After a recent trip to India, Robyn McAlpine from Laser Effect is a changed person with a heart for charity – here’s why you should help.
Earlier this year in May, Robyn McAlpine went on a life-changing trip to India where she met a 17 year old boy with struggling parents. Seeing the living conditions in India and comparing it to our privileged society, Robyn wanted to help in any way possible. As the owner of Dermaviduals clinic Laser Effect, a skin and laser treatment clinic in Newcastle, her job was to touch lives and help clients regain their confidence. While this is still true and close to her heart, it was no longer enough.
Starting from humble beginnings and making her way up with hard work and determination, Robyn is no stranger to hard circumstances – but what she saw in India shocked her.
“I found people who were born into poor families, who worked extremely hard, yet still could not get out of their cycle or poverty. With all the desire, passion and drive in the world, if it’s without education there just aren’t the same opportunities to change their future.”
While she was in India, Robyn met a young boy who sparked an idea in her head.
“While we were in India we went into a taxi and after a 16 hour round trip, he only earned $12.30. Once we reached the town in which we were staying, our driver could not read or speak English and so didn’t know where to take us. He went to his home and collected his 17-year-old son Mohammed Shahrukh who was learning some English in high school.”
“In his broken English he shared things about India, cricket, his family and his life. For only 15 minutes he was in our life and I just knew that we had met for a reason. We exchanged email addresses and went on our way. Normally I would have waited until I got back to Australia to send an email but this boy was stuck in my mind and I knew I needed to stay in contact with this family.”
“I have since learned that this young man is in his final year of high school and hoping to study mechanical engineering at university. The problem is, despite working long hours with few weekends off, his father’s annual income is $1800 (yes…per year, it’s not a typo). This $1800 is spread very thin, paying rent on their single room home, school fees for the 3 children, food and clothing and other expenses of living. University fees truly are a pipe dream.”
Shortly after returning from her trip, Robyn decided to start Project 30.One. For her 31st birthday this year, she is asking 550 people to donate $31 each to make up for the amount needed to send Mohammed to university.
The total amount needed is $20, 000 and Robyn is currently sitting at $3034.
“I’m not some big organization. Its just little old me, trying to help one other person in this world! If you can stand with me and donate to help this young man get a university education I would be more than grateful.”
For more information visit the Project 30.One Facebook or email Robyn at robyn.mcalpine@live.com.au