Norwich lifeguard helping save lives abroad
Last updated: 05/01/2010 10:00:00
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| John Lee |
A Norwich lifeguard is set to swap the sea for a different kind of life saving, with a charity helping those in Latvia who are being crippled by poor working and living conditions.
John Lee, 21, from Chapel Break, Norwich, who works as a lifeguard at the UEA Sportspark, has been chosen from more than 1,100 applicants for a place on the first Vodafone Foundation's 2009 World of Difference UK Programme..
The programme gives 500 people from across the UK the opportunity to work for a charity of their choice for two months.
John, who graduated from the University of East Anglia with a degree in International Development in July last year, has chosen to spend the time working for his chosen charity, Hope for Latvia, an organisation based in Norwich that works with families in Latvia marginalised by poverty, offering family support funding and social work.
John begins his placement this month and will work as project manager in the Norwich office.
He will be looking to build the charity into a position where they can secure greater levels of funding for the future.
He said: “I was incredibly happy when I received the news that I had won. I am looking forward to working with the team in the UK to launch our corporate sponsorship initiative, train our volunteers and increase the funding for the charity.” He says one of his main aims now is to get as many Norfolk businesses on board to help people in Latvia.
He said: “I have recently taken a trip to Latvia and seen first and the conditions there, which are quite horrendous, especially since the recession. There are more than 1,000 people applying for each job.
“A lot of the families there are having to feed their children for just 50p a day. I was horrified with what I saw.
“What I am hoping to do in the two months as project manager, is get Norfolk businesses on board to help the people in Latvia to create and develop their own sustainable businesses, so we can help break the cycle of poverty.”
This is the first World of Difference UK programmelaunched by the Vodafone Foundation.
The programme was open to anyone over 18 in the UK who had the passion, drive and commitment to donate themselves to a charity.
Ü For further information on the World of Difference programmes, visit www.vodafone.co.uk/
worldofdifference
Ü Any businesses who can help John can contact him on 07746855114 or email john.lee@hopeforlatvia.org
Ü Are you taking part in a fundraising adventure? If so contact reporter Tracey Gray on 01603 772418 or email tracey.gray@archant.co.uk