It has been a really busy time for the Bali Children Foundation and our supporters with lots of activities, changes and fundraising happening in the last few months. We cover just a few in this newsletter.
Our First Financial Supporter
Spike Stewart, a pensioner from Victoria, sold commemorative arm bands at the first Bali Bomb commemoration. The money he raised he gave to Marg Barry to use at Widhya Asih III.
This was the first financial support BCF received and serves as a reminder that, without the Bomb, there would likely be no BCF, no Jodie O'Shea and no Marsh Foundation, to mention just a few.
The gentleman on the left is Paul Lawrenson, looking a lot healthier and happier than when Marg first met him ten years ago.
Inaugural Golf Fundraiser
Board member, Lindsay Beer organised our first Charity Golf Day on 19th November at the world renowned Royal Melbourne Golf Course.
The day was a huge success with 16 teams of four taking part. Along with team sponsorship, donations, pledges and Auctions items raised the fantastic amount of over $100,000 for BCF. This will be used for building projects for BCF, John McLeod’s Foster project, Bali Kids projects just to name a few.
A fantastic effort by Lindsay and his team, everyone involved and who participated on the day.
Marg Barry and Indah, former BCF Education Director
Paul Wheelton & Nicole Porritt
GO-STUDY
Agnes van Deun, her Go-Study leaders and students have been busy as usual organising their bi-annual fundraiser to support BCF, Bali Kids, Sanatana Dharma and Melaya projects.
Held at Vivai Restaurant’s roof top terrace, 130 students attended this popular event. Wayan, who deserves a medal for the ever increasing tasks she willingly takes on, delivered a speech in Norwegian to introduce the entertainment provided by BCF village children in comedic dance roles. Lisa, the singer/guitarist formerly of Jodie O’Shea Orphanage, delighted everyone with her beautiful voice. Our grateful appreciation goes to everyone involved and supporting this great event.
The Swedish Interns with Marg Barry
The Fun Day at Canggu Club
Organised again by the Go-Study team and students, the Fun Day at the Canggu Club is a much anticipated event for the 110 children who attended. John Donner, Manager, and his team generously donated their time, premises, food and drink to support the “Pirate” themed day. Brilliantly organised by the 130 Go-Study students, the day was full of fun-packed events and games.
John Donner, Canggu Club & Agnes Van Deun, Go Study
Sack Races
Kids playing in the pool
At Our Table
Mixing social networking with good food, good company and fundraising are the ladies of “At Our Table” luncheons. Under the guidance of Lynnette Griffiths and Nicole Porritt, this relatively new group is already making a difference to the lives of many. At their recent Christmas lunch, the fantastic amount of almost $8,000 was raised for BCF.
Lynnette and Nicole joined other BCF supporters this month to deliver rice and other staple foods to the Widhya Asih III Orphanage. “At Our Table” is also sponsoring one lovely young girl to live at the Orphanage and continue her High School education. Brilliant effort everyone!
Lynnette, Respini and Nicole
Christmas Party at Widhya Asih III
24 BCF Board Members and supporters travelled to Singaraja on Saturday 2nd December for the annual Christmas Party at the Orphanage. This is an event we look forward to all year. It is always rewarding to see the changes within the Orphanage, many projects funded by BCF, and the children are, of course, a delight.
The graceful Nabur Dance perform on the new stage
Bella and her Silat experts demonstrate their skill
Due to the generosity of Merryn and David Graer, a new stage and basketball court have been built and the children performed a number of different activities, on the stage, for the visitors. These included singing, dancing and a Silat (self-defence) demonstration by Bella (very scary).
Then it was gift giving time! Each child at the Orphanage received a gift pack consisting of school shoes, school bag, toiletries, books and one item of clothing.
BCF supporter Barbe Kilday helps to spread the joy of gift giving.
Lindsay, Lynnette and Nicole with their delivery of rice and essential foods.
Under the new leadership of Pak Franki, building projects are now being attended to quickly and the students seem much happier.
Pak Franki is delighted with Nissan’s sports bags delivered by Paul
After our visit we headed to a restaurant where we were joined by the Swedish Interns. Never one to miss an opportunity to raise funds, our wonderful (and brave) Board Member, Lindsay Beer approached a group of Harley Bikers dining in the restaurant. A brief speech (not sure if they understood what Lindsay was saying) and the Christmas hat was passed around. Enough was raised to buy more sacks of rice for the children. You are our Hero, Lindsay.
Lindsay and the 'Bikie Boys' from Canggu
New Village Club - SET Club
Adding to our other three clubs (Dance, Silat, Classical Singing) is the new SET Club. Formed in response to the request for English conversational practice, the teachers and teacher aides run the club which is held at the Lovina Beach Resort. BCF Founding Board Member, Mike Dolbey, has offered to work as guest advisor.
The club name is based on words which are famously mispronounced in Bali. Seben, Eleben and Twelup (seven, eleven and twelve) are amongst several which include dis, dat and den (this, that and then) and I brew for eyebrow. Now in its second month, the club is very popular with the students and teachers.
New Community Project
Next year we will begin a new education project in the KayuPutih area of Northern Bali. Using our very successful model for Dencarik, Banjar and Melaya, this new project will support an initial 50 scholarships. Mike Dolbey has generously agreed to support the establishment of the project for the first year.
Gift Vouchers
Stuck for something to give this Christmas? BCF has Gift Vouchers to provide school shoes, school uniform and school books for a child in the village EITV program. Vouchers are in denominations of $25, $50 or $100. Click on the Voucher to take you to the website donation page and select your method of payment. Thanks for your support.
Goods Distribution
We prepare and distribute two goods donation drives each year to our village projects. These are collected in the preceding months with donations from Go Study, Bali Kids, BCF Board & Supporters with additional goods dropped into to Magg Shop and BCF Project Office. We split these goods amongst 26 communities and orphanages, benefiting over a thousand children and adults (including at least one sibling or mum and dad beneficiary) in poor and remote sections of Bali.
In October, Wayan and her team delivered boxes of clothes, towels, etc. to the very poor Melaya Community where over 300 children and adults turned up to receive the goods. The photos show the delight on their faces.
New Offices
Due to our rapid growth, both in terms of BCF staff, visiting supporters and donated goods, we are moving out of Marg’s business and taking up new office space in Kerobokan – close enough for Marg to drop in frequently! Some of our fundraising is paying for the new office fit out and Bali Virtual Assistants are allowing BCF to have the space rent free for 18 months. Expected move date will be early January 2013. We look forward to welcoming you there.
Once again, we thank all our wonderful supporters, sponsors and friends.
Your help and support is fantastic, invaluable and very much appreciated.
