Cararoo Newsletter October 2013 | Page 8

(COO report cont. from pg 1) Many other positive initiatives have also started: Sponsorship & Fundraising: Retaining existing sponsors and finding new sponsors has been a big battle for us this year. On a positive note, we have attracted a number of new sponsors, with some paying a smaller monthly payment, allowing us to consolidate funds and sponsor a child on behalf of the Foundation. We have done this with one of our college students. (see College Students) With the help of my Rotary Club, Northlakes Toukley, we have started a 12 month Dental Program for all 120 children (see Dental story). A major livelihood project has started where we have helped the mothers establish a small business selling second hand clothes. In the next few months we hope to include second hand linen; this will generate some income for the parents. Board Member Arlene Trinkler and the ladies from her rugby (yes, rugby) team have introduced a number of the older children to playing rugby. We hope to grow this project more in 2014 and maybe establish a team. Simon Arkins from the Air21 Express Professional Basketball team has selected Cararoo Foundation as his charity of choice. Given the high profile of Simon and basketball in the Philippines, this is a major honour. I am really pleased to report that, given the terrible floods in August, the true spirit of our supporters, both in the Philippines and Australia came forth as they rallied to help our Cararoo families who were evacuated to the local Elementary school for a number of days. Our Sister Rotary Club Makati Dasmarinas (RCMD), through Board member and PP Philip Nazareno, swang into action within hours of finding out the plight of our families and organised relief food, goods etc. (see Floods story). Many thanks Philip and members of RCMD. Sponsors from Australia have also donated funds that will help in the repairs to the canteen and learning centre. Simon with some enthusiastic Cararoo supporters Web Site re-development: we have selected a company and package and plan to start re-development in November. Cararoo Board Members Donate Funds to Iris Foundation (Australia) The Board members, in recognizing that suicide among young people is a worldwide growing problem, have combined to make a private donation towards the refurbishment costs of one of the rooms in the Youth Suicide Prevention Centre being established by the Iris Foundation in Wyong, on the NSW Central Coast, Australia. For more information on the Iris Foundation – www.irisfoundation.org.au COO Maurie Schokman said, “Cararoo is a joint Australian / Philippines project, so it is important that we also donate to Australian projects when appropriate. Knowing the founders of the Iris Foundation, we feel very privileged to be able to help in some small way. We know all about raising funds for Foundations. “ Dawn Hooper, a founding Director of the Iris Foundation RCNT assist with renovations to the cottage A Special Thank You to Lyn / Suzy / Lucas @ LBH Promotions and Lorelle Thompson who helps pull this Newsletter together Page 8 of 8