James Baker & Suleen Kaur are delighted to be able to report on their fundraising event, 5NC Street Food Festival:Post Event Update 16th March 2018, Suleen Kaur6 great cooks came together to cook lunches for colleagues and raise money for a great charity impacting hundreds of underprivileged people around the globe. On offer were Persian, West African, Thai, Brazilian, Bengali and Punjabi lunches for a whole week and the support and feedback was incredible. We hope to make this an annual event and continue to support One Kind Act is every way possible.An outstanding £3,574 was raised through their efforts and the charity matching policy by Barclays Capital Bank.About One Kind ActOne Kind Act Changes Communities and lives of others globally who suffer as a result of Poverty of Health, Nutrition and Education and may have Fallen Through The Net of the larger charities. Learn More here

Saachi Patel is delighted to announce her forthcoming event, 7-Day Puree Challenge:                           Post Event Update Saachi Patel, 21 March 2018Being on a restricted diet is difficult – there is no other word to describe it. What initially excited me was the idea that I will be trying lots of different meals, but as I got through the first day I realised that I missed food, and it wasn’t that exciting. I learned that there were many reasons why patients on a dysphagia diet might not follow the recommendations, or at least find it difficult to. It’s not just about being bored with the smooth texture, it is much more than that. I experienced loss of interest in the food, social isolation when I went out, lack of flexibility and just missed the experience of eating normal food. Meal times just became a chore. I lost over 2kg in weight over the week, which for me raised lots of concerns. I ate breakfast, lunch, dinner plus snacks and desserts but was so full that it was hard to continue eating so much throughout the week. It made me think, that if I lost so much weight in a week, what I can do for patients who have to follow this diet in hospital to stop them from losing weight. The meals I ate tasted like they should, it was just unusual to have everything blended. During the week I got bored and tried to cook myself but the whole process of blending, sieving and cooking was extremely tedious – no wonder people buy them in!When things got tough – and they did - I thought to myself, I am doing this to raise awareness and money. I knew there was a date where I was going to start eating again, but what gets a patient through this as many have to do this for life? Over the week, I achieved what I set out to do. Not only by raising over £1000 for One Kind Act, but got everyone that I knew talking about dysphagia, whether it was people asking what it is, why I was doing it or what I was going to be eating that day. This whole experience has made me think about some of the emotions that patients might go through by being on this diet and overall allowed me to put myself in their shoes.“Empathy is a quality of character that can change the world” - ObamaEvent DetailsSaachi Patel, 22nd February 2018 Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), is a common side effect of several conditions that affect our nervous system e.g. stroke, head injury, multiple sclerosis or dementia. Stroke Association reports that almost half of people who have a stroke will have some difficulties with swallowing in the first few weeks.Patients who are unable to swallow normal meals safely have to follow a “dysphagia diet” and as a result can be at risk of malnutrition. This can be for various reasons including texture fatigue, going off meals, reduced appetite, poor nutritional content of meals or lack of assistance or encouragement. Incorrect identification and poor compliance to the recommended diet can lead to food and drink entering a patient’s airways and lungs, causing aspiration leading to infections and pneumonia. There are currently four dysphagia diet food textures: Texture B (Thin Purée), Texture C (Thick Purée), Texture D (Pre – Mashed) and Texture E (Fork Mashable), however April 2019 will see the introduction of a new set of internationally recognised descriptors designed to improve patient safety and provide a larger platform for conducting research studies.Swallowing Awareness Day falls on 12th March 2018, and this year I have decided to take on the challenge of following a Texture C (Thick Purée) Diet for a week in the hope that this will allow me to better understand the physical and mental challenges our patients face when having to follow this restricted diet. My professional aim as a Dietitian is to raise awareness of dysphagia and its impact on the patients we look after in hospital and the reasons why providing the correct meal is so integral to patient safety. My personal aim is to raise money for One Kind Act (OKA), a charity I have chosen due to their hard work in supporting causes and raising money in aid of brain injury. Alisha, a very close friend of mine and associate of OKA, is a huge inspiration for taking on this challenge and although she did not suffer from dysphagia, she has faced challenges with aphasia, another common side effect of having a stroke.Follow me @saachipatel4 for pictures of my meals!Acknowledgement – A huge thank you to apetito who will be providing me with my puree meals for the week]About One Kind ActOne Kind Act Changes Communities and lives of others globally who suffer as a result of Poverty of Health, Nutrition and Education and may have Fallen Through The Net of the larger charities. Learn More hereRead Less

Rupa Lakha is delighted to announce her forthcoming event on, D4NCE 0N.                           Post Event Update13 November 2017, OKA AssociateRupa Lakha's Danceathon event to celebrate her 40th birthday was the perfect example of fun, compassion and generosity.  At least 100 aspiring dancers of all ages gathered for face painting, henna tattoos, to eat, drink and make merry by dancing for two hours to energetic, uplifting music led by Rupa.  Being grateful for opportunities in her life that have led to a successful career, Rupa wanted to extend the same chances to refugees in Kenya and Uganda. A staggering almost £6000 has been raised for the Xavier Project, which teaches long term skills to these refugees enabling a better chance in life. Event DetailsRupa Lakha, 11 September 2017I was born in Kenya and came to the UK aged 5. Born to loving parents, I have had the benefit of a warm and secure upbringing, as well as an education to firmly stand me on my two feet. Opportunity has been handed to me and for that I am forever grateful. We have heard Malala's views on the right to education which almost cost her so dearly and yet, her choice to fight for her right to be educated stands her today as an undergraduate at Oxford University. An education should be a basic right, and yet too often it is not.In Malala’s words, “In some parts of the world, students are going to school every day. It’s their normal life. But in other parts of the world, we are starving for education……it’s like a precious gift. It’s like a diamond”.I recently came across a charity called the Xavier Project. Its objective is to provide refugee children in Kenya and Uganda access to formal education in a safe environment. Xavier Project has two departments; the Education Department aims to increase access to relevant and good formal education delivered in a safe environment for refugee children. The ‘Tamuka’ Department aims to make vocational and life-long learning available to all refugees even in emergency situations, primarily through the use of ICT.Since its inception in 2008, Xavier Project, through paying fees and providing other support, is enabling 996 refugee children to go to school. In Kenya, that is 65 in early childhood development, 592 primary school students and 159 secondary school students. In Uganda, that is 154 primary school students and 26 secondary school students.I am looking to raise £2400 which will pay the fees for 4 children to attend secondary school for a year. To achieve this, I call upon you. For my birthday, I invite you to an afternoon of fun, music, food and drink. I invite you to participate in a charity Danceathon to raise money for the Xavier Project.I am delighted to say that the Danceathon has the support of charity One Kind Act (OKA), winner of the Best Start-up Charity of the Year 2017 by the Asian Voice. OKA’s mission is to touch with kindness those suffering as a result of poverty of health, nutrition and education both in the UK and abroad. Unlike certain other “Charity for charities,” OKA ensures that EVERY PENNY pledged to this event will be paid directly to the Xavier Project. WHEN: 2:30pm-6:30pm on 12 November 2017. The detailed programme will be sent out in due course.WHERE: The Rowland Brown Hall, St Helen’s School, Eastbury Road, Northwood HA6 3AS.SO WHAT NEXT????The Danceathon will last slightly over 2 hours and I will be dancing non-stop for that duration. You can join in for as little or as much as you can. Owing to space, I have to limit the number of participants for the Danceathon. To confirm your place to dance, you simply need to:1) message me on 07939 245 405 replying "#D4NCE 0N" plus the number of attendees (feel free to bring family and friends)AND2) make a pledge through this Event page.You can donate as much or as little as you like but the suggested MINIMUM pledge is £35 if you are participating in the Danceathon (£15 if under 12) and £10 if you are just coming to spectate, drink and eat.To be honest all……it’s a steal compared to the diamond present I know you were going to get me………..Any questions, please let me know. Otherwise, let’s “D4NCE 0N.”!Rupa LakhaAbout One Kind ActOne Kind Act Changes Communities and lives of others globally who suffer as a result of Poverty of Health, Nutrition and Education and may have Fallen Through The Net of the larger charities. Learn More here

One Kind Act is delighted to announce its forthcoming event, Diwali Ki Rangeen Shaam.Post Event Update9th October 2017, OKA AssociateThe OKA Diwali Music night kicked off with drinks, mingling and laughter before the renowned singers took to stage.  After a brief hiccup with acoustics, the guests settled down to sway in time to the music, unconsciously singing along. The food was specially appreciated for being varied and delicious.It wasn't long though before the music became so irresistible the floor was full with enthusiastic dancers for the rest of the night.Well received, emotive speeches from OKA committee members Rupa, Ritu and Mona detailed where the money raised would go and the generous raffle prizes were gratefully received.Yet again the evening was a sell-out, with tickets going fast. Total funds raised was just under £11,000, and has been used to make grants to two new Causes OKA are supporting, Healing Little Hearts and Project Chirag (see Cause page for further details).  OKA is deeply appreciative of the immense support and words of praise for our "fabulous, fun events".Event DetailsOn Friday 6th October 2017, OKA presents you with a musical adventure and invites you to come and enjoy an evening of outstanding classical and popular music, sung by renowned artists, Shahid Khan and Rekha Sawhney, and accompanied by very accomplished musicians. See them live here:Some background information of our talented artists:Shahid KhanShahid was born in London and comes from a family of renowned tabla players and classical singers from the 'Patiala Gharana' based in Pakistan. He started singing from a very young age and from the age of ten, started receiving singing lessons from Pandit Vishwa Prakash and Rauf Mehndi. His Guru, from the age of 16, was and remains Ustad Hussain Baksh Gulu. Shahid's biggest musical influence has been Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.Recently, he completed a successful run as the Heritage Singer in the West End show Bend It Like Beckham – The Musical at the Phoenix Theatre. The show was nominated for five Olivier Awards and won the Critics’ Circle Theatre Award for Best Musical, topped Time Out’s Best West End Musical poll and won the Curtain Up Best Cast Recording Album of 2015.Rekha SawhneyRekha began to learn Hindi songs and semi-classical Indian music under the powerful guidance of Shaheen Khan for the best part of 5 years. After her coaching, Rekha competed against some of the best singers in India and won UK Indian Idol; was chosen to sing for Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber in his search for “Maria” from The Sound of Music; performed at the Royal Festival Hall in 2013 under the umbrella of the BBC Alchemy festival and Kuljit Bhamra and has been invited to take part in a musical theatre workshop organised by the BBC Arts Foundation.Much more recently, Rekha had the opportunity to work with Film Director Gurinder Chadha for her West End stage production of the film “Bend It Like Beckham”.  It was during one of the performances that world renowned composer A R Rahman sought out Rekha for her semi-classical vocal ability and invited her to record with him for Gurinder Chadha’s film, Viceroy’s House, released earlier this year. WHAT THE EVENING ENTAILS:The evening promises to be a delightful, heart-lifting musical journey with our gifted artists. A delicious 3-course buffet meal is included and a well-stocked paying bar is on offer. There will be a set of Premium tables closer to the stage to allow those interested to engage better with the singers. Ticket PricesYou are invited to purchase tables of 10 for either premium or standard tickets. Premium Tables: £500 for a table of 10 (£50 per ticket) - only 9 Premium tables are available.Standard Tables: £400 for a table of 10 (£40 per ticket) - 16 Standard tables are available.Should you need to buy a smaller number of tickets, please contact Ritu Soni on 07734 201649 or Annu Shah on 07801 418448.AS YOU CAN SEE, THE NUMBER OF TABLES IS LIMITED. SO HURRY AND BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW! Please note that the venue is opposite Mercedes Benz showroom. There is free parking after 7pm.About One Kind ActOne Kind Act Changes Communities and lives of others globally who suffer as a result of Poverty of Health, Nutrition and Education and may have Fallen Through The Net of the larger charities. Learn More here

Sanjeev, Meera, Harry, Aneka, Stuti & Dhruv are delighted to announce their forthcoming fundraiser event, The Mont Blanc Challenge.Post Event Update7th August 2017, Harry BhogalWe are back home after an eventful week! A bit of a sad start as someone died on Mont Blanc on the Saturday we arrived! It brought home the reality of the dangers we were going to face but we were very lucky to have some superb guides! Jean, Andy, Mateau and Marco who were with Mont Blanc Guides.Unfortunately we were advised on Monday that the weather was against us on this trip and it was unsafe for us to ascend Mont Blanc because of storms! For one of our group who had travelled all the way from Australia, this was the second time that the weather had prevented his ascent to Mont Blanc!! Mont Blanc guides take no chances and we learnt how incredibly precise the guides' knowledge of weather and the mountains was over the next few days. Whilst we were disappointed we understood the decision made by the guides was for our safety. However that was not the end of our adventures or challenges for the week. To the contrary, they were just the start. We travelled to Italy to the Gran Paradiso National Park where we climbed 900 metres to the Chabod Hut which was home for two nights. Our first ascent was 1300 metres to the top of Gran Paradiso. We also tried some rock climbing whilst we were there just for fun!! The next day back in Chamonix, we climbed the Arete a Laurence on the Aiguille du Midi at 3800 metres. We managed to squeeze in time for a coffee at the Cosmiques Hut before the storm came in! The following day we travelled back into Italy to try to circumnavigate the storms and headed to the Monte Rosa Massif. Monte Rosa is the second highest mountain in the Alps. After scrambling across rocks and crossing glaciers we reached the Gnifetti Hut at 3647 metres! This impressive hut located on a rock is accessed only by helicopter or by climbing its vertical edges. This was home for one night! Our guides advised us that due to the inclement weather, We had a short 5 hour window to make our ascent and return to Pyramid Vincent at 4215 metres. It certainly was a challenging week, mentally and physically. We encountered acute mountain sickness, faced some of our fears and were forced to overcome some of our weaknesses. We had to dig deep on many occasions but we had each other and it has brought us closer together as a family! As individuals, we each learnt something new about ourselves. The mountains are an incredible place and it was a humbling experience allowing us to see some beautiful sights! A special thanks to our guides who kept us safe and made our trip challenging and fun! Thank you once again to our family and friends who have supported us. We are so grateful to you for helping us raise money for our charities. Harry BhogalEvent DetailsMeera Bhogal, 12 May 2017Late last year we were relaxing after an evening meal when Sanjeev said very casually, "Do you fancy climbing Mont Blanc?". We replied, equally casually, "Yes sure". I can only think that we must have been in a carb induced comatosed state to have agreed to such a thing. Well here we are and with only 11 weeks to go, the challenge is on and it is very real. We are a group of 6 family members; Sanjeev (the one responsible), Harry (the responsible one as opposed to the one responsible), Aneka (who believes she will be carried up), Stuti (who will move the mountain if she has to), Dhruv (who is so cool he will float up) and me (who is in denial that it’s happening). We all have our demons we will need to work through to undertake and complete this challenge, but I can’t think of a more inspirational group of people to share this experience with. We are all determined, stubborn, competitive, love to push ourselves to our limits and above all, we are a close nit family who support and love each other. So I guess we have the right mindset which is a great start.So what is the challenge?We will be climbing two mountains over 6 days. The first three days will be aimed at climbing a 'training' mountain, Grand Paradisio which stands at 4061m. This will be our opportunity to experience working and sleeping at altitude, as well as using ropes, harnesses, pick axes, crampons and learning how to identify and avoid crevasses. We will be climbing for between 5-7 hours a day. The next three days is all about the ascent to Mont Blanc, which stands at an incredible 4808m. Weather permitting, we will spend 6 hours climbing a 1:3 ascent to the summit and 6 hours back to our base camp, with a further 6 hour descent home to Chamonix. None of us have climbed before, so this is a serious challenge and perhaps not the best one to do as an introduction to climbing!So why are we doing this crazy thing?Well as I've said we all love a challenge but there is also our belief as a family in giving to those less fortunate than us. We all have different charities we support as individuals and we respect each other’s views and wishes. In line with this, we will all support each other in raising money for all the charities we feel a strong connection with.One Kind Act is one of these charities. This is a new charity which has been founded on the principle of trying to change the lives of those who are suffering due to poverty, poor health, lack of education or nutrition and those who have fallen through the net of fundraising from the larger charities. Their work has also been recognised as they have been shortlisted for the Charity Startup of the Year Award by Asian Voice and powered by Charity Clarity.Your donations will keep us motivated when we feel we can't go on or when the going gets tough, so we thank you for donating generously to such an amazing charity.  About One Kind ActOne Kind Act Changes Communities and lives of others globally who suffer as a result of Poverty of Health, Nutrition and Education and may have Fallen Through The Net of the larger charities. Learn More here

Mona & Raj Bhogal are delighted to announce their forthcoming event, OKA Summer Garden Party 2017.Post Event Update14th August 2017, Richa VarmaThe atmosphere was inviting, the decor elegant and the event enchanting and insouciant. On a warm, breezy August day, OKA's third annual garden party was held at committee member Mona Bhogal's sprawling country home.Seductive jazz by the Aidan Newland Quartet played while cocktails were sipped on the lawns surrounded by old oak trees. The menu was a combination of home-made salads, Indian starters and signature creations from The Connoisseur, followed by a buffet of home- made desserts competing easily with Bake Off A putting competition, face painting, shisha, and other little games provided some idle, easy activity while guests mingled in the warmth and wondered at the joy of life.At the same time, money was being raised to build a new mini village of proper homes with sanitation, electricity and running water thousands of miles away for some of the poorest slum dwellers in Sierra Leone in memory of Belu Bhogal.  Raj continues his brother's legacy of generosity in helping the needy, facilitated by One Kind Act and Home Leone.The auction included sporting memorabilia, an Omega watch and a large, hauntingly beautiful painting by acclaimed artist Alejandro Hermann from Spain which garnered enthusiastic bidding to raise thousands of pounds.With the pledges, the day will expect to have raised well over £25,000 which will go a long way towards building "Belu's homes" in Sierra Leone.A heartfelt thank you to those who donated the auction items and the raffle prizes and to those who bid so generously.  And, thank you, as always, to our wonderful supporters who live their lives, not just with achievement but with a sharing of their prosperity and aspiration with the poverty struck around the globe to ultimately make our world a happier place.What guests said:-  I'm so impressed and want to make my own albeit small contribution. I will organise a marathon spin class and donate all proceeds to OKA- Oh my gosh....more food? There has been so much and everything is delicious- This looks like a worthwhile cause, can we collaborate?- How am I feeling? My stresses seem so far away, life really is so lovely..I feel priceless- This living and giving concept....tell me more, I want more if it's like this. - Can I sponsor your drinks next time....I love how you work- Please let us know of future events, we want to be there, whatever it isEvent DetailsIn the last two summers, individual OKA Associates have hosted a summer garden party in the comfort of their homes. Both have been such an AMAZING success that OKA supporters keep asking for more!So we are delighted that Mona and Raj Bhogal have been so kind as to host the next OKA summer garden party. It promises to have the same recipe for success….Plentiful delicious food and summer winesFun Games & Shisha stallsLive Jazz as background music to our ears (played by the Aidan Newland Quartet) Crazy poolside antics (even a splash and a leap, if all those present last year can recall!) And of course…….a warm, hazy lazy, sunshine day ….we hope!Please join us. Do also ask friends and family.  Tickets are £40 per person (16 years of age or above) which includes all of the above ALL day.LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE - SO PLEASE BOOK EARLY.   About One Kind ActOne Kind Act Changes Communities and lives of others globally who suffer as a result of Poverty of Health, Nutrition and Education and may have Fallen Through The Net of the larger charities. Learn More here

Prideview Group are delighted to announce their forthcoming event, The Prideview Cricketers' Cup 2017.Post Event Update 17 July 2017, Richa VermaPrideview's annual cricket tournament was held on warm, bright Saturday in June 2017. This year there were 10 teams with 6 a side competing in a 5 overs each championship.Bouncy castles, football coaching face painting and cricket kept the children delighted, and with the heat of the day some good natured water fights provided much excitement.  Fifty women took part in a bowl out competition (with OKA's Chitra winning).  Additionally there was a variety of market stalls of local businesses like jewellery, saris and beauty products to add further interest to the day. There was ample food and chilled drinks throughout the day in an atmosphere of happiness and relaxation. The auction and raffles with the wonderful variety of prizes garnered enthusiastic participation.On pitch the competition was fierce with some very impressive cricket played in the main tournament, the Prideview Cricketers' Cup as well as the plate tournament, the Prideview Champions Trophy. Jade Pharmacy won the main tournament for the third year in a row despite earnest efforts to knock them off their perch!  The runners up were Logicare who put up challenging competition. The Prideview Champions Trophy was won by the hosts themselves who delightedly sprayed several bottles of celebratory champagne over the crowd.  Monarch Commercial were the worthy runners up.An outstanding £21,000 was raised which will go to help Able Trust, Educate for Life and Project Chirag - 3 noble and forward thinking Causes based in India.Event DetailsThe 6th edition of The Prideview Cricketers’ Cup, commercial property’s biggest cricket tournament, will be taking place on Saturday 8th July at Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood, Greater London.The format is fun and friendly, with 12 – 15 teams of 6 players a-side playing in matches of just 5 overs each way! Every penny of the money you donate will go to One Kind Act as it did last year. Last year, the event raised £18,630 which was used to support 2 worthy projects in Mumbai & Tanzania, as well as build a kitchen that will soon support 800 children at a school in an extremely marginalised village in Rajasthan.So, to get involved this year, you can either set up a team and play or you can come and spectate. The format for playing is simple, inclusive and fun: 12 – 15 teams, 6-a-side cricket, 5 overs each way but only 1 Champion – and all for a great cause! Last year Jade Pharmacy Group retained the Cup with a 1 run victory in the final. Someone needs to knock these high-octane Pharmacists of their perch, and we are looking for £600 per team with anything above that most welcome – lunch, drinks, tea and goody bags will be included for all players too!Spectators are most welcome; anyone wishing to eat or drink during the day will be required to donate £10 in exchange for a refreshments’ wristband. Players, pre-registered Fans of participating teams and all children under 12 are excluded from this cost.To take part or to come and watch, please contact hina@pridemanagement.co.uk or call 0203 113 2140.Remember, everything donated goes to charity.About One Kind ActOne Kind Act Changes Communities and lives of others globally who suffer as a result of Poverty of Health, Nutrition and Education and may have Fallen Through The Net of the larger charities. Learn More here