Hear me out friends.

It’s my birthday today and I have an important message.

My friend Vanessa has is moving from Auckland to Guatemala for a year. True story. Vanessa is one of those friends you have who is super smart, well travelled, passionate and with a heart so big it couldn’t possibly fit inside that chest of hers. She is a giver. Maybe you have one of those friends yourself?

Here’s a pic of Vanessa, me and The Koala on the back of a truck in Thailand. Don’t ask me what The Koala is doing in this photo. I just don’t know. A group of us had finally met up in Koh Tao, it was Vanessa’s birthday and we had a rad time in the islands of Thailand. I’ve shared many a meal and drink with her Auckland and overseas.

Vanessa will be volunteering full time next year as the Communications Officer for Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos doing the type of fulfilling work most of us can only dream of.

Nuestros Pequenos Hermanos (NPH) Spanish for ‘Our Little Brothers and Sisters’ is a non-profit running homes for orphaned and abandoned children children in its homes in Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Peru and Bolivia. NPH’s goal is to break the poverty cycle. Saving the lives of, raising and educating over 20,000 children doesn’t come cheap and they need our help!

NPH are throwing a fundraiser at Besos Latinos in Elliot Stables in 2 weeks! On Tuesday 24th November from 7pm there will be the finest artisanal tequila from Mexico and tapas by the very capable Besos Latinos kitchen. Our very own Brazilian DJ Bobby Brazuka will be playing his smooth jams. This fundraiser is specifically for the Peruvian home which is running very short of basic supplies.

If you’ve never been to Besos Latinos before, this tucked away Latin American secret is a goodie. With amazing atmosphere, delicious food and strong cocktails, they already have a fiercely loyal following. I’m a big fan!

I know, it’s a Tuesday night but hey, I figure, I’m not giving a year like Vanessa is to do a little good in this world. The least I could do is give up a Tuesday night.

Tickets are just $30 +bk or $40 on the door. A bargain! Ticket includes tequila tasting, tapas and a glass of wine and the warm fuzzies you can only get from doing doing your bit for charity. There will also be silent auctions on the night. Tickets available online here: nphnz.eventbrite.co.nz

For more information on NPH, visit their website here.

Please.

Do your bit.

Tequila and tapas.

For the kids.