Happy New Year 2019!!

We are pinching ourselves. It has definitely been a massive year that has brought out our best and fueled dreams for children!

Here’s a little run-down to wet the palette & make your chest swell with pride:

Remember Tashi wishing us a happy 2018?

Remember our magical Sunset Soiree raising money for the Nanna Project?

Remember Matt shaving his luscious locks to raise money for projectHELP?

Remember gorgeous Cam Dellbridge took off his curls for a cause too!?

Remember the awesome Colour Stampede organised by two of our Change Agents in Hervey Bay, Thomas & Olivia?

Remember the very VERY long lunch with rugby legend Billy Moore at Kingfisher Bay Resort?
Remember standing with us as we declared our commitment to rescue, reunite and reintegrate 301 children from Asha Orphanage with their families?

Remember that great animation we made to help get the message out that volunteering in orphanages causes more harm than good?

Remember having ‘the trafficking of children into orphanages’ recognised as a form of modern day slavery. Later passed by the House of Representatives in Australia as the Modern Slavery Bill 2018?

Remember giving our Dream Team in Nepal a massive shout out & awards recognising their incredible dedication?

Remember our 2018 Cycle for Brighter Futures?

Remember Stuart’s Gift?

Remember being finalists (then winning!) the 2018 World Responsible Tourism Awards?

Remember taking the volunteering pledge?

 

Remember Kate & Zafina speaking at the Trust Conference in London?

We must also raise a glass to our ongoing corporate partnerships with Boom Shankar, The Zen Den & inchargebox. How wonderful it is to work with you!

And to our partners in collaboration, including: Tearfund Ireland, ACCIR, Asian Aid, The Intrepid Foundation, ReThink Orphanages especially.

There is great strength in working together to amplify the voices of children and make sure they are raised to be thriving, vibrant and connected to family, community and opportunity.

And… sound the trumpets…

We are proud to announce our exciting new partnership with the Australian Government, receiving funding through an Australian Aid: Friendship Grant for our work with children trafficked into orphanages in Nepal.

Our Australian Aid: Friendship Grant will help us close orphanages and trace, reunify and reintegrate trafficked children with their families in Kathmandu and surrounding provinces in collaboration with our in-country partner The Himalayan Innovative Society, the Nepal Government and other key stakeholders.

The funds will assist with transit care, including health, welfare and psychosocial support, for 30 children, and facilitate and monitor family reunification and community reintegration. We will also work to strengthen families by providing financial and enterprise support.

Do you know someone who might like to help us get more children home to family?


Please tell them about our Rescue Crew.

 

Maybe 2019 is your year to take the plunge and experience a journey like no other?

We have some pretty awesome offerings for every budget. If you’re a sucker for colourful fun at a moment’s notice our Holi Trip is perfecto! If you prefer a little more planning you should check out our India offerings. We have a Fierce Love Whirlwind Tour that’ll bring you to life and our annual Cycle for Brighter Futures that’ll certainly make you feel like you’re well and truly alive.

Our Charity Trek gives you plenty of time for booking holidays and saving for the ultimate trip of a lifetime! This adventure includes precious time in Kathmandu, Pokhara and a trek to ignite all senses!

Whatever magical spectacularness you breathe life into in 2019, it’s going to be awesome and we are proud to celebrate and invigorate our friendship for another trip around the sun. Thanks for being part of the FMN Fam Bam xx

Lots of love now, and always…

Happy New Year!!!

Ande + Em & the FMN Board
on behalf of our incredible teams in Australia, Nepal, Uganda & India