We know that volunteers want to make a difference and improve the lives of others. We also know that it can be difficult to know where to start and that other 'priorities' sometimes get in the way. So when we came across Alexandria Le Carpentier (Ally), we knew we had met someone special.
Ally is 15 years old, from the UK, and describes herself as a 'country bumpkin'. She is right in the middle of doing her exams (GCSEs) and preparing to go to college in September. She loves swimming, jujitsu, ice skating, and Tai Chi.
By any measure she has a very full life, and yet she always makes time for her biggest passion – helping others. GVN first met Ally when she took part in our Vietnam Youth Tour in 2011. Ever since we've been amazed and inspired by her, and we thought it was about time to share her story with you.
Since returning from Vietnam last year, Ally has run market stalls, car boot sales and local yard sales to raise funds for Vietnam. She recently held an event to promote GVN's Eat So They Can campaign and she has now decided to do a ‘Vietnamathon' where she'll run/walk 26 miles to raise funds for GVN's projects. She's also decided to return to Vietnam to volunteer this July!
"I really miss the children and since leaving last year I have never lost focus on my goal of returning. I keep their photos on my wall with all my other memories. Every morning I wake up and their faces remind me how much I want to go back." - Ally
Impressed? Maybe a little overwhelmed? Do be impressed but don't be overwhelmed. Ally is a regular teenager in many ways (check out all the smiley faces on her fundraising page) but she's simply made the decision to Be The Change and followed through with that decision. So we encourage you to take Ally's advice and: "Go for it. If you take the first step and get yourself involved you will not regret it." - Ally
Ally in currently fundraising to support the project in Vietnam. See her fundraiser at http://www.gvnfoundation.org/give/fundraiser/ally/
To see details of the Vietnam Youth Tour for 15 - 17 year olds here and our regular Vietnam program here
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