I've been to RTU twice and it is incredible how much they do from helping children and families with schooling and support to providing homes, water, healthcare and self-help groups for the poorest communities.

The self-help groups in rural villages enable women to save as a group so that they can then take out loans to build a future for themselves and their families. During our visits to RTU we met women who were learning how to make bags from recycled materials and another group who had created a mobile cleaning/ironing business to support themselves.

This first fundraiser will be another tombola because I love these so much. 😍
Helen and Satty who became the Tombola Dream Team back in 2019 are helping once again, total stars! ⭐️

This event will be at The Ale House, Broad Street, Reading RG1 2BH on 30 July, from 11.00-4.30 It's close to the Oracle and cashpoints! There is a Facebook event here: https://fb.me/e/3q9SCyZ84

Hope to see you soon and thank you!

++++UPDATE++++
The Tombola on Saturday was fairly quiet but we still managed to raise £226.60! Loads of thanks to Helen & Satty (TDT) who helped on the day and also brought allotment veg & seeds (Helen) and gave a % of tie-dyed clothing takings (Satty). It was a brilliant day and thanks to all who came to support us! xx

+++ September Update+++
Almost all the sari bags, wraps & eye masks went on Wed 14th and donations for these means the target has been met! Awesome and loads of thanks to everyone who helped achieve this.

+++ October Update+++
29 October: A Raffle is now in place and tickets are £1 each, 5 lovely prizes were donated; Bushmills 10 Year old whiskey, Brass Lion gin, Boutique-y gin miniatures (12), a 4 pack of lager & Country Manor perry.

+++ December Update+++
There are now 14 amazing prizes that lovely folk have donated, as above plus red/pink wine, ale, gin botanicals & snacks. The Raffle will take place on 16 December.
Massive thanks to everyone.

xxx 17 December 2022 xxx
Raffle tickets were drawn last night at The Castle Tap by the lovely Lavender Place Community Garden volunteers and prizes will be delivered in the next few days. Cash donations were paid in this morning.

The final count of £745 is incredible! Fundraising this year started so late and the target met by September. Further donations lead to a raffle and this amazing total. Massive thanks to everyone who helped with time, donations and buying tickets, you're the best! Lu Jones