Philanthropist's fundraising tour of Depaul projects ends at Willesden Hostel

On Friday 22 June, American philanthropist and ambassador for Depaul International, Loralee West, roared in to Depaul UK's Willesden supported housing project on a motorbike as she successfully completed her fundraising tour of Depaul projects in Ireland and the UK.

Commencing in Dublin on June 12, Loralee and her international team of Depaul supporters and bikers from the USA, Ireland, the UK and Ukraine  travelled a total of 1500 miles.  They visited six Depaul projects including social enterprise, Geared 4 Life in Newcastle, Safestop short stay supported accommodation in Manchester and ending at Depaul UK’s first ever housing project,  Willesden Hostel, Steps House and Crash Pad.

A passionate supporter of Depaul, Loralee’s first fundraising challenge, a sky dive, raised over $100,000 in 2010.  For her second "Leap of Faith” she decided to ride pillion on a motorbike – something she’d never done before.

Loralee said, "The Depaul projects are different in every city and country. There are no two alike. That is what impresses me so much about their mission. They go into a region and research what the greatest need is for the homeless and work toward making it happen.” 

Paul Marriott, Chief Executive of Depaul UK said, "Support from big hearted and energetic donors such as Loralee makes a tremendous difference to Depaul as an international organisation supporting homeless and vulnerable people across the globe. We thank her for her incredible generosity and commitment to Depaul and look forward to hearing about her next adventure.”

To view Loralee’s blog visit

http://www.loraleeleapoffaith2.com/