity shop at 7 The Square, Kilkeel. You do not have to complete a distance to donate. You can donate to the children in the Village for taking part!

Due to the lack of fundraisers this year and our charity shop having to close for several months we have been unable to complete lots of work that was planned. With the distance being 4250 miles, our aim is to raise £4250 to purchase specially adapted wheelchairs for three of our very special children: Wilson, Precious and Cynthia.

If funds allow, we also plan to purchase rehabilitation equipment for children with physical needs and cerebral palsy, including back braces and tailored shoes to assist balance. We also would love to be able to equip the classrooms for younger and special needs children with tables, chairs and new learning materials.

Link to log miles covered:

https://newbeginningscharity.org/mileage-submission/