Fatima Martinez and her team hosted the event ‘Dance the Night Away', an 80s-themed party in aid of UNICEF, on Thursday 2nd June 2011, in the Loop Bar in Dering Street, London.
The campaign, which will continue until September aims to raise £10 000 for this cause. Further donations can be given at the UNICEF fundraising site.
The proceeds, which already has been raised, will provide over 4,600 expectant mums with HIV tests to help ensure that they give birth to a baby free from HIV. The effort is part of a programme to eliminate transmission of HIV from mothers to their babies.
The money was raised with an entry charge and a lucky draw. Prizes, generously donated by sponsors, ranged from expensive jewellery to a free round of golf. Fatima says she was quite astounded with the number of businesses that were willing to lend a helping hand.
The event highlighted what is possible when community members work on behalf of established charities like UNICEF, comments Fatima. “This is the first time we have done something like this, and I have to admit, the process was nerve wrecking. The most important lesson I took from it, though, is that this was not about me, it was about making a difference. It was also about having a great deal of fun. I feel that we did that, and we feel great about it."
Active fundraising efforts are becoming increasingly popular in the UK. People are no longer content solely with direct debits and the occasional single donation. They want to engage with their communities and make active contributions towards issues that matter to them.
Fatima Martinez will also join the London Triathlon on 31 July and also continue new projects for fundraising until September.
"We are working on new ideas to keep things going," Fatima explains. "Lots of people have been coming forward with some wonderful suggestions. One of these is to get in contact with supermarkets to produce durable bags for sale with the UNICEF logo printed on them. The proceeds would of course go to the HIV project, so that we can continue to help mothers in need. We are also working on a t-shirt idea."
The effort was originally prompted by Fatima's participation in courses provided by Landmark education. The course teaches self-reliance and leadership skills, and encourages individuals to take an active part in their communities.
Joachim Moxon - Name is Joachim Moxon. Born and raised in Norway, now currently living in London. I am primarily interested in journalism, travel, history ...
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