My first pledge is something I have been wanting to do for years and never actually followed through, until now I am entering the Around The Bay In A Day bike ride for the Smith Family on October 17th 2010. As well as helping myself by improving my fitness and doing something I really enjoy, I can help a charity continue their good work by donating some money that I can raise by riding the full distance of 210 kms. Stan

FebFast

With much trepidation, I am announcing my participation in FebFast - short story is I am voluntarily going without booze for the month of February! FebFast is a fundraising initiative and funds go to Australian Drug Foundation, Mater Child and Youth Mental Health Service (Qld), Ted Noffs Foundation (NSW & ACT), Youth Substance Abuse Service (Vic) and FebFast’s grants program for smaller grass-roots organisations. The focus of these organisations is education in general around alcohol use, but particularly for young people.
I am anticipating that this will be quite a challenge for me - as with many Australians, a drink or two is a large part of my social routine! However, this will not only benefit the charities I raise funds for, but will have added benefits in: raising awareness through the conversations that are sure to ensue, particularly related to our drink oriented social culture; saving me money (and hangovers); and benefits to my waistline!
Please feel free to sponsor me through the following link: http://www.febfastfundraising.com.au/rowena_southgate
Also feel free to join me or check out the website for more information http://www.febfast.com.au/

Charity Starts at Home

I've decided the best place for me to start making a difference to the world is to take care of me first. After all, it's difficult to contribute when you're tired all the time and have nothing in the tank!

So this little black duck is building regular exercise into her routine, eating more fruit and veg from the market and laying off the junk food! My goal is to do 2 PT sessions a week at the gym and 3.5 hours of dance classes on a Saturday afternoon. I want to lose 7-10kgs in the next 4 months. I will not eat junk food more than once a week (believe me, a big improvement). I will also participate in Feb Fast, no alcohol for the month of Feb!!

Benefits:
Improved energy, outlook and motivation means I can have a more positive impact on those around me
Prevention of chronic illness, reduces the burden on the tax payer and hopefully means a longer, more productive life
Hopefully improved fertility
Reduce my contribution to landfill caused by junkfood packaging
Support local farmers rather than large global businesses

One PT session down, many more to go! Wish me luck!!!