'Tis the Season to be... Generous

'Tis the season to be generous... or so it seems. If one goes by the number of charity events popping up lately, summer and giving appear to go hand in hand. The volume of fundraising events and those attending seem to be ever-increasing, despite the fact that the majority of people are escaping London for even sunnier climbs. Why, we ask, have we all suddenly become more amenable to doing good? 

It is a known fact that happiness and generosity go hand in hand. When endorphin levels increase, prudishness and laziness decrease (scientific evidence to support must be out there. Somewhere). Whether it is a desire to enjoy the weather at whatever cost, or to grab life with both hands, the sunnier it is, the more people are out and about. And they seem to be ever-so-slightly less hesitant when it comes to spending. 'Just one jug of Pimms please... A bottle of Rosé{C} sounds good too... Oh ok, just one more'. 

Luckily, this generosity of spirit is translating in to the otherwise 'negative' aspect of charity. An otherwise dirty prefix to the word 'party' is suddenly becoming more sprightly, and people are realising that fun = the ability to make a difference. Finally.

To start the season off with a bang, The Society was invited to a lunch in support of ASAP (African Solutions to African Problems). The event was dedicated to raising money and awareness for rural women caring for vulnerable HIV/AIDS affected children in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, a cause specific enough to make a real difference. And let us tell you, we never knew a lunch of salad and celebrities could be so profitable. With a generous helping of Jude Law and Hugh Grant to whet the appetites of attendees, they blushed away their money... dramatically helping those in need with every flutter of their flirtatious eyelids. Invite us again, please. ASAP. 

For more information on the charity with such delightfully handsome support, click here. 

 

 

Sun's Out, Gun's Out

We have just been blessed with the most beautiful weekend. Scorching temperatures, a ubiquitous sun, endless out-doorsiness. The only downside has been a sudden fear: that of the necessary pretty-much-nakedness that comes with beautiful weather.

Sam Branson and Noah Devereux have been extremely wise, harnessing the knowledge of the above to create the perfect opportunity for summer; combining the good with the ability to change the bad.

They have just launched Strive, their answer to summer. The boys are uniting with a host of other determined, action-obsessed men and women to run, row, cycle, hike and climb their way to the top of the Matterhorn. They have already climbed to the top of the bloody O2. It is exhausting us - and impressing us - just thinking about it. The core team of ten and their guests - set to include Wimbledon champions, singers and comedians - will undertake the entire run over the summer, passing through the beautiful Champagne regions of France (without doubt sampling some of the delights the area has to offer...) as well as the mountains of Switzerland and general beautiful vistas of Europe. We don't know whether or not to be jealous. The thought of that effort and sweat; but then the experiences, the toned, summer-ready physiques and satisfaction that they will return with...

The madness is all in aid of their Big Change Life Skills project, meaning that the benefits will be widespread. Young people throughout the UK will reap rewards from the determination and hard work of the team - which, by the way, you can be a part of (email aabrams@wcpun.org for more information).

The boys have created the perfect example of all-round good. They have produced a project which is highly memorable, highly rewarding, highly exciting and highly profitable. Higher than the peak of the Matterhorn that they - and you - will be reaching. Follow their progress with us. Or take part. We dare you. 


ps. Whilst such a groundbreaking trip may be ever-so-slightly too difficult to organise on an individual basis, the concept is not. Set yourself an almost unthinkable target and feel the satisfaction when you achieve it. There is no better way to help others. 


Ballin. Playin. Givin.

We thought that we would take you back a while to Miami. To a scorching hot day with the sky as blue as the sand was white. The scene: beach volleyball, with some of the most beautiful people we had ever seen. The cause: Models4Water, a group that came together to raise enough money to build two wells in Burkina Faso. Dozens of models flooded the beach to create a fiercely competitive and remarkably productive day out. The lesson: Fundraising can be fun. It can be exciting. It can be BEAUTIFUL (just LOOK at them!). Click here to see just what they accomplished.