Hi, my name is Rory Cullen, thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Having previously done National Citizen Service 2 years ago, and thoroughly enjoying my experience, I set my myself the challenge to do the International Citizen Service as a young adult. ICS in turn linked me with Y Care international (the global arm of the YMCA), who support various projects and initiatives with the aim of improving the lives of some of the world's poorest young people. In order to deliver their many charitable programmes they need lots of enthusiastic helpers; which in turn creates opportunities for young people like me to volunteer overseas and potentially transform lives, including their own!

The next step on my journey is to raise minimum donation level of £800 for Y Care through fundraising.The purpose of this is to be able to demonstrate commitment to the programme and start to develop the skills that will aid my volunteering when in the field. It will also provide my host family with money to look after me while I am in Africa for 3 months as a volunteer.

 I see this as a fantastic opportunity to help extremely disadvantaged young people in Liberia, to develop practical and educationasl skills that will enhance their futures. Equally, this is a two-way partnership, as I will also learn from those around me and I am sure that will benefit me through my life. I'm both excited and determined to succeed - I aim to make every second count for the benefit of the local community I will be working within and for me personally. 

Anything you can donate towards my goal is hugely appreciated however modest your contribution, it's another step towards Africa to me. I am looking at a number of different ways to reach my £800 total and will be adding up-dates to this page as I go along. In the spirit of demonstrating that a little can go a long way, I have recently added my "£1 pledge drive". The thinking is if you could donate £1 and pass on the link to just one other person who you know would do the same, reaching my target sum would be easier and it would also help Y Care to become better known and possibly attract others to help long into the future....

Thank you very much!

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