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Jimmy Page portrait offer - Limited edition
Just 300 magnificent silk screen prints of legendary rock guitarist Jimmy Page, by international artist Sandra Lawrence. All profits from this great offer will be donated to Task Brasil Trust and Action for Brazil's Children Trust.
Animalia Food Campaign - Xmas 2006
Jimmy Page's support
Fanny Rush
Companies - Fundraising for Task Brasil
Ecotour - The Organic Farming Experience
Educational project
Events - Task Brasil Xmas Parties
Events in Aid of Task Brasil
Marathon - London
Marathons
Navy - British and Irish
Navy - USA
NGO's - other support
Placement in Brazil
Projects' Developments
Schools & Universities support
USA
Cornwall Conquered! Bike Ride
Help at the Projects in Brazil
Polo Match - Carnival Day !!!
Task Brasil new address from Aug 2004
Volunteers
Publications- Work of Task Brasil
Madeleine Peyroux
Animalia Food Campaign - Xmas 2006
Renato Costa from Animalia in Rio de Janeiro has over the years run a food appeal at his Veterinarian Clinic. Early in January 2007 Task Brasil has once again collected a number of boxes containing food, toys and other much needed items donated by his clients. We are grateful for Renato’s and his client’s wonderful efforts!
Led Zeppelin Concert Tickets!
A number of Tickets for the concert were generously donated by Jimmy Page,
A pair of tickets were available at Ebay Missionfish
“These tickets are intended to raise awareness of and aid the fundraising activities of Task Brasil and Casa Jimmy” explains Jimmy Page.
For more details
Portrait painter Fanny Rush has graciously agreed to direct 10% of every commission that is referred to her by Task Brasil.
Click here to visit Fanny's website
Companies - Fundraising for Task Brasil
British Airways - AFSC (Action for Street Children)
The BA Runners (the British Airways project which allows staff to help street children around the world), take time out of their busy schedules, three to four times every year, to bring a little magic to Casa Jimmy and six other projects in Rio.
The love and friendship that the Runners bring to the children makes their visits incredibly special. Their energy, commitment and enthusiasm is greatly valued by Casa Jimmy staff and children.
Discovering Latin America Film Festival Nov 2007
The 2007 Discovering Latin America (DLA) Film festival is showed a variety of Latin American films, which reflect the cultural diversity, originality and wealth of cinematic talent in Latin America.
In 2007 Task Brasil was the beneficiary of the proceeds of the festival.
Further details
After the drenching on Day 8, all the peloton wanted was dry weather, and we were favoured with a clear dry morning as we left Dornoch on the final stage of our journey.
As we covered the 82 miles to John O'Groats the weather improved, which was just as well because we soon had to contend with two monster hills: first Helmsday, at the top of which we found a gravestone which advised us that some ancient end-to-ender had "perished" there, and to "be ye always ready". Then came Berriedale, with it's lonely church and cemetary at the top of the hill. A mood of despondency could easily have engulfed the peloton at this stage, as memories of Cornwall came flooding back. But our week's training and excellent spirit saw us through, although as we reached John O'groats, even the smallest incline made us groan with revulsion.
At John O'Groats the road ends and you can go no further, which was good as it was the only way of stopping David "Masher" Shipley. Then it was Champagne and Cigars in the car park in the parsimonious style that has characterised the Tour throughout. As we contemplated the 40,000 calories we had burnt, and the 42,300 vertical feet climbed, some of us must have also thought of the other end-to-end "nutters" we had seen along the way...the singletons carrying their own luggage, the disabled guy on a recumbent, pushing makeshift pedals with his arms...up Glencoe, and finally Sharon Gayter who was planning to RUN from Land's End in 12 days and 16 hours for a world record. That's 70 miles a day. We salute them all.
Final King of the Mountains jersey goes to "Butch" for subduing in inimitable style the two monsters on the North.
Yellow Jersey remains with Le Patron. Vive Le Patron..Vive Le Peloton.
Thanks for your interest and support.
Great River Race 2007
Task Brasil’s fund-raising activities received a substantial boost recently thanks to our friends at the healthcare intermediary excellenthealth. Chris McCracken, Colin Boxall and long term Task Brasil supporter Joe Heavey persuaded thirteen of their friends and colleagues to join them to crew a sixteen man Dragonboat in London’s The Great River Race on 8 September 2007.
The Great River Race is a colourful and spectacular annual event in which 280 or so traditional boats race for the 22 miles from Richmond to Greenwich. The picture above shows the intrepid crew after completing the race.
All appeared to be going smoothly for excellenthealth’s crew, named ‘The Business’, until they reached the Pool of London where they fell victim of the infamous ‘Tower Bridge Wave’. In the evocative words of Chris McCracken, their “slender craft was at once swamped: it keeled over, righted itself briefly then slid Titanic-like beneath the surface as the crew watched their lucozade bottles and flip flops float away”. Photographers were on hand to capture the drama of the moment.
Fortunately, the crew were not about to let a minor difficulty like this deter them from completing the course. After beaching and bailing out the boat, they set off again and completed the course in a respectable 3 hours.
In addition to organising and participating in the race itself Chris and Colin have both organised parties to raise funds for Task Brasil this summer, and excellenthealth’s efforts have raised over £10,000 for Task Brasil for which we are hugely grateful. Excellenthealth Justgiving Page
Rico, a Groove Jazz artist's support - Jun 2006
Rico is a Groove Jazz artist that plays and sings using a variety of unique electronic and acoustic percussion instruments in South Florida. Rico along with his friends read an article in the LA Times newspaper when he was residing in Los Angeles a while back about the abandoned children in Brazil and were saddened and inspired to write a song about the lives of the street children of Rio de Janeiro. It is titled "The Urchins of Brazil". Rico recorded two versions recently and one is a duet that he is currently mixing with his old friend Tata Vega (Oscar nominee for The Color Purple, and backup singer for Andre Crouch, Stevie Wonder, Madonna, Chaka Kahn, Patti LaBelle, etc) On his web site there is a MP3 sample of the song for you to hear, some background information as well as a pitch for the street kids in the Endorsement section. Since writing the song Rico has collected and sent money to these children through various sources on a regular basis. Rico has now chosen to support the street children through Task Brasil. Rico has added this song on his latest CD and the proceeds from the CD as well as the money collected in tips when he performs the song at his live concerts, he has set aside for "the kids". So far Rico has already donated US$1,000 to Task Brasil. Visit Rico's website by clicking here!!.
Task Brasil was Brigitte Nielsen’s chosen charity at Channel 4’s Celebrity Big Brother January 2005
Thanks to Brigitte and Channel 4 £18,638 was raised and donated in support of street children in Brazil.
Ecotour - The Organic Farming Experience
The Ecotour offers its participants the opportunity to take part in a rewarding and fun trip at Task Brasil’s Epsom College Farm.
Nine day Ecotour - The Organic Farming Experience trips run during:
April, June and October.
Five day Farming Experience trips take place in
January and August.
THEMES for Future Ecotours:
- Construction of more organic vegetable gardens
- Agro-forestry system (trees/passture/cattle) implementation
- Wildlife pond construction
- Subtropical orchard creation
- Football ground construction
- Natural pool construction
- Fruit Trees planting, Orchard maintenance and organic gardening;
- And more to come...
Click here to book or know more about Task Brasil's Ecotour - The organic Farming Experience
Contact us to participate in one of these exciting trip opportunities!
Lowe Lintas & Partners Worldwide sponsored Rafael's school fees for his final year of study (A-level equivalent) when he was 17 years old. Michael was also been sponsored by British Airways and contributions from the 2000 Appeal. Both are now gown up through good education are in a position to carry on with their studies or find employment. Lenice Mancini, in Brazil, has been of inestimable assistance to Michael and Rafael.
Events - Task Brasil Xmas Parties
An Electrifying Brazilian Experience! 4th Dec 2007
At Task Brasil's 16th Christmas Party guests enjoyed delicious Brazilian food, quench their thirst with traditional caipirinha and dance to live Samba music performed by Paraiso at Guanabara, the hottest Brazilian Club this side of the Atlantic.
Task Brasil’s ‘Fire & Ice’ Christmas party ,
in conjunction with the ABC Trust - 9th December 2006 @ the Embassy Club, Mayfair, London
A night of live music featuring : Nina & Chris(the Boa band), Matt Sage & his band, and Kym Mazelle & the Urban Blues Band (featured Pee Wee Ellis and Skip MacDonald) with special guests
Complimentary champagne, cocktails, wine & beer, canapés and a Brazilian floating buffet was served.
We were delighted to introduce new patrons Leslie Ash, Bruce Dickinson, Emily Cash and Pat Cash. Raffle and auction.
WINNING RAFFLE TICKETS
1. Flight to New York - 6 green
2. Toticha Jewelery - 13 pink
3. Dinner @ Nobu - 16 blue
4. Iron Maiden Concert - 61 green
5. Canape party at Embassy club - 3 pink
6. Mini Extreme Makeover - 34 green
7. Design Books - 4 green
8. Hotel Atlas - 48 green
9. Fen Shui Cons. - 45 green
SILENT AUCTION:
Angel painting by Eleni Gagoushi - £2,000 - > Barry Drink Water
Jimmy Page painting by Mark Eurich - £3,000 -> Rashidian
Andrew Strauss Cricket shirt - £ 125 - Bruce Cherry
Audi Jacket - £100 -> Duncan Riefler
Shirt Carl Foggart - £100 -> Wendy Fiefler
Diamond and Aqua Marine ring from White Jewels - £1,500 -> Suzzie Almulla
Kiss Drum Skin - £300 -> Dragon
Christmas Party 2005;
Task Brasil teamed up with the ABC Trust for its annual Christmas Party. It was a joint celebration! The event raised over £25,000 for the two charities. The party was held on Wednesday 23rd November at the prestigious Virgin Roof Gardens in Kensington High Street and included live entertainment by Nina & Chris (from Smoke City Band), Capoeira Display, a raffle, auction and DJ, as well as drinks and canapés. Jimmy Page, Pat Cash, Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden rock band and Kim Mazelle along with 400 of very enthusiastic supporters made the evening a great success!!! The party also launched a new campaign involving the Brazilian Tourist Board, Embratur to combat sexual tourism in Brazil.
The Christmas Party 2004 was held at the Borderline in London, England, on Monday December 13th. Bands performing included Dollshouse, Monster Raging Boogie Party, and Paddy Goes to Holyhead (featuring Debbie Bonham and the drummer from Letz Zep!) and Brazilian DJ Rodolfo. Jimmy Page and ..... attended as Special guests.
A silent auction was held with signed Led Zeppelin memorabilia up for bid! Auction items included: Yamaha FG Acoustic guitar signed by Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden kindly donated by Yamaha Guitars; a limited copy of ”Led Zeppelin, A photographic collection by Neal Preston” - the only copy signed by Jimmy Page, making it a collector’s item. The raffle's top prize was a British Airways; return ticket to the US or Europe.
The event raised over £4,500 and was organised by long term supporter Jon Stone. Well done Jon!
The Christmas Party 2003 was once again a great success raising over £15,000 for Task Brasil. Hosted by Leslie Ash and Nathalie Smith at SO.UK , entertainment included live Brazilian music and a Samba show. The highlight of the evening was a live auction which made over £13,000 due to some intense bidding by party guests.
Auction items included a guitar signed by Jimmy Page and Iron Maiden, an original Howler used in the Harry Potter films and a commissioned portrait by artist Joe Painter.
Special guests included Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Adrian Rayment of Matrix Fame and Hattie Hayridge.
Task Brasil is very grateful to everybody who helped make the parties so special, especially Task Brasil director, Nathalie Smith, who once again saved the day! We hope to see you all at the party this year!
- The 3 Peaks Challenge
27 “willing” Participants
3 mountains
2.3 miles climbing
25 miles walking
500 miles driving
…in 24 hours
On the weekend of 20-21 June, a combined BP, IBM and Accenture team will attempt the 3 Peaks Challenge - to climb the 3 highest mountains in Wales, England and Scotland, all in 24 hours. The efforts are in aid of three charities, one of those being Task Brasil.
In preparation for the actual event (and to boost their fundraising) they will also wash cars in their project car park, have a pub quiz and a raffle!!Our huge thanks to all in the team, especially to our volunteer Dirk Reichling
- Led Zeppelin Fan Club in Rio supports Casa Jimmy
Since 2006, through a number of concert events, Lulazepeliano and The Zeppeliano Fan Club in Rio de Janeiro have gathered hundreds of kilos of food for Casa Jimmy. We are grateful to the Fan Club and Black Dog band for their fantastic support.
- The Babble Bar organised a fundraiser for Task Brasil on Wednesday 24th May 2007
featuring “Rasao de Ser” – a 9 piece live act of outstanding entertainment. On 28th June, Babble Bar organizsed another fundraiser for Task Brasil. Following an amazing performance in May Babble Bar welcomed back " Rasao De Ser" . The evenings captured the spirit of Brazil through the rhythms of Samba, Bossa Nova & Pagode.These were nights to remember!! Further details on The Babble-Bar ! or call 020 77588255
- Land’s End to John O’Groats… Bike Ride! 1,000 Miles in less than 10 days…
On 7th September 2006 eight amazing guys: Aidan Pope, Clive Butcher, Clive Green, David Shipley, Derek Keating, Mark Higgins, Nick Anning, Will Curran, started their bike ride. They endeavour to cycle from the most southerly point of the United Kingdom to the most northerly. Daily updates from the team: DAY 1 - Cornwall Conquered! DAY 2 - Devon Downer/Somerset Stormer DAY 3 - Six Counties Romp' Day 4: Tenbury Wells to Warrington; Day 5: Warrington to Penrith Day 6: Glasgow Grind... Day 7: Highland Jinks; Day 8: Loch Stock...; Day 9: Mission Accomplished!!!!!!
- Golden Gods Nominations Announced
The nominations for the fourth annual Metal Hammer Golden Gods awards, which this year took place on Monday 12 June 2006 at Koko in Camden, North London, announced as a team of Task Brasil Vikings row their way up the River Thames. In keeping with the 'Valhalla' theme of this year's awards, Metal Hammer magazine teamed up with the crew of the 'Hammer Of The Gods'.
- Brazilian Party Night! organised by Zoe Socrates.
All proceeds was donated to Task Brasil, The event took place on 1st November 2005
At Digress Downstairs Bar, 10 Beak Street, London W1F 9RA entrance was £15
DJ’s played Brazilian, Latin, RnB & mixed tunes!. The evening offered Samba & Lambada Dance classes, Samba & Lambada Dance Shows, Brazilian Band, Capoeira Show! Raffle Prize Draw with Exciting Prizes FREE Drinks*, FREE Brazilian Finger Buffet! The event raised over £2,000 for Task Brasil.
Thank you so much Zoe!!!
- SHOES FOR BLUES - IN AID OF BRAZILIAN STREET CHILDREN
Thursday 20th May 2004, 8pm to 2am
VBM M&P organised a Brighton Festival , at Sussex Arts Club, in aid of Task Brasil. The evening, titled 'Shoes For Blues', featured Dave Ellis & Rachel Innes playing blues standards as well as music inspired by the blues.
The Virtual Brighton Magazine
Find out more about Dave Ellis
If you would like to run for Task Brasil in the next London Marathon, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Click here to Apply to Run for Task Brasil in the Next Year's London Marathon in support of Brazilian street children.
We are very pleased to announce that AT & T employees Ben Carter, Paulino Barros, Leigh Manton, Kathy Rockefeller, John Slamecka will be running in support of Task Brasil in the 2008 Flora London Marathon. They will join efforts with: Jo Diss
Previn Jagutpal, Imelda Maguire, Roger Ayres, Angel Gurria, Linda Dennis, Marjolein Snippe and Cathy Bowles
In 2007 our 13 runners : Artur Saraiva, Hans Mersmann, Laura Cook, Manoj Jangra , Marcello Manzi, Natalie Fudge, Paul Umfreville, Paul Harnett, Rob Lee, Samantha Lucy, Sarah Hosmer de Zuniga, Una McKevitt and Stephen Derbyshire raised over £20,000. We would like to also congratulate Manoj and Hans who raised over 4,000 and £3,000 each respectively.
In the 2006 Flora London Marathon, Task Brasil had the support of runners participating in the Golden Bond scheme and an additional non-golden bond runners. All runners completed the long circuit of the marathon successfully and raised over £13,500
In 2005 Flora London Marathon some of Task Brasil Golden Bond runners who have setup a justgiving webpage, as follows: Angel Gurria Quintana , Dino Ribeiro; Samantha Cowen, Jos van Bommel ; Jon Stone ; Beverley Russ ; Bianca Thomas ; Jenny Lambert;
In the 2004 Flora London Marathon, Task Brasil had the support of runners participating in the Golden Bond scheme and was kindly sponsored by Journey Latin America (www.journeylatinamerica.co.uk). We are very grateful to all 13 TBT runners who completed the long circuit of the marathon successfully and raised over £13,000.
In 2003, Task Brasil had 14 Golden-Bond runners supporting Task Brasil's projects in Rio. Once again Journey Latin America sponsored TBT's runners. We are hugely grateful to Alistair Ray, Audrey McGovern, Becky Newell, Damian Cronin, Emily Gelson, Gill Kenny, Graziela Cajado-Ogland, Jeremy Stephenson, John Graham, Jon Stone, Luca Cicalese, Malcolm Fry, Michael Ryan, Michelle Major and Scott Walker for all the effort (and pain!) that went not only into running the 26 miles, but also raising collectively over £11,000 in sponsorship! WELL DONE!
Special congratulations go to top fundraisers Alistair and Michael who raised a magnificent £3,528 between them, and to Becky Newell for raising £1,265.
Rio Marathon 2007
Ed and Carl did their trek for Task Brasil, thank you guys! www.justgiving.com/runninginrio
Edinburgh MArathon !!!
Although we have allocated our Golden Bond places for the London Marathon, Task Brasil does have places available for the Edinburgh Marathon. Last year over 3000 people took part in this exciting event.
Click here to Apply (165k PDF file)
Jungle Marathon
In September 2003, the trustees of Beanfeast, a charity based in Scotland for children, took part in a 250km marathon in the Amazon over 7 days! They raised an amazing £21,100 for the new Task Brasil Day Centre and overnight shelter, Casa Roger Turner, where the Street Approach project will soon be based.
The Street Approach project will be the first step for children and teenagers still living on the streets towards reintegration with their families. Casa Roger Turner will offer street children an alternative to the violence and poverty that defines life on the streets.
Benfeast also donated in 2005 over £8,000 towards the cost of furniture and equipment for Casa Roger Turner.
We are delighted that Charlie McCusker will rund the 2005 Flora London Marathon in support of Task Brasil.
Thank you so much to Charlie McCusker, David McCusker and Kenny McKenzie for their wonderful efforts and achievements.
Paris Marathon
We are pleased to announce that Heidi Bishop and Kara , both International Relations Masters students at Huron University USA, run for Task Brasil in France on 10th April 2005!
The Royal Navy ships have been invaluable as usual when in Rio by delivering the stocks of clothes and toys that are stored up in the UK.
HMS ships, since 1998, have regularly taken donations over to Rio. The crew members contribute with much needed labour and skills. They replace roof tiles on the Casa Jimmy annex, trimm hedges, repair windows and beds, maintain electrical work and clear rubble from the Casa Jimmy grounds. HMS Lancaster rebuilt the bridge at Epsom College Farm during their trip in November 2003.
The crew from HMS Westminster found the time and energy to organise an amazing barbeque party at Casa Jimmy, which the children, teenagers, staff and volunteers enjoyed tremendously! In Jaunary 2005, HMS Endurance also takes Casa Jimmy's children on board ship for lunch and to enjoy the company of a magician and a clown, for great fun!
Task Brasil is extremely grateful to all HMS ships' commanders, for their continued and crucial support.
The British Navy’s initial support started in 1998 thanks to the efforts of Capt Roger Turner, the British Naval attaché 1998-2001.
Task Brasil is very grateful to the efforts and help of:
HMS Cardiff - 2004
HMS Dumbarton-Castle - 2001, 2007
HMS Edinburgh - 1998 and 2001
HMS Endurance - 1998, 2001, 2005, 2007
HMS Glasgow - 2001
HMS Gloucester - 2004
HMS Iron Duke - 2004
HMS Lancaster - 2003
HMS Leeds Castle - 2001
HMS Liverpool - 2006
HMS Newcastle - 2002
HMS Nothingham - 2007
HMS Somerset - 1999
HMS Southampton - 2000, 2005, 2006
HMS Sutherland - 1998
HMS Westminster - 1998, 2002, 2004
RFA Diligence -
RFA Gold Rover
RFA Black Rover
LE Eithne 2005
The LE EITHNE (pronounced - ETNA - as in the volcano) is the Flag ship of the Irish Naval Service. She is very closely linked with Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Dublin and is regularly involved in charitable events. By the way the L.E. stands for Long (pronounced - Lung) Eireannach (pronounced - air in uch) (the Gaelic language version for Irish Ship). It is very much akin to the prefix "HMS" in front of Royal Navy Ships. Eithne had a crew of approximatel 70 on board at the time of their first visit to the southern hemisphere. In Rio, they organised a wonderful a party for the Kids on board and in addition gave gifts before they left.
The Captains and crews of the ships have carried out important and invaluable improvements and maintenance work at Casa Jimmy, Casa Charlotte, Casa Jimena, Casa Roger Turner and Epsom College Farm to benefit the children and teenagers.
Task Brasil is extremely grateful to the amazing help of the following Royal Attaché’s:
Capt Roger Turner
Col. Mike Bowles
Capt. Steve Timms
Col. Ralph Ashenhurst
Commander Richard Harris
Col Dobson
Lt_CDR_Barry O'Halloran - Irish Navy
Martin Green, the Irish Ambassador
US Navy visits Casa Roger Turner
May 2007 American sailors from the USS Samuel B. Roberts assisted Task Brasil in a cleanup effort at Casa Roger Turner. The sailors helped with construction, cleanup and maintenance. Thank you all for your support!
The UK, US and Brazilian registered charity TASK BRASIL is delighted to link up with the Philadelphian Organisation for Brazilian Social Services - BOSS since Task Brasil's US office is in Philadelphia . A connection with the city's Brazilian community would increase awareness of the charity and reciprocally give the local Brazilian community another link with the homeland and its children and youth.
We name below volunteers who have given unvaluable help in Brazil by helping looking after our children in Rio and fundraise for the projects. They have brought in amazying skills, enthusiasm and love. Whithout them Task Brasil would not have been able to provide the level of care to any of the children who have lived at Casa Jimmy or participated in other projects.
Nina Baruch
Melody Bridges, Catriona Cameron, Kate Clark, Maria Crump, Vanessa de Sousa, Marie Gladys Descamps, Steven Gowers, Carla Heyworth, Eveleen Langford-Johnson, Samantha Leigh, Frank Maddin, Kathryn Matthews, Tristan McCowan, Cherry Murphy, Claire Nalson, Fernanda Aranha,
Allegra Machiavelli, Cerian Hiscott, Rebecca Jones,
Saskia Wilson, Zoe O'Flynn, Amy Eleftheriades, Heike Gufler, Ellen Cornelis, Keith Mein, Gina Cooper, Anny Ha, Andrea Fleury, Clare Duncan,
Tina Tahkur, David Salpeter, Lauren Hopkins, Leon Pearson, Maria Constantinou, Rosa Dias, Victoria Summers, Emma Ahlas, Louise Gray, Caitlin Griffin, Ellie Cameron, Aisling Flanagan, Guyan Mitra, Joanna Natasegara, Michael Duffell, Peter Vosper, Sara-Faye Golstein, Helen Longridge,
Erica D'anna, Vishva Samani, Zarka Khan, Andrea Sanke, Austin Young, Jatinder Garcha, Suki Drane,
Chloe Brew, Louis Levin, Pieter Lens, Erica D’Anna,
Frances Ashley, James McArthur, Annette Crump, JAmes Cochran, Ewan MacKenzie, Lindsey Williams, Mathew Youkee, Jonathan Gill
Annamai Cubison, Jackie Bowles, Linda Walsh, Louis Levin, Sebastian Adamczyk, Isobel Baugh, Carolyn Rajaratnam, Zoë Ramsay, Monica Mark, Zoë Thompson, Laura Buzzi, Vibecke Svien, and Miranda Atkins, Daniel Markhan, Baanu Bagheani, Andrea Grainger and many others
Jewellery workshop
The pregnant teenage girls and mothers have been going from strength to strength in the income generating workshops. The girls generate income through sales of the jewellery, which helps them develop a sense of confidence and independence, as well as learning new craft skills. (Don't forget to check out the website shop!)
Casa Jimmy Improvements
Thanks to the efforts of the Shoreditch and the City Rotary Club along with Rotary Clubs in Italy and France a significant amount was raised to benefit Task Brasil. This amount was doubled by the Rotary Club in the US totalling a US$22,000 donation. The aim was to refurbish and make a number of improvements at Casa Jimmy. All the children's beds have been repaired and new mattresses have been bought.
Rewiring work has been finished at Casa Jimmy, new cupboards and wardrobes have been fitted, as well as new shelving units which have dramatically improved storage space in the house. New office furniture and a computer have been acquired, piping work, and safety and security measures were carried out (new gates, windows netting and glass replacement for windows).
The garage has been finally refurbished to accomodate Task Brasil's van and at the same time to become a workshop area and class room during the week days.
To celebrate these great achievements, Casa Jimmy hosted a party on the Friday 13th March 2003. Representatives of the Rotary Club in Brazil, the UK and Italy attended and the children and teenagers at Casa Jimmy all helped to organise the festivities.
Casa Jimmy New Computers
To celebrate the launching of the Island Escape Cruise in Brazil by First Choice Holidays the children and teenagers at Casa Jimmy were invited onto the cruise ship to be shown around for a lovely lunch buffet in November 2002. The children and teenagers had a wonderful time and First Choice generously donated two computers to Casa Jimmy.
Casa Charlotte
Thanks to a considerable donation an american donor Steve Stovall, Task Brasil has purchased the land alongside Casa Jimmy, which will serve as a home for children aged 6 to 11 years. The project is being built and its running cost will be covered for a minimum of 3 years thanks to the support of BAllymore and its charity "Homeless Child"
Pregnant teenagers and young mothers with with their babies will soon be moving to newly acquired property for Casa Charlotte with funds donated by Peter Hall (in celebration of Jimmy Page's 60th anniversaty), Accenture and Ballymore. Building refurbishment will start soon and Rio's social welfare department has indicated the possibility of extending its existing funding to Casa Charlotte.
Epsom College Farm & Forest House
On the 10th March 2005, Forest House became a residence to boys from Rio de Janeiro and from Cachoeiras de Macacu, thanks to the 3 year commitment of ABC Trust towards the running cost.
The British Embassy in Brasilia financed the building of the first unit "Forest House" on the farm. Thanks to British Airways, solar panels were installed to the roof of Forest House which represent a considerable amount of savings every year. The EMBL (Emerging Markets Benefit Ltd) has financed the Clean Water Supply System for the farm and its occupants and provided further funds towards running costs allowing us to increase the number of boys living at Forest House.
Task Brasil is very excited about the progress of the farm. Philippe Hamoniaux, its manager, has been working very hard on the plans for the farm.
Schools & Universities support
Support from The Dragon School
In July of 2004 The Dragon School team (parents, teachers and pupils) visited Casa Jimmy, leaving behind a beautiful mural and great donation. Their support continue through the years. More recently in July07 Task Brasil was given another cheque from The Dragon School.
Arkansas University - mar2007
On Saturday, 11 March 2007 we were delighted the University of Arkansas trade group to visit Epsom College Farm.
The group consisted of 27 American individuals and one young Brazilian translator. On the way to the farm they enjoyed the stop-over at the queijaria (local cheese house).
At arrival they were introduced to the boys and local staff. The boys were divided and joined both groups. The team was divided into 2 groups and toured the farm, including a short visit to the nearby waterfall, for an hour. There was a short presentation by the farm manager, about ECF project, the region and the farm. It included visits to: the main house and the volunteer house, solar panels, orchards, fish pond (fed the fishes), the orchard, the manioc plantation, fruit trees, sweet potatoes, vegetable gardens, plot for future house, football ground, sugar cane, pineapple, and finished in the banana plantation after looking at the reservoir and spring. They harvested banana.
Then both groups met at the house and had lunch, a nice feijoada and mousse de maracuja. After that it was time for the second tour, the group who had been to the waterfall went on the farm tour and vice versa. It was a very hot day, 35C in the shade, probably 50 in full sun, similar temperatures in Arkansas during the summer.
After the tour at 3:30 pm when it was time to go, they gave presents to the boys (shirts, school material...) that they had brought with them from USA. They also gave R$ 356 and US$ 219 in cash which was a donation that the group made very spontaneously after the visit.
On the way back they visited Casa Jimmy.
Houston
Task Brasil Inc is a member of Great Houston Partnership in Texas (GHP) since January 2007
USA Party! in Philadelphia
On May 15th May 2004 there was another fundraising party by Task Brasil Inc in the USA. The venue was the Katz Civic Center, Pleasant valley Way, West Orange, New Jersey, USA from 12 noon to 5pm. It was agreat party!
Cornwall Conquered! Bike Ride
Day 1:
Leaving Land's End earlier today, the morning sun shone brightly in our faces and the only hint of anything negative was the North Easterly breeze. Well that breeze became a wind and accompanied us for the first 50 miles. As we turned inland at St Austell, the wind abated and we had to contend only with the hills and the heat, finishing with a 3 mile climb up Dartmoor.
Now, having completed 100miles, climbed more than 8,300ft and burnt around 7,OOO calories each are enjoying hot baths in Tavistock.
King of the Mountains goes to Derek Keating, a huge performance, considering he unable to train full because of an injury and a recent business trip. Yellow Jersey was taken by Mark Higgins after an aggressive ride through the day.
More of the same tomorrow although the End to End vets say Day 1 is the worst of the whole tour.
Day 2:
The end of day two sees us just outside Bristol...we're happy to see the back of the West Country.
This morning started with a 1,500ft of climbing on Dartmoor, with the familiar NE wind right in our faces. This experience continued thoughout the morning, so by lunch we had accumulated 13,000 feet of climbing over the last day and a half.
No sooner did we enter Somerset when the hills started to flatten and the wind began to blow from the SE.
Spirits were lifted and the team worked together to rack up a terrific pace all the way to the Mendip hills, registering average speeds on occasion in excess of 20mph. The Mendips then appeared, but we breezed over them, thanks to our earlier "training session".
King of the Mountains goes to Will Curran who, fortified by a huge bowl of porridge, made a storming climb over Dartmoor, reminiscent of Sean Kelly on the Tourmalet.
The Yellow Jersey remains with Mark Higgins who never let up, despite a very hard ride yesterday.
Tomorrow we head along the Welsh Borders to Ludlow, and flat roads and a following wind...cycling heaven after the hell we've been through.
Day 3:
The peloton stopped just south of Shrewsbury after a hard days ride from Somerset. A good pace was set by the team, and everyone worked well to keep the pack in motion. The good weather and a favourable wind also helped, particularly in appreciating the beautiful scenery: crossing the Severn Estuary, Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley and rolling hills of Herefordshire.
King of the Mountains must go to David Shipley, for his relentless pursuit uphill of the Tour leader, Mark Higgins, who continued to assert his authority over the peloton, in the manner of Bernard "Le Patron" Hainault. The yellow jersey therefore remains with Higgo.
We plan to build on our advantage tomorrow, by rolling through the Midlands to Warrington or beyond. Day 4 usually signals the end of soreness and a resurgence of energy...we really hope so.
Day 4:
By coincidence every day has started with a climb, and Day Four was no different... only the mountains in our way were mountains of road-kill. So Shropshire either has an abundance of wild critters, or more than it's fair share of aggressive drivers. We think the latter. In fact, the view of the peloton is that an county bordering Wales is hell for cyclists.
That aside, the prospects were for a clear, warm day ahead, and as the terrain was flat the early-morning buzz was all about the likely fast pace and the possibility of a breakaway up the A49.
The peloton did not have to wait long, as the holder of the red polka dots (inspired perhaps by a breakfast of still-warm rabbit flesh) surged ahead of the group in search of further cloth. It was at this stage that Nepalese Nick (Anning) decided to go in search of the King of the Mountains jersey, reeling in and passing the existing incumbent on the one big hill before lunchtime. Despite the early morning excitment, the Yellow Jersey remains with "Le Patron".
Tomorrow we ride in honour of all those directly involved in 9/11.
Day 5:
500 miles and England is now behind us after the perfect ride in near perfect conditions, as the peloton arrived in Gretna (from Preston) before 6pm.
The ride started with two hours of flat terrain at a good average speed of 18mph. Then we hit one of the longest climbs of the Tour - 1,400ft of elevation over approximately 5 miles. The ride then ended with three hours of cycling through beautiful undulating countryside. We also managed to appreciate the delights of Penrith, particularly the new "15" Cafe and Bistro. Now, there is one important like that members of the peloton share with little old ladies: home-made cakes and tea in china cups. Sadly, such events are too infrequent, as they only happen when the Team Manager is not around. Curiously, Penrith is also home to an expert in traditional Chinese medicine, Dr. Peng, who successful treated the ailing knee of one of the peloton.
King of the Mountains goes to Butch for strong hill climbing today, and on all other previous days.
The Yellow jersey remains with Le Patron, who should now expect to carry it through to the end, barring the intervention of a demented Irish priest, or a well-aimed deep fried Mars Bar.
Day 6:
Until today the peloton had enjoyed clear skies, dry conditions and balmy temperatures, so it was perhaps fitting that Scotland should herald the wake-up call. No sooner had we left Gretna when the clouds moved in and the incessant drizzle gave us a three hour soaking. On the plus side, the climb up the mountains to Glasgow was on a traffic free road with the perfect gradient: an ascent of 1,300ft over 40 miles. So the peloton was in surprisingly good spirits at the lunch break, enhanced by piping Scotch Broth and sandwiches made al fresco at the rear of the Managers car!
The descent into the Clyde Valley was only marked by an unplanned excursion onto one of the many Motorways that encircle Glasgow. Otherwise, the highlight of the afternoon was hot tea and fresh cream cakes from the back of the Manager's car!
Yellow jersey therefore for Clive Green for culinary excellence.
The King of the Mountains award was hotly contested with Nepalese Nick making an early surge (hoping to grab the morning headlines in the Kathmandu Gazette). Eventually it went to Aidan Pope, although there were allegations of foul play and clandestine meetings with dubious Chinese doctors. A urine test is scheduled for 6 am tomorrow.
We arrived after 100 miles to the north of Glasgow, ready for our three day assault on the Highlands.
Day 7:
The Tour headed north today from Glasgow. The pace was slow to start with as the peloton fell for the lure of an apparently quaint cycle path to Loch Lomand. In fact, it took us to the back streets of Dumbarton, and three punctures later we joined the A82.
After a severe rocket from the Tour Manager the peloton took it upon itself to make up the lost time on a truly majestic ride into the Highlands. We first rolled around the shores of Loch Lomand, then moved directly North until we finally hit the climb up to the winter ski resort of Glencoe at 1,650 ft. At this stage the riding was hard but the peloton stuck together and we were helped by spectacular scenery, a following wind and an even gradient. Will Curran also managed to survive an attempt on his life by a lorry driver called "Hagar The Horrible". Then came the mother of all swoops....15 miles downhill into Fort William, the perfect end to the day.
King of the Mountains returns to its original owner, Derek Keating, for a storming climb over the Glencoe pass. Special mention here must also go to "Vitor the Van" who managed to extract his vehicle from a mountainous ravine along the way!
The yellow jersey remains with the Tour Manager, who even exceeded yesterday's performance by somehow managing to produce warm fish and chips (incl salt and vinagre) in the middle of nowhere. Later in the day he then provided tea in tartan mugs with shortbread.
We start tomorrow only 60 miles from Inverness, so although we are beginning to feel the pain in knees, legs and backsides, we know that we are not that far from our final destination.
Day 8:
Day 8 was definitely a day of two halves: dry then wet. The dry half allowed the peloton to roll out 50 miles before lunch and even have time to appreciate the wonderful scenery of the Lochs between Ft William and Inverness. At lunch, fortified by Scotch Broth (kindly donated because of our charitable cause), the peloton resolved to battle on past Inverness, regardless of the weather and achieve the 100 mile target.
Well the weather really turned as we hit the dual carriageway North from Inverness. Now, rain on its own doesn't really affect the peloton, but when it is combined with the oil and grit infused spray from the wheels of the bike in front, plus a ten litre dousing from every lorry that passes, then they get pissed off....and totally drenched, judging by their washerwoman hands and cockle-farmer feet.
Despite all this the spirits of the peloton were surprisingly high, with salutations of "Bonjour" to bemused locals, while Nepalese Nick pounded up the hills, secretly listening to the Jane Fonda work-out. All under the watchful gaze of Le Patron, humming quietly away to songs by The King (of course).
Curiously, although we're in the Highlands, the amount of vertical climbed was the lowest of the entire Tour.
The day ended firstly with fresh cream cakes, and then with a warming dram from the local Glenmorangie Distillery. The Tour Manager still on top form.
King of the Mountains goes to Will Curran, often seen leading the pack up the hills into the driving rain.
The Yellow Jersey remains with Le Patron, Bernard Higgault, who even managed to avoid an attack by a dead fox. This is the eve of the final day, for tomorrow we will start only 80 miles from John O'Groats.
DAY 9 - Mission Accomplished!!!!!
Help at the Projects in Brazil
Casa Jimmy Painting Project Oct07
The baby room at Casa Jimmy received a makeover this past month, thanks to Patricia Drew. Mrs. Drew has made this room more cheerful for everyone! Thank you!
Fat Boyz v Task Brasil Polo Match, 24th September 2006
The Royal Berkshire Polo Club in Windsor hosted this event which was a fantastic success, featuring the London School of Samba, a Brazilian style BBQ, plenty of drinks and a Task Brasil v Fat Boyz polo match. We are pleased to say that the Task Brasil team took home the winners trophy, which was hand-painted by a Brazilian artist who also works with street children.
Many thanks to our great supporters, Roy Moëd and Silvia Costa, polo team members, who organised the event which attracted over 100 guests, and raised over £15,000.
The day was initially conceived after Roy’s 20 year old polo pony ‘Fat Boy’ underwent 3 major operations after eating barbed wire which badly damaged his oesophagus. The operations were successful, but extremely expensive, which prompted Silvia (who has been a supporter of Task Brasil’s work in Rio for many years) to question how many street children could have been helped with the money. Roy, who runs several airline businesses, became determined to raise the same amount of money for Task Brasil, and with Silvia’s help they put on a great event.
The match nearly didn’t happen due to extremely heavy rain overnight, which flooded the polo club, but after a few hours the skies had cleared and the day continued with beautiful sunshine.
Task Brasil new address from Aug 2004
TASK BRASIL HAS MOVED or e-mail us on info@taskbrasil.org.uk
From 31st August 2004 our new telephone number is + 44 20 7735 5545, Fax no. +44 20 7735 5675. Please send all communications to PO BOX 4901, London SE16 3PP, England
MAP
The volunteer placement scheme in Rio continues to be a great success. The volunteers stay for anything up to 12 months and make an excellent contribution to the work of Task Brasil.
At Casa Jimmy, they are vital to the running of the house, and at Epsom College Farm they are doing invaluable work. They are also supporting the Street Approach Programme.
Some of the very special volunteers are: Heike Gufler, Gina Cooper and Zoe O’Flynn, Ellie Cameron, Caitlin Griffin, Frank Maddin, Leon Pearson, Kate Clark, Emma Ahlas, David Salpeter, Aisling Flanagan, Candice D’Silva, Beatriz Rodríguez Cordero, Allegra Machiavelli, Lauren Hopkins and Keith Mein who will always be missed. Thank you for all your hard work and commitment.
A big thank you to Andrew Smith and Lee Smith and SWAY PLC for lending us their building skills at Epsom College Farm and Casa Jimmy.
Thanks to British Airways for providing us with low cost flights.
Publications- Work of Task Brasil
Working Abroad Magazine has generously featured us in their current issue! Check them out at www.workingabroadmagazine.com
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