A not for profit humanitarian International aid and development agency. We work in partnership with locally led community groups to support those most in need in their effort to escape poverty and oppression.

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Crowborough based charity World In Need (WIN) became a member of the Business Network International, Royal Tunbridge Wells branch in February 2009.

WIN seeks to empower nationals in the developing world, helping them to help themselves. BNI supports us in this. So far, they have sponsored feeding programmes in schools in Africa and Pakistan, supplied desks for schools and donated goods.

Widows in Afghanistan make carpets which WIN ships to the UK for sale, giving the widows a decent income. Now, Maria Gandara Auctions help us to sell these. Other members offer corporate sponsorship, give an annual percentage of profits and pay to participate in fund raising events. Recently, we visited Big Ben. Although the visit itself was free, each member gave £25 to WIN for the privilege. It was a memorable trip – in the bell tower, one couple even got engaged!

Some members sponsor individual children, as does the whole group. They collect fines for infringements of group rules, such as being late or using bad language, and the money goes to WIN.

Ruth Malone gave a seminar of fitness exercise to raise funds for WIN. Another member helped us make a Youtube advert. Media 2010 gives us free advice on publicity and media. We had help with business plans, new business start up, tax planning, computer repairs, software development, even photography training. BNI sponsor our participation in the annual 10K run and some BNI members are busy getting fit so they can run in this as well.

People have offered to travel overseas and give lectures in their areas of expertise. The Chapter Director, Katie Day, is going to India this year to talk on colour co-ordination. We have been helped with spreadsheets, making display banners, talks with our staff and other contacts.

The benefits gained have been well worth the joining free and the weekly 6.30am breakfast, which in itself is a golden opportunity to network. Care is taken to ensure the breakfast does not become a talking shop. Prizes are given for best presentations, and it provides training in public speaking. Contacts, referrals and trade between members here increase business, and the contacts and support given by all ensures a win-win situation all round.

How can you participate?
*Sponsor a child. Recently Hamida gained access to a university because she studied in our day care centre and learned to paint. She hopes to do a fine arts course. We have many waiting for a chance to live their dreams.
*Offer to host an event amongst your staff or friends or clients.
* Take a trip overseas to share your skills
8 Contact our office for more ideas.