AWCH News & Events
AWCH ‘ s Spirit Not Dampened by COVID-19 Our 2022 Annual General Meeting was once again held online
On January 29 , 57 AWCH members participated , either online or through absentee ballots , in our Annual General Meeting ( AGM ). For the second year in a row , the meeting was held virtually . Although holding a virtual AGM certainly dampens the excitement of seeing each other again , it does provide an easy venue for members to tune in .
The AGM serves to inform its club members of what we have been doing , to review the club ’ s budget , and to elect a new board of officers — but also to express appreciation to the many members whose active involvement in the club makes it possible for us to reach our goals — to connect , to inspire , and to empower . Here are the highlights of the meeting :
Philanthropy Report Representing the Philanthropic Collective , Carol H . reviewed the tremendous philanthropic activity of the club in 2021 . Hanseatic Help e . V ., which distributes clothes and other necessities throughout Hamburg for refugees , the homeless , and women ’ s shelters , is our 2021 – 2022 local charity . Throughout the year , a number of events ( from valentine chocolate roses to flea markets ) raised € 4,930 for this charity to purchase women ’ s and children ’ s undergarments for the needy . After a tour of the facilities in early 2021 , members have been meeting on weekends to help sort donated clothes . Our own From the Heart Pillow Project , which sews and donates heart pillows and drainage bags to breast cancer patients , raised € 732 from bagel sales to buy supplies . Additionally , our pre-loved book sale raised € 905 to provide the additional needed funds for a storage building for grains and seeds and other help for 22 families in Maharashtra , India . Finally , we again supported the Hamburger Tafel with a food drive at our Thanksgiving dinner and Hamburg ’ s women ’ s shelters by participating in their yearly charity run .
A screenshot from the 2022 virtual AGM .
Treasurer ’ s Report Outgoing treasurer Sue B . reminded us that 45 % of our membership dues went toward subsidizing cultural and social events for our members , with another 17 % reserved for future events in nonpandemic times . Other expenses were administrative costs , Currents publications , and FAWCO expenses .
Membership Report Hannah B . reported that we recruited 18 new members last year , giving us a total of 195 . Thus , despite two years of COVID-19 , our membership numbers have stayed fairly stable . Over half of our members are in their 40s , providing new energy and ideas . Hannah thanked our many Hamburger Helpers , who provide valuable “ first-response ” work in welcoming new members and establishing neighborhood networks . Julia R . and Doro D . stepped down as HH coordinators this year , but Charis H . will continue in this important role , supported by new member Karen S . -T . A big thankyou to all .
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