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

Yatish, Amit, Chitra & Richa are delighted to announce their forthcoming event, OKA Golf Challenge Day:Post Event Update17 Sep 2016In the early hours on the day of OKA's planned charity golf tournament there were violent thunderstorms and torrential rain that kept most of the committee awake fretting and worrying.  OKA convened at Batchworth Golf Club to discover the course had been closed.  As a result, with admirable calmness and a philosophical attitude about the immutable power of nature, alternative plans were put into force.  The tournament was postponed, 72 golfers informed, and then they waited to see what the weather Gods had in store. By 12.30pm the rain eased and the course reopened.  20 intrepid golfers turned up determined to enjoy their egg rolls and play and they were rewarded with a game. The hundreds of sandwiches made by the committee for the halfway house were only partly used and most were sent to feed the homeless in Neasden, northwest London.  Meanwhile the committee managed to invite a dozen or so more guests to the evening dinner ensuring money would still be raised.  The atmosphere at night was one of happiness, relaxation and relief that all was not lost and the charity would indeed raise money for noble causes. Raffle tickets were sold in abundance, the auction was successful and OKA raised £8000 which exceeded expectations.A prize was given to a deserving golfer who scored best from the few that played.A guest said "I couldn't enjoy golf so I am determined to have a fantastic time tonight".  And they did!The golf tournament has been postponed to 2017 which will again be popular but hopefully Thor, the Norse God will stay away.Apart from the money raised, perhaps the best thing to come out of the fraught day was this cryptic and humorous early morning observation from a supporter:"Outlook for the day is typical Indian Summer’s Friday – so it is recommended you have a strong cup of masala chai, waterproof underpants and a pair of wellies.Thunder & Lightening and water-logged bunkers likely to batter the bandit handicaps – Met amber warning that a flood of double figures now expected.Gradual improvement from Noon onwards – so the die-hards should be able to sneak in a round or two of beers.By the end of the Day you will all be able to sing ‘’I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW THE RAIN HAS GONE.” Event DetailsTogether with my friends, I am delighted to be hosting a Golf Team challenge on behalf of ONE KIND ACT charity.What better way to raise money for some deserving causes than enjoying a day with friends, playing a round of golf together at the ambient Batchworth Park Golf Course, Rickmansworth before relaxing over drinks and a sumptuous 3 course meal?There is no doubt it will be an enjoyable day.  Those of you who know me will realise a relaxed but competitive game will be the order of the day.  So please put Friday 16 September into your diaries.Registration commences at 11am.After registration breakfast rolls and coffee/tea will be served to ensure you start the day in a golfing moodTee off will start promptly at 12.30pm.Goody bags will be given at the start of play to keep you replenished and cool (in more ways than one!)There will be a well-stocked half way house serving yet more food and drink to ensure that your concentration and energy levels do not waiver!In view of the charitable purpose we are also welcoming partners to attend if they wish in the evening at £30 for a three-course meal provided by the VIP lounge.Come prepared as the course is challenging, in superb order and there is already tension simmering as I see the ‘TEAMS’ can’t wait to get going with good-natured competition! Good luck to you all but if truth be told I’m looking forward to kicking you all into shape ;-). My intention was to keep the event competitive not only in golfing terms but also on pricing. At £80 for golfers including golf, breakfast, snacks, lunch and 3 course dinner with wine as well as prizes included, I am sure you will agree the event offers excellent value.We anticipate some fundraising for those of you who feel like I do, that ONE KIND ACT are a charity  with integrity who will be donating almost EVERY PENNY raised as profit to worthwhile causes. Their ethos is to have fun whilst raising money and they work on a basis of negligible overheads with CLOSE TO 100% of money being donated to causes they support. Please take a few minutes to look at their websitewww.onekindact.org.The OKA team and I look forward to welcoming you to a fun day of Golf, Friendship and making the world a better place on Friday 16th September.The very best of luck to the golfers (all 80 of you!)Yatish with  Richa, Chitra & Amit 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

Meena, Rupa, Richa, Sapna, Nikki, Rena, Amrisha, Pooja & Ishan are delighted to announce their forthcoming event, OKA Group Skydive:             Post Event Update 17 Aug 2016, Richa VermaThe day dawned and it was time for a usually sensible motley bunch to jump out of a perfectly good plane at 12,000 feet. The motivation for this madness was raising money for One Kind Act. In keeping with OKA's ethos we paid for our own tandem skydives so all money donated would go directly to the needy. Sponsorship surpassed expectations with over £5000 raised. We were delighted but there was also no turning back now.We arrived in Cambridgeshire on a warm but cloudy morning and without a second thought signed our lives away on the disclaimer forms.Having been told we would probably be waiting over four hours, we settled down to eat and chat.  Impending terror and fear of life situations, we later realised, leads to some interesting, very open discussions.  Chatham house rules apply though and no more will be said!Training was a brief 10 minutes and prompted one keen observer to comment the parachute harnesses hanging on the ceiling belonged more in a BDSM dungeon.  Cue further interesting discussion.And then it was time.  Wear jumpsuit, meet instructor you would be strapped to, hope he smelt nice, put on unflattering cap, say a prayer as instructed by elders, take pictures conscious of unflattering cap, climb into rickety little plane, tell yourself to be in the moment and not think ahead to why you were sitting on floor of said plane.We took off.  The real madness started with inane chit chat.  "I'm from North London".  "I work for the council actually".  "It’s been a nice warm day hasn't it?".We were climbing to 12,000 feet to jump out and they were making quintessentially British, polite conversation.  Shouldn't they be asking if you remembered the parachute, what would we do if we got detached mid-air, have you made a will?  Clearly work was needed on stiffening my upper lip.The door opened and the first lot fell out.  For those who have not experienced fellow passengers falling out of your plane, it is not recommended.  It makes the stomach lurch in new and unexpected ways.Then we shuffled to the open door and I was sitting on the edge of possible destruction with my legs hanging out.  Every cell in my body, every instinct I had was screaming not to jump.  It goes against every primal survival instinct.We fell out.  Then came accelerated free fall up to 120mph: fast, intense and all consuming.  In that moment, all of life, the world, the universe were in my body, my mind and emotions.  In a way, it reminded me of those lucid dreams you have when sleeping where you’re flying, but only better because this time it was real.  Later the others would agree it was the moment they would never forget; those 45 seconds of free fall through the skies.  It is an indescribable euphoria. Our parachute opened and suddenly all became still and calm.  The ground beneath was clear with perfect visibility. I looked down, I looked into the horizon and felt so small. As we floated gently down to Earth I felt insignificant and utterly free.To quote a friend on the day- "in the moment there really is a place which is so surreal and nothing matters but the way you feel "In that moment you witness the glorious fullness of life. Unexpected things we learnt doing a skydive:- clouds have a taste- hundreds of baby spiders live in the airfield and love the smell of our hair- God exists in free fall- some land elegantly, some land on their face- sometimes you can't hear yourself scream - doing something scary can paradoxically de-stress you- you understand birdsEvent Details One Kind Act's associate member Meena Dhawan has had "doing a skydive" on her bucket list for a long time. The time has now come and she is ready to do something about it.  What better impetus than to raise money for One Kind Act (OKA) with its ethos of living your life and having fun while making the world a better place. Her enthusiasm has been so infectious that 2 more associates and 6 supporters have signed up for the adventure in the hope of raising money for this worthy charity.On Sunday 14 August 2016 Meena, Rupa, Richa, Sapna, Nikki, Rena, Amrisha, Pooja and Ishan will be driving up to the North London Skydiving Centre based in March, Cambridgeshire  for this exhilarating experience  for OKA.Please sponsor them and give generously, even a couple of pounds can make a difference.  All proceeds will go into OKA’s current projects of caring for abandoned children in Africa, feeding neglected elderly people in India and feeding the homeless in London.About One Kind Act One 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