Herd Matters July 2012

Herd Matters July Edition

Australian Association Matters Lars Olsen, the Founder of Forget Me Not, stepped down as CEO as of the 30th June 2012 to pursue a full time university education. The Management Committee wishes him all the best in this endeavour. To keep the Australian Association on track, the Management Committee decided to increase our Project Manager’s position from 15 hours to 25 hours per week and establish a new position – an Events and PR Manager. The Management Committee is currently seeking applications for this new position. Click here to read the Position Description. Applications close on the 15 July and any questions or applications relating to the position can be sent to enquiries@forgetmenot.org.au Yogis Unite for Orphans Fundraising News The first ever FMNCH Yogis Unite for Orphans (YUFO) fundraising appeal was held during May and saw over twenty yoga studios from Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Canada and the USA unite to help raise funds for the Forget Me Not India project. YUFO was a unique fundraising initiative designed to bring the yoga community together for a common cause on both a local and global level.  A total of $16,550 was raised through the YUFO Indian Gala Dinner, karma yoga classes, community meals, kirtan music nights, guest speakers, raffles, collection tins, movie nights, proceeds from mat hire, Yoga in the park and donations. Over the coming few months, an outreach program will begin benefiting some of the most vulnerable children in Varanasi. On behalf of the team at Forget Me Not Children’s Home, sincere thanks to all the Yoga studio owners, staff, students and sponsors for their compassion in action and contribution to the 2012 Yogis Unite for Orphans appeal. 7th Annual Forget Me Not Gala Charity Ball Fundraising News The Forget Me Not Gala Charity Ball was held once again at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island. Guests danced the night away to Rubber Sole – a Beatles Tribute band from Melbourne – and had the chance to win great silent and vocal auction prizes. The masquerade themed Ball was a huge success raising a total of $49,700. Plans are already underway for next years Ball! Hervey Bay Tombola The Tombola Fundraiser held on the 20th May 2012 at the Hervey Bay RSL was the last one organised by Judy Lugg Judy said, “I have enjoyed putting these together over the years but I now find myself physically unable to continue doing so. I would like to thank everyone who has helped over the years by making donations of prizes, leaflet distribution and loyal attendance. A special thank you to my helpers, Matt and Clarence for picking up prizes and setting up; Pete, Clarence, Matt and Tamsin for calling; Mietta for MCing; Justin, Aidan, Thor and Arielle for ticket selling and running; George for once again being our very capable money man and ticket seller; and the Power of Passion Aldridge High School students. I am happy to think the money raised has and is making a difference to the lives of the beautiful girls in the Forget Me Not Children’s Home in Nepal.” Judy has been incomparable in her dedication as a volunteer since the inception of Forget Me Not and we are greatly appreciative of her commitment and efforts. We thank her very humbly for all that she has done on behalf of the children in our care. Spring Fever in September Inspired by the Forget Me Not story and vision, five Sydney schoolboys have come together to support Forget Me Not as part of their Duke of Ed Award. The main focus of their support is contributing to at a fundraiser at Bilgola Beach Surf Club on September 22nd. Under the wing of Janet Smith, who is leading the fundraiser with a committee of business women, the boys will learn the fundamental skills of compassion-in-action while raising money for the charity. “The main thing I’d like the boys to take away from their experience is a sense of their own empowerment – a realisation that they can make a difference in the world in a very meaningful way,” Smith says. “These boys are growing up in the most globally integrated time in history. How they navigate the social and environmental issues of their time will most certainly have cross-cultural and multinational dimensions. “The younger the boys are when they develop the confidence and skills to think and act globally, the greater their contribution can be.” The boys will be undertaking a structured learning program over  three months that exposes them to everything from understanding the complexities of doing projects in developing countries to how to approach businesses for sponsorship. From the very first phone call to a company that offered music equipment for the night, the team have been overwhelmed by the generous spirit and contributions of the people they have approached for support. “I think people want to help us raise money,” Ben says, “because they understand that it really doesn’t matter where in the world it is – saving a child is saving a child.” Smith says: “A small charity with a big vision like Forget Me Not Children’s Homes provides the boys with the perfect platform to learn what it takes to go from wanting to make a difference in the world to actually doing it.” Click here to purchase your tickets for our Spring Fever Event on our Webshop Wear your heart on your wrist with McDonalds It's that time of year again! You can purchase handmade Nepali wristbands from McDonalds Bundaberg City, Bundaberg West, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Nambour and Coolum stores to support Forget Me Not. Each wristband is $2 and all proceeds go to supporting our vital work. So get into Macca’s and wear your heart on your wrist in July!

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