Tossing a Starfish Charity Madagascar

Registered Charity 1130610

Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa and is the fourth largest island in the world, a little larger than France. Life for humans is hard in Madagascar, and two-thirds of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$1.25 a day.

 

TASC Madagascar was established as a charity in 2009 by 6 people who have visited the Vohipeno region of the island, some many times, and who wanted to do something to help the most disadvantaged people they had met during their visits.  We raise money in a variety of ways including an amazing charity bike ride each year.

What is different about TASC Madagascar?


TASC Madagascar is different in three ways.

 

First, we are a charity with no overheads. Every penny which is donated goes directly to the causes we support. We do all the administration ourselves and meet any small costs between us. This difference is important, because a little money goes a long way in Madagascar. We can build a house for £80, fund a teacher for a year for £300, and provide food, care and shoes for a leprosy sufferer for £25.

 

Second, we have a “man on the ground” in Madagascar. Priest Pere Emeric runs the inspirational centre at Tanjomoha which you can read about in this website. He advises us on where money is most needed and ensures it is spent properly and in accordance with donors’ wishes. There is no risk of money being misappropriated – Emeric tells us where it has been spent and keeps us updated on the progress of projects in which we are involved – and we see the work for ourselves during regular visits to the island. We are not a religious charity, but we are hugely fortunate to be able to work with Pere Emeric whose knowledge and expertise is invaluable.

 

Third, we know many of the communities and individuals we are helping. Have a look at the website page A few of the people we have helped and meet just some of those whose lives we hope we have improved.  We have met them and watched them over the years develop or, sadly in some cases, fail. Personal knowledge means we are really involved in what happens thousands of miles away in Madagascar.  Come on our Madagascar bike ride and see for yourself!  

In this website you will find information on the ways in which we are trying to help, and the communities which we support. If you would like further details about the work we do please do not hesitate to contact Stuart Martin on bigstu.martin@virgin.net. If you would like to make a donation please send it to Bruce Ellis at 34 Harrow Down, Winchester SO22 4LZ or contact him on eb.ellis@ntlworld.com. 

 

We are particularly grateful to Julia Mosedale for her tremendous help in designing this site.