Charity

Almost Athletes support The National Star College

In March 2010, Almost Athletes presented a cheque for £750 from the proceeds of the Linda Franks race to the National Star College towards the purchase of a new treadmill for their students.

AA hope to be able to present a similar amount after the Devils Chimney Chase to complete the purchase as part of the college's gym refurbishment programme.

For over 40 years the National Star College has given disabled young people the opportunity to transform their own lives.

That work continues today but the severity and complexity of disabilities, along with the increase in student numbers, means that the college's facilities are outdated and overstretched.

The Star Appeal is developing and improving college facilities so that more severely disabled young people can transform their lives at the college in order to become more independent and play a fuller role in their community. Fund raising will help to secure improved student residences, a Therapies Centre including multiple sensory therapy and a new Creative Arts and Multimedia Centre.

Almost Athletes support H.A.R.P. (Help A Rwandan Person)

Our Ethos

To work in very close collaboration with our managers/friends in Rwanda that enable the charity to exist and be maintained.
To encourage, work with and support communities and not crush (directly or indirectly) the efforts of Rwandan people to help themselves and others.
To create projects that are sustainable wherever possible.
To be a non religious charity.
To keep projects small and manageable in order to complete support to the best of our abilities.
To personally fund any future visits/accommodation/any other costs when traveling locally (to fund raise) or to Rwanda.
To use the money raised where promised and not on any other project not associated with HARP.

Progress July 2007-July 2008

Direct debits set up by friends & family (total:- £87.50/month) plus ad hoc donations.
Total raised between July 2007 – 2008:- £1360.95.
Return trip by Helen in July 2008. Money raised spent on:-
- Camera for student who supports his family with money made through photography.
- Drawing competition materials for event at a local primary school.
- Continued support for original orphan family.
- Micro loan for a local woman to start a cake and wine business.
- Assisting a student with university living expenses.
- Health, literacy and numeracy training courses for adults in the community.
- Medical insurance and food for an orphanage.
- In October the first ever Rwandan old peoples’ home was opened. There are 3 elderly people who were previously living on the streets now provided with accommodation, 3 meals a day and a bed.