In that way it makes us more
powerful because we have this vast
network of advisors and experts
who donate their time. However,
this also weakens us slightly
because they are so busy and we
often have to wait a few months
until we can get what we need. As
people come to me with offers to
help I ask what do you love doing?
My strategy for the charity was to
do what I'm good at which is vision,
strategy, passion, networking,
loving and knowing people. I then
surround myself with other people
who are skilled in their areas and we
work together to form a team that
will change the course of history.
what do you
love doing?
I was invited to a business
breakfast and met the owner of
a company who has offered to
design our new website for free.
Since then he has offered to do
fundraising for Global Angels. He
has organised for the Red Devils,
an England-based stunt company
to launch a campaign where 20
people, for 1000 pounds each can
skydive with the Red Devils. All
proceeds will go to Global Angels.
When you involve
yourself with
charity work you
need to do things
that come naturally
to you and give
back in that area.
Because everyone
is so busy it needs
to be fun.
The making of a legend...
Like Molly Bedingfield, Sophie Mubvumbi Jayawardene, an
immigrant from Zimbabwe has dedicated herself to making
significant change for good.
Sophie's story began when she moved to New Zealand with
her husband and two children in 1988. A year later, when
she fell pregnant again with twins, it was discovered that the
expectant mother had contracted the HIV virus (it is believed
from a blood transfusion or contaminated needle).
Under doctor's advice Sophie aborted her unborn children to
save them from lives crippled by the virus. Her decision and
the virus that was killing her was kept a secret… a secret that
would eventually end her marriage.
It wasn't until years later when she became seriously sick and
close to death that she finally revealed her condition to her
children.
This gave her strength to finally open up about her condition
and Sophie was overwhelmed with the amount of support she
received.
Her experiences inspired her to write a book about her
journey and start her own not-for-profit organisation. 0800 IS
NOT A CURE has been formally endorsed by Body Positive
and aims to create awareness and support for people living
with HIV.
"I found something that I was
passionate about; something
that is a part of my life and that
strongly influences who I am.
This enables me to be inspired
to make it work even when I
face obstacles."
When taking on a project
of such magnitude, Sophie
says "it's normal to leave
planning stages for a couple
of weeks before getting
another burst of energy and
firing off to work again". Sophie also
agrees that networking is a highly valuable tool for her. She
has strong involvement in the community and is a member of
Mount Roskill Lioness Club.
Sophie's journey has moulded her into an amazing mother,
businesswoman, member of the community and leader. This
woman is one to watch!
www.sophiesworldthejourneys.com
www.h e rmagaz in e .co.n z | 13
