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

Amit, Raju, Richa & Chitra are delighted to announce their forthcoming event, OKA Golf DayPost Event Update 1st May 2017, Richa VermaOKA's Golf Day was revisited after the first one was called off due to violent thunder storms. This time, at the start of the week, the forecast was dreadful yet again - arctic blast, icy gales, sleet and hail. But fervent prayers, we like to think, brought on Friday the blessing of perfect golf weather - a warm, dry and sunny day. 18 teams were handed generous goody bags with snacks, drinks and designer golf wear.  They started the day with a big breakfast before teeing off from the 1st and 10th holes in an 18 hole Stableford competition. After 2/3 hours, the halfway house was a very welcome sight. Over hot home-made snacks, sandwiches, hot and cold drinks, the golfers discussed their game so far, enjoying the immaculate and challenging course but bemoaning the greens being firm and fast.By 5pm, tired but happy golfers returned to a putting competition, a well-deserved 19th hole for drinks and to shower before the gala 3 course evening dinner.After an excellent meal, flowing drinks, a deeply appreciated speech by OKA trustee Pawan Midha, raffle and auction, the prizes were presented to the following:Men's prize: Pammi SohanpalWomen's prize: Chitra PrasharTeam prize:  Pammi Sohanpal, Kip Singh, Ashok Bhardwaj, Afzal RaiRunner up team: Pawan Midha, Aalok Soni, Jeff Chowdrey, Shamez VeljiLongest Drive: Mickey DowdNearest to pin: Mickey DowdPutting competition: Andy CoyleWhat golfers said....."Thanks for a superbly organised lovely evening. You clearly worked very hard for it. Lovely meeting the charming OKA committee too. We definitely need to meet up together""You are really spoiling us with this indulgent halfway house""I'm like a kid, thrilled with my goody bag""A fantastically well organised event""Hope you do this every year - we will definitely come again and again""It was a great day playing golf and being able to raise money for a wonderful cause.""You can see how much hard work went into it -  it was perfect"A perfect ending to a perfect day. Event DetailsOKA GOLF DAY - REVISITEDMany of you will remember the violent thunder storms that disrupted the OKA Golf Day last September.  In its place, our Golf Day will be held on Friday 28 April 2017 at Batchworth Golf Course, Rickmansworth."With cricket, if you play a bad shot you have to sit down for the rest of the game.  However, with golf you can continue to play, hitting lots more bad shots, hoping the next hole will be better! As such, I am delighted to be playing at the One Kind Act annual Golf Challenge and look forward to welcoming you there".                      Mark Ramprakash, Patron of One Kind ActTicket OptionsFull Day (Discounted) - For those who paid for the golf last time but were unable to play, the golf will be complimentary (including breakfast & snacks) but evening dinner will be at a cost of £40 per head.Full Day (New Golfers) - For new golfers, the cost will be £90 to include breakfast, snacks, golf and the evening's dinner.  Dinner Only - For partners or guests, wishing to join in the evening, 3 course dinner with wine will be £40 per headTo purchase tickets, click on Pledge Now and make the appropriate donation for the event. In the message box please clearly state the number and type of tickets purchased.The plan for the day:11.00am - Registration followed by Breakfast, Tea & Coffee12.16pm – First Tee offs5.00pm (onwards) – optional putting competitionGoody bags handed out at start of play & a generous half way house serving food and drink.6.30pm – Evening Guests arrival7.00pm – 3 course Dinner with wineTeams (of 4) will be given a name and encouraged to play in a friendly but competitive way for one of the coveted trophies!As usual, the ethos of the day is to have fun, laugh, play and relax while at the same time making the world a better place.  All funds raised will go to help the less fortunate with no wasteful costs.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 hereGallery

Rohan Koshal is delighted to announce his forthcoming event, The Kilimanjaro Trek.Post Event Update 25th April 2017, Rohan KoshalMy decision to climb Kilimanjaro was made without much thought, one evening, whilst talking to friends thinking what could we do that would truly challenge ourselves! Having been scared of heights as I was growing up, climbing a mountain was not something I had ever thought of doing! So for me, this was both a physical and a personal challenge.So with my rucksack packed, I was on my way to the airport, and I  started to feel quite nervous, but it was too late to have second thoughts and I was soon on my way to Kilimanjaro airport from London Heathrow. My first glimpse of this amazing  mountain was from the aircraft window, The first night in Tanzania we stayed in a hotel in Arusha. Our guides, who we're going to be escorting us over the next 6 days, came to visit us and to do a kit check.After breakfast, we were driven to the base of Kilimanjaro, where we met the rest of the 16 man team that were going to be with us for the next 6 days, which included a cook, trek guides, porters to carry our rucksacks, carry our tents and everything else we needed along the way. We had decided to follow the Machame route as this would take 6 days instead of 7, which was really going to test our physical as well as mental strength. Day 1 was hiking for 7 hours through the rainforest. Luckily it was a dry day and quite humid. We made our way through the forest to our first camp for the night – Machame camp. By the time we made it to the camp, the porters had already pitched up. Food was ready and we all assembled in the Mess tent to eat our dinner. Still excited about what we had accomplished and what lay ahead.Day 2 was a wake up call at 6am by the cook, who brought tea into our tent, and hot water to wash ourselves! After breakfast of a bowl of sloppy porridge, fried eggs and fried bread, we set off with our two guides, the day saw us trekking through Moreland, climbing steep rocks and walking along crevices, not good for someone who is scared of heights! We climbed for an exhausting 6 hours to Shira camp at an altitude of 12,500 feet. Again our tents and belongings were all in place when we reached our camp for the night. Dinner was served in the mess tent, and throughout the whole expedition, this was the nicest meal of the day, and literally the only time I ate through out the trek.Day 3 was another 6am wake up call with a cup of tea and a bowl of hot water to wash! We left after breakfast leaving the porters to clear and pack up. This was a day of walking for 8 hours through more desert like terrain. The temperatures were noticeably colder as we made our way to Lava Tower at a height of 15,100 feet, and then climbed back down to Barranco Camp at 13,000 feet where we were going to spend the night. The reason for climbing to Lava Tower was to help acclimatise to the high altitude, which we were going to climb to over the following few days.Day 4, again a 6am wake up with the customary mug of tea and hot water! Just couldn't face breakfast today, so started the day feeling hungry! We climbed from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp at 15,000 feet through Alpine desert terrain, where there is hardly any vegetation. The temperatures dropping quite significantly. We rested at Barafu Camp during the day. We were woken up at 11pm as this was the night we were going to trek to the summit.Day 5, leaving camp at midnight on day 4, we trekked for 6.5 hours through the night, with only our head torches to light our path, fixing our gaze on the persons feet walking in front of you. The air was extremely thin as we climbed towards the summit. This was by far the most difficult of all days because of the altitude as well as exhaustion. Not eating all day certainly didn't help me, as I started to feel very weak and found this part of the trek extremely demanding both physically and mentally. We stopped at Stella Point, 18,600 feet, which gave us amazing views of the summit.Another hour of climbing and we reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,345 feet. We had made it to the top! We sat at the summit taking in the crater at the top, and glaciers all around. We could only stay at the top for half an hour as temperatures were at -15*C. The views were breathtaking. The air was very thin, and I was feeling very unwell. Mixed emotions!We then started our descent, trekking for 5 hours back to Barafu Camp, reaching the camp by around 11am. It was very difficult trekking down the mountain, as the terrain was loose gravel, and so was difficult to put your foot down, so felt like you were sliding and at some time there was no control or grip underfoot. We rested at the camp for a few hours and then started a 3 hour descent to Mweka hut, which is approx 10,000 feet above sea level. Day 6, and it was a 3 hour trek through the rain forest back to the base. Where we said bye to our guides and porters who had been our guardians for the last 6 days. We collected our certificates and made our way to the hotel for a hot shower and a comfy bed. Event DetailsI will be climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route and am hoping to raise as much as possible for One Kind Act with your support. This will be a test that challenges me both mentally and physically and will be an experience of a lifetime to remember.Rohan KoshalAbout 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

Suleen Kaur of Cutting Chai is delighted to announce her forthcoming event, Indian Street Food.Post Event Update 13th January 2017, Suleen KaurThe aim of the event was to raise funds by providing Indian street food to Barclays’ colleagues, sourced from Cutting Chai and supported by her colleagues, Melissa, Yanko. Chloe and Tarun. The event helped raise awareness about One Kind Act as we handed out flyers and talked to people about the amazing work that the charity has been undertaking. We managed to raise £400 from the staff on one floor and are expecting matched funding from Barclays to take the total funds raised up to £800. We hope to hold many such events in the future with a wider target audience and ultimately a better fund raising platform.Event DetailsSuleen Kaur of Cutting Chai and employee of Barclays Investment Bank will hold an Indian Street Food event within the office to raise funds for One Kind Act. She says... Indian street goodies such as Samosas, Onion Bhajis, Masala Chai and Chai cake will be on offer.Drop in to the meeting room during the times specified and fill your plates with deliciousness.Donate generously as proceeds will be matched by Barclays via matched funding .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

The Friday Walking Group are delighted to announce their forthcoming event, Make up Seminar and Workshop.Post Event Update30 November 2016 OKA supporters Seema Khindria, Pria Prakash, associates Naina and Neena organised a makeup demonstration morning with tea and cakes followed by lunch with bubbly in November 2016.A makeup artist renowned for her work with celebrities and glossy magazines gave tips and demonstrated different ways make up can result in younger, fresher, natural and glamorous looks. Fifty women mostly from Maidenhead gathered to relax, giggle and occasionally gasp at the transformation well applied makeup can result in. There were hand crafted festive Christmas gifts, homemade brownies, cakes and flapjacks, jewellery for sale with proceeds going to OKA.As the event was in Maidenhead, money raised was used to buy a fridge freezer to store fresh food to feed up to 200 homeless in the local area.Event DetailsThis event is a make up workshop by makeup artist, Sammy Leigh.There will also be stalls supporting OKA, selling a variety of Christmas gifts, hand knits, cakes, jewellery and Forever Living products. 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

Propharm Pharmacy Group are delighted to announce their event Propharm Pharmacy Dinner & DancePost Event Update27th November 2016, Pradip Patel Vice-Chairman Propharm Group.“It was a pleasure to nominate ONE KIND ACT as our principal charity for this year's Propharm Group Charity Fundraiser on Saturday 26th November 2016 at the Sheraton Skyline. One Kind Act were chosen because of the selfless drive of the committee and the vision of the founder and creator Shamit".  Event DetailsThe theme for the event this year is African. Part of the proceeds have been pledged to One Kind Act. 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