http://www.gofundme.com/jessiessoidogs
I think it takes time until you find a cause that you are truly passionate about. Since first hearing of the Soi Dog Foundation, their stories struck a cord with me and I have been determined to experience what they do first hand, fund raise, volunteer and spread awareness.
The Soi Dog Foundation is a not-for-profit, legally registered charitable organization who make an amazing difference to the lives of dogs (and cats) in Asia who sadly suffer from abuse, neglect, homelessness and are victims of the cruel dog meat trade. In February I travelled to Thailand for a holiday, less than a week after arriving home I had booked my next flight. It is an exceptionally beautiful country but I am eager to explore the devastating hidden secrets involving the animals, often out of sight to tourists.
My trip to the dog shelter in Phuket has been funded for by myself. For the last couple of months I have put a hold on my excessive spending by cutting out on nights out, buying clothes, having a gym membership and eating out. I have saved my pays religiously and managed to raise money to help with my food budget by selling clothes on ebay. Being strict has paid off, my flights and accommodation are now booked and paid in full.
I've had an unexpected response and received touching comments from strangers thanks to the powers of social media while sharing about my ebay link. Many people seemed keen to donate towards this cause, some mentioning that they are interested in how their money would make a difference. I would like the opportunity to raise awareness while over at the shelter, and fund raise while sharing my personal experience.
As soon as my journey begins in April 2015, I plan to blog about the shelter, the organisation, the animals, the people and the work they carry out. Hopefully, this will reach out to the kindness of strangers as well as people who know me and understand how much it means to have the opportunity to travel over. I have set up a go fund me account, ALL donations raised will be gifted to the Soi Dog Foundation at the end of my trip. Every penny will undoubtedly help towards changing the lives of many of these dogs.
