My first project involved selling math software with all proceeds going to UNICEF.
Then later on I wrote to world leaders about starvation. Interestly I got dozens of replies which goes to show you that even everyday people can get the attention of world leaders. You've just got to try!
People who have written to me include:
HM Queen Elizabeth II
South Africa President Mbeki
Kofi Annan at the United Nations
Prime Minister Chretien of Canada
His Holiness the Dalai Lama!
From: "Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama"
Reply-To: "Office of H.H. the Dalai Lama"
Date: Mon, 22 Sept 2003 15:13:48 +1000
Dear Jonathan Crabtree,
His Holiness the Dalai Lama directs me to thank you for your letter of September 9, 2003.
He very much appreciates your efforts to create awareness among the younger generation regarding terrorism, poverty, equality and famine. Your project to make young people to use their cellphones to send messages of love, peace, equality and friendship is lauded.
His Holiness the Dalai Lama sends you His prayers and good wishes for the success of your project.
Our telephone lines have been down since two days and the sending of this message may be further delayed.
With best wishes,
Tenzin Geyche Tethong
************************************************************
Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Thekchen Choeling
P.O. Mcleod Ganj - 176219
Dharamsala, H.P.
INDIA
The letter I wrote to HH the Dalai Lama appears below...
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Thekchen Choeling
McLeod Ganj-176 219
Distt. Kangra
Haimachal Pradesh
INDIA
Your Holiness,
In these troubled times, I've wondered what can be done to inspire children and give them the opportunity to speak out on terrorism, poverty, equality and famine.
Yet however simple my attempt to serve mankind, I do not underestimate the enormity of the task - the goal of empowering youth to send the world a message to urge leaders to unite in the cause of true equality and life for all.
Leaders can be inspirational, as can ministers, aid workers and others. Yet what about youth? Even if this appears a long shot to some, it's possible... (for) youth to inspire us!
Therefore... I humbly request you consider gifting your own 'message of support' for this project.
Yours truly,
Jonathan Crabtree
I also received letters from Presidents, Kings, movie stars and sporting legends...
President Khatami of Iran
From: xxxxxx@president.ir
To: xxxx@xxxx.org
Date: Sat 21/02/2004 05:38 PM
(Please see in Arabic Windows Encoding)
In the name of god
We have received your E-mail to the Office the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and His Excellency has been informed aboute it.
Wewould like to appreciate your kind attention and wish you prosperity and success at every aspect of life.
Your sincerely
Office of the President
