Monday, December 14, 2009

A sign to take to Nepal??

So this all started when Janelle and I were talking about cameras and how many photos we wanted to take while we are on our trip. As we were talking we decided that we needed a banner that we could take to Nepal with us to put up when we are taking photos with the school children. Then the light bulb came on. One of my best friends Reggie started a new job where they make signs for companies all around town! It sounded too good to be true....

I talked to Reggie and he thought he could make our banner. I went there on December 3rd to see what they could do for us. I met Jena. She is the spirited owner and manager who was more than happy to help me out.

You can check them out on facebook. Here is the link: Simply Signs!!!


Not quite right...


It's big. That hand is far larger than mine... haha


Perfect!!! It looks so good!


Now, thanks to Simply Signs we have a great looking banner to use at all our fundraisers and to take to Nepal with us. Props to you two! You did a great job!
Sunday, December 13, 2009

Two Weeks Ago....

So I will be better this week for posting as we have done a lot since I posted last.

On November 28th we held a fundraiser at the Blarney Stone in Lethbridge. It turned out to be a very successful event!!! It was called 80's Babies and Beyond!!!



Maestro Fresh Wes was live in concert and me put on a very good show! If you don't remember why he was important to the 80's listen to this!!!

Let Your Backbone Slide


Janelle and I were able to get a shipment of pashminas, toques, and jewelery straight from Nepal that we sold at the event. The Pritchard's have a contact in Nepal named Vishwa who bought everything for us and shipped it here to Canada!

Also the Rotaract Club from the University of Lethbridge as well as my friend Bruce came to the rescue and took money at the door for us. We couldn't have done it without them!!!

Here are a few photos from the night!!!



Janelle and I.



I think I look like Don Johnson don't you think??



Janelle and her sister Kristina who has also been to Nepal.



The Lovely Ladies of The Rotaract Club! Sam, Alix, Kristina, Eva, and Marie. Thanks so much!



Bruce and I. I'm really glad you could come help me out!



DJ Fresh Wes!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009

First Post! Who we are and what we do!


Hello! Welcome to our blog!

Let me just take the time to talk about who we are and what we are doing in Nepal!

My name is Andrew Andreachuk and I am a fifth year education/biology student at the University of Lethbridge. I am a board member of Uphill Both Ways Education and Relief Fund.

Uphill Both Ways was developed after a trip in 2005, when Janelle Pritchard, founder and president of Uphill Both Ways and a group of southern Albertans went trekking in Nepal. After witnessing the state of extreme poverty, they decided to make a small contribution to improve the state of one rural school. A simple act of generosity involving a few hundred dollars was sufficient to purchase an incredible volume of teaching supplies, books, and educational resources. A dilapidated shack full of eager young children was turned into a classroom, and started an incredible chain reaction. Three years, another trek, and a few thousand dollars later, several remote villages were able to receive desks, blackboards, classroom materials, school supplies, and sports equipment. All the result of Janelle’s family’s fundraising efforts and the overwhelming generosity of local donors.

In the spring of 2010, Janelle and I will be returning to Nepal. Our intention is to travel to Nepal at our own personal expense, and work with our local contacts to purchase and deliver educational and healthcare supplies. We are currently proceeding with several fundraising projects, and are looking for community support in order to raise the necessary funds to make this project a success. All funds raised will be applied towards the organization’s purpose, as we are working with no overhead or administration expenses.

We have found that a Canadian Dollar in Nepal has tremendous purchasing power, and are therefore seeking financial contributions. A few dollars can supply a child with books and supplies. A few hundred dollars can buy blackboards and desks for a classroom. A thousand dollars can provide clean drinking water for an entire school.

The final member of the board is Murray Pritchard. He is Janelle's father and has also been to Nepal so he knows first hand what it will be like over there. Murray has been a huge help to us while preparing to go to Nepal.

Please consider making a donation, and help us bring hope to the lives of children in Nepal. Cheques payable to Uphill Both Ways Education and Relief fund can be sent to:

Suite 807-400-4th Ave. S.
Lethbridge, AB T1J4E1