| So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Andie (---.ukonline.co.uk)
posts : 813
Date : 04-23-08 16:58
As the appointed “Chancellor of the Exchequer”, Treasurer/Accountant and head bean counter I have been doing the sums and trying to make the figures stretch without any real luck. 
As you all know we had such a resounding success with the ski-a-thong in Borovets where we raised almost 2/3rds of our target and have continued to work hard to raise the remainder of the money for the heating to be replaced. But, the disheartening outcome of a couple of recent events, and money promised at the Auction in Borovets not being received, now means we are in danger of not having sufficient funds to achieve our goal of raising the €30,000 in time to get the job done this summer.
And to cap it all the exchange rate is really lousy at the moment making the total approximately €21,500. This may of course change slightly if the £ to € exchange rate improves but we need to get some arrangements in place very soon.
I know everyone has already helped us so much but may I please ask if anyone is thinking of having a fundraising event in the near future could they PLEASE remember these children when they do. Right from the start it has been our dearest wish to make sure these kids are warm next winter but if we don’t have the money in place in time to get the job done this summer we will feel like absolute failures. So, if we have to beg, then beg we will.
We still have couple of fundraising events in hand with Adzi and his brother-in-law doing the Dartmoor Classic Bike Ride, and Peter Doolan and his good friend Andy riding their motorcycles from Sheffield to the Stoikite Orphanage in Pamporovo. There is also a Poker Tournament being staged in London so hopefully we will get a good response from these, but we know we can't rely totally on them. So, lovely people, your help is needed yet again to help us reach our goal – please help us help the children.
Andie, Carole & Amanda
PLEASE
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : jo (---.nhs.uk)
posts : 400
Date : 04-23-08 18:05
I'm sorry, you have raised so much already. But people like me whose donation went totally umentioned, despite my e mails to Andie are probably a bit disheartened. I am loathe to ask my friends for any more money as it looks like I have not forwarded it to the fund. I know it wasn't a fortune that I sent to Pete just leftover levs collected on the plane home, but a little mention would have been nice.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : sam (---.nott.cable.ntl.com)
posts : 3668
Date : 04-23-08 18:46
if your looking for the exchange rate to go up I would forget it as with the present economic position I cant see that happening anytime soon.
Sorry but with increased petrol and other things going on I think people are cutting back big time at the min, unfortunatly that means giving to charity tends to go out the window.
I have some left over levs which I will take to pete when we meet in May, also I thought there was going to be other fund raising on the that night.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Andie (---.ukonline.co.uk)
posts : 813
Date : 04-23-08 18:47
Joyce, I am sorry to challenge you on this but your donation has been listed on the List of Donations and also your 70levs is on Pete's list, which is just underneath. Please check for yourself. Also, when we exchanged emails I offered to list every item you and your friends donated but you said that it was not necessary.
Entry reads: 06/03/0 - Jo (Joyce Dempster) - Donated a bag of clothes and other various things including socks, tights, sunglasses, jacket, thermals.
I hope this clears up this problem as we all try really hard to ensure that all donations, whether they are money or items of clothing etc., are listed as soon as possible.
Andie
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Andie (---.ukonline.co.uk)
posts : 813
Date : 04-23-08 18:54
Sam, I can understand where you are coming from and I am not asking people who have already given to give again - I am simply requesting that if you know someone who is having (or thinking of having) a fundraising event to consider the Stoikite Orphanage Appeal Fund as the nominated recipients to receive some of the funds.
Also, my email was just as much an update to keep everyone informed as to what it going on and how we are proceeding. I am aware that in having asked people for money, its only right and considerate to keep them informed as to what is happening with it.
Andie
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : sam (---.nott.cable.ntl.com)
posts : 3668
Date : 04-23-08 19:10
sorry Andie I have had several calls over the last week asking me to increase charity donations, I wish they would look for people who dont already donate and increase their funds that way.
I do hope you raise the rest of the money, but this site tends to be quiet from now until september time, you would do better on the summer board.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Andie (---.ukonline.co.uk)
posts : 813
Date : 04-23-08 19:28
Sam, you can be sure that we will target anyone we can in an effort to raise the money we need. When I make up my mind to do something I am like a terrier with a rag.
I know that this board goes quiet now and you can be sure that I will be asking if anyone on the warm site can help in anyway as well.
Andie 
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : carole (---.range86-151.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 481
Date : 04-24-08 01:16
I am so surprised at reading your post Joyce as Andie keeps a track of every penny or leva given and it is quite a full time job for her. Last night she sent us an up to date spread sheet and she is always on the ball.
I have never done anything like this before and when I originally offered to help Amanda I wondered why as I hate to ask people for money, even to ask someone to buy a raffle ticket. However, these kids are close to home, I have met them and seen the conditions they live in. In fact not as bad as compared to some and they are not starving, but in the winter they are freezing. As Andie says - if we have to beg then we will to get the money to put heating in. People can read this and ignore it or they can choose to help. We are not pointing a gun to anyone. We are so grateful for all the help we have received, but at the end of the day it is all about a bunch of kids having to live in freezing conditions.
We cannot let them down, nor can we let down the good people that have worked so hard and given so generously to get to the point we have. "So near but yet so far!"
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : MONTY (---.range86-131.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 217
Date : 04-24-08 11:11
Can you not tackle big industries or places like McDonalds in BG for sponsorship, I am sure some of them would jump at the chance to be associated with a worthy cause. What about the hotels, restraunts etc that benefit from the tourits, ask for donations and tell any of them that donates their name will be published. Surely must be worth a go with it being right on their doorstep.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : jo (---.nhs.uk)
posts : 400
Date : 04-24-08 11:40
Sorry Andie but I must be missing something. I have checked Pete's list again and I can see no amount of 70levs listed. Perhaps you can tell me where to look. I did realise the bag of clothes was listed but ony after I asked for it to be. The reason it wasn't itemised was because I couldn't remember what was in it and obviously no one there knew.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Nicky (92.43.64.---)
posts : 389
Date : 04-24-08 12:10
Just a thought but when my daughters guide group want to raise money for their camping they organise bag packing events at the local supermarkets. It isn't unusual for them to raise in the region of £400.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Andie (---.ukonline.co.uk)
posts : 813
Date : 04-24-08 12:43
Joyce, unless I have gone completely mad your name is about 2/3rds of the way down on the list accessed by the link "Pamporovo Pete's List of Donations" as "Joyce Dempster & Friends" with an amount of 70 levs against it. If you look down the list under the LEVS it might be easier to find it.
Hope this sorts your query out
Andie
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : carole (---.range86-151.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 481
Date : 04-24-08 14:07
Nicky,
On our website there is a link to fund raising ideas. The point is that we are asking people to do this for the kids. I recently had a coffee morning and with recent donations from people who could not attend the total raised was £600. Ok, it took a bit of effort and organising, but it was a great morning. There was no need to ask people directly for money as there was a bring & buy and raffle so nobody was under pressure to spend their money. I think everybody enjoyed it and all went off happy with some "bargains" and our Fund was boosted. If only a few people would do something like this we would soon get there. Remember that every penny helps us to get there. However, there are others that have and are doing big events and without them we would not be this far and I truly admire and respect them for this, they are very special people.
Monty, you cannot believe the amount of "begging" letters we have sent out. Even the airlines do not allow us excess baggage to take stuff out. Then I suppose our cause is just one of millions and I would hate to think how many "forgotten" souls there are out there. At least with this fund raiser every single amount collected will go to the children, nothing in administration.
However, this does not stop you or anybody else writing more letters - Pleeeeeeeeease 
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : nigel (---.dynamic.dsl.as9105.com)
posts : 170
Date : 04-24-08 14:31
Hi Carole i was looking at some old emails of mine and found some where we exchanged comments back in June/ 12 /2005 so we go back a long way don't we.Bout time we met don't you think? I'll prob be out there sometime this year.Maybe a drink with you and yours and Andie as she will be out there for a few months as u prob know.Oh and Amanda and doug too.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : carole (---.range86-151.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 481
Date : 04-24-08 16:02
That would be great Nigel. Seems strange that I visited your lovely house in Momchilovitsi (spelling?) but have never met. We will be out there on 14th May for 3 weeks, just before Andie and then most of August. Well, our house is well and truly finished - just wish Andie was in the same boat.
Take care,
Carole
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Andie (---.ukonline.co.uk)
posts : 813
Date : 04-25-08 01:13
Joyce, thanks for your email letting me know that you have now found your name on my lists. I must admit I was getting a bit frustrated as I knew it was there but couldn't work out why you couldn't see it.
Andie
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Mat (---.cabletel.bg)
posts : 481
Date : 04-25-08 01:27
Lots of fuss for recognition of a donation equivalent to a small round of drinks. Have a word with the Irish embassy in Sofia - St Paddies raised a bunch of cash for a similar charity and they might either be able to direct some of this your way or get your issue onto one of the summer events to push you over the limit. Have a word with the One Life charity also - of course demands will always be greater than supply of funds but they are a well wired organisation with links into the wealthy community here and may also be able to get you what is essentially a fairly small amount of cash. Raising 2/3rds of the funding already gives you a lot of credibility. The EC would have paid for it, but you had to get the application in by the 28th April so you've probably missed this call.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : carole (---.range86-151.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 481
Date : 04-25-08 02:00
Thanks for this Mat, we will certainly follow this up.
Re EC - do you have any contact as we are not at 28th yet so may still have time. However, all these things may take a while and we really need to get the heating in for next winter.
Re your first sentence - Poor Andie thought she was going cuckoo over this one but she does really make sure that every penny is recorded as we need to be completely transparent.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : carole (---.range86-151.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 481
Date : 04-25-08 02:10
Mat, I googled St. Paddies and cannot find anything ???
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Amanda (---.btc-net.bg)
posts : 876
Date : 04-25-08 04:00
I have exhausted myself askingBulgarian based businesses to help or donate, we are now a registerered none proffit foundation, this would enable people or companies to donate agaist their tax liability, yet nothing, as a team we are willing to try anything within reason to raise the further funds needed, I will always be greatful for the kindness in which you have all shown and i do trully believe that your kindness will be rewarded 10 days over x x
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : mikey (---.pool1.Enfield-GLN3000-BAS0001.orange)
posts : 350
Date : 04-25-08 12:23
If the target is 30 grant and you have raised 21 why not try to get better offers from BG companies
(I STRESS NOT LOCAL ONES)
I believe you will be able to find company willing to do the same job during the summer.
Wait until mid May when major jobs are to be stopped on the beach for the summer season and alot of workers are without a job for the next 2-3 months .
Daily wages are much lower in some parts of BG .
For the last good few years I have found that the daily wages are the most expensive in Pamp region so shift away and you will have a success with the 21000 upper limit without a doubt.Bingo!
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Borogirl (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 1404
Date : 04-25-08 12:43
Excellent advice, Mikey
Amanda - as most of the children will be away when the work is being done, there should be room to house a team from anywhere. Do you have any contacts in other areas  Maybe workers/companies from areas nearer to the Black Sea, who are laid off for the summer, would quote a good price. Mid May would be better for you to spend some time on this.
Have a great holiday and see you Tuesday 6th May
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Andie (---.ukonline.co.uk)
posts : 813
Date : 04-25-08 12:47
Thanks Mikey - your comments are really helpful.
The job has already been put out to tender but you are right about firms looking for work during the summer months and the daily wage being less. This should work to our advantage and it's up to us now to try and find one of these firms to do the work for us at a competitive rate.
Andie
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : mikey (---.pool1.Enfield-GLN3000-BAS0001.orange)
posts : 350
Date : 04-25-08 13:07
Look into the west (around Sofia and the region or north west)
How big is the job anyway?
Give me some figures (what is needed etc and number for contacts)
Also edge different companies -Approach this way: I have been given quote such and such -can u do better? and leave.
They will come back to you
To save 30% on expences simply by choosing company is normal in BG so dont see it as a problem at all.
Simply forget the local companies-maybe convenient but most expensive option I am afraid.
Plus the materials are most expensive in Pamp anyway.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Borogirl (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 1404
Date : 04-25-08 13:15
Mikey - just a thought - would not companies near to Sofia have projects in the city for the summer
Your help would be great.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : mikey (---.pool1.Enfield-GLN3000-BAS0001.orange)
posts : 350
Date : 04-25-08 13:39
OK if you knw better solution-suggest .Competition is much greater in the capital and around it.
Prices for wages amounts are a fact anyway.
Anything I have done in Pamp in the past was with outsiders.They will bring their caravans do the job have a drink or two on the way and leave-no problems.
Only with ordering materials everything has to be brought in from outside to gain 30-40% reduction as well put plumbing and heating shouldnt be a problem.
Dont worry Borogirl you are in a relatively cheap area for building ur place.unless you are tie-up with somebody with big commission. 
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Borogirl (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 1404
Date : 04-25-08 13:53
Mikey - what's the matter now I thought we were talking about the orphanage
I don't know any large companies that can put in central heating, that is why I asked you the question. You made a helpful suggestion and I thought I asked a valid question.
I am NOT having a house built but am going out to the orphanage beginning of May - to take sports equipment and introduce cricket to the children. I am a teacher, so am doing what I do best - work with children.
You need to stop jumping down people's throats 
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : sam (---.nott.cable.ntl.com)
posts : 3668
Date : 04-25-08 14:49
I thought michelle had had an offer from a group of workers that was invovled in her hotel to do the work for free and you just pay for the materials. try and search the post, I may be wrong but sure it was something like that. Surely if that would be the case then 21,000 should cover it.
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| re: found this |
Author : sam (---.nott.cable.ntl.com)
posts : 3668
Date : 04-25-08 15:02
found this under whats thirty thousand euros think it was posted by dona
Possibly a silly question but gonna ask it anyhow can't look any sillier 2nite. Is this amount including paying someone to install the system as well as buying it. When I was at Michelle's last week we were talking to a group of irish guys who are heating engineers and plumbers and suchlike and they volunteered to go over for a week in the summer to help with the installation. I am waiting for them to contact me about this but maybe this could cut the cost a little and mean we get there quicker. Me and Michelle volunteered to be labourers ....that would be a laugh in itself.
Date : 02-27-08 23:56
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Borogirl (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 1404
Date : 04-25-08 15:03
Sam - they are doing work in the bedrooms for free. It was suggested that they be approached re the heating. It maybe asking too much from one company - the orphanage could end up bankrupting them - there's so much to do
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : sam (---.nott.cable.ntl.com)
posts : 3668
Date : 04-25-08 15:04
BG
see above, I know they did that but this was the one I was talking about.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Borogirl (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 1404
Date : 04-25-08 15:10
Sam - Andie, Amanda and Carole will read this at some point today. Any suggestions are investigated thoroughly, so I am sure that there will be heating by next winter. Between the 3 of them, all leads are followed - we should call them the Blood Hounds
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : carole (---.range86-151.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 481
Date : 04-25-08 15:25
Hi,
reading all the above I can see all your points and this is something Amanda really needs to answer you all as she is there and knows what is going on. Andie and I put forward our ideas but then we talk to Amanda and can see why she does things her way. A guy did offer to go over and install the heating, which I thought was great but as Amanda says they have to stick to guidelines as this is a government building. Also, they need to have somebody they can trust to go back to sort out any problems that may arise at a later date so no good bringing somebody in from miles away. Apparently the first tender that has come back was a stupid amount so we are awaiting the others.
Re the builders. Hopefully they will return in the summer to finish off, but again this is something that either Amanda or Michelle can confirm.
Amanda is off for a few days on a family holiday, so not sure when she will be able to reply to this.
Keep suggestions coming in, although sometimes what we think is the right way is not always possible or practical. We certainly will not go ahead with anything until we have the best possible price and have put it to you all for agreement (and obviously we need to get to the target figure!)
Carole & The Team
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : sam (---.nott.cable.ntl.com)
posts : 3668
Date : 04-25-08 15:29
possibly getting stupid quotes as it is government building, is it pointed out to the contractors that work is being funded via donations.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Caz (---.bradford.gov.uk)
posts : 313
Date : 04-25-08 15:52
Hi
I normally use the summer board but dip into this one also.
I have a suggestion - In the Tropicana?happy Duck in Sunny Beach all season they run bingo twice a week, not sure if its on this year as the owners might have changed but Gary & Steve (if you are listening) could you not use say 50 leva from the cash prize each time to donate to the fund. I am sure most holiday makers will be willing to see some of the prize money donated to such a cause!
50 leva twice a week = 100 leva each week over the season would be about 1800 leva. Don't know if this would help. Perhaps Pete could have a word!
Caz
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : carole (---.range86-151.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 481
Date : 04-25-08 16:36
Thanks Caz for this suggestion. Katherine Mills , the Borovets rep, raised money for us in a similar way.
Every single penny will all add up, nothing is too small.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Borogirl (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 1404
Date : 04-25-08 16:39
Caz - What a brilliant idea Ideas like that would work well on the coast. Collection points for clothes etc will be difficult due to the distance of picking up and taking to the orphanage.
Keep thinking and any help organising would be great
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : mikey (---.pool1.Enfield-GLN3000-BAS0001.orange)
posts : 350
Date : 04-27-08 02:47
Borogirl calm down please read the following extracts from the near past:
....Buying our own place, so should be going several times next season ....
....We are buying in BG, although not to rent out, would it still be suitable for us ....
Just a few and I think all posted by you unless somebody else has got ur name as well.correct?
So again dont worry your place will become a paradise shared by thousants.
Just trying to help .
I havent grown since the last rain though.
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Borogirl (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 1404
Date : 04-27-08 23:44
Mikey
Not sure what your point is
I've never hidden that we are buying a place, NOT having a house built and NOT for rent and NOT in a resort. So no one would want to rent it anyway.
Sorry if you don't like me taking things to the orphanage or trying to help get what the children need.
If you remember, I did ask your permission to buy a place, which you agreed to
I can tell you haven't grown by your innane remarks
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| re: So near - but so far !!! |
Author : Borogirl (---.range86-134.btcentralplus.com)
posts : 1404
Date : 04-27-08 23:52
Mikey
Not sure what your point is
I've never hidden that we are buying a place, NOT having a house built and NOT for rent and NOT in a resort. So no one would want to rent it anyway. If you remember, I did ask your permission to buy a place and you agreed!!
Sorry if you don't like me taking things to the orphanage or trying to help get what the children need.
I can tell you haven't grown by your innane remarks
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