Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!!

• Paperwork is done for ABN and received ABN received
• Paperwork is done for the incorporated charity and received confirmation
• Paperwork is done for tax exemption and awaiting confirmation after filling out more paperwork

MEDIA 

• Bundaberg Newsmail ran an article about Umoja on Saturday 14th August 2011 which was really appreciated
• The Western Times (Charleville, Queensland) where I grew up also ran an article about Umoja which was fantastic

THANK YOUS

• It is hard to accomplish anything without help and support.  The ongoing support from my sister Gaye is never wavering and she pulls me into line when I go off with my wonderful ideas (that will cost lots of money to raise money,) and I cannot thank her enough for that.  I am not analytical.  I am a doer and she is a thinker and she analyses things.  Together we make a great team – she got roped into helping me – but had witnessed first hand with me last year how the children lived and she was the one who said initially “How can we help these children have a better life?”  But helping is something else she is really good at and is fantastic with ideas.  Thank you.
• I just want to take a quick moment and mention names here.  I apologise in advance if I have left you out.  I have really tried hard to remember everyone.  Shanyn, Danielle, Jack, Tamara, Peter, Rhiana, Freya, Sam, Yasmin,Matt, Tenille, Paul, Dan, Nink and Emma, Peter and Jackie, Lesley, Kerry-Anne,Brett, Donna R, Hayley, James, http://www.jimages.co.nz Adam, Jeff, Tony http://officenational.com.au , Sarahhttp://castledesign.com.au Jenny, Ron, Patrick, Mum, Dad, Patty, Pat, Noeleen, East Bundaberg Rotary Club,Meryl, Mary, Remihttp://www.thegoodlifeorphanage.com kerry, http://www.footprintsorphanage.com Sherrie, Wesley, Tanja, Luke, Shalom Markets, Kirra, Natalie,Chernee, Valerie http://fakingfabu.blogspot.com Paula, Di, Sandra, and my work colleagues.

NEEDED/WANTED URGENTLY

• Meryl is a power machine sewing baby quilts and clothes however she will run out of material very soon.  if anyone could possibly donate old bedspreads, curtains, zips, cotton, material, Meryl will turn them magically into clothing.  She is making every piece with love, but the materials are running low. Any old clothes, skirts, shirts, dresses, can be cut down to make children’s clothes.  Please get in contact info@umojahome.com if you wish to donate.
• If anyone would be interested in doing a fundraising event and getting sponsorship for it, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to lose weight and be sponsored, do a fun run, walkathon, bike ride, swim, give up alcohol for a month, whatever, every little bit helps towards buying the land for Umoja

WELCOME NEW ADDITIONS TO UMOJA’S TEAM

• It is with much pleasure Umoja welcomes Kerry-Anne to our team.  When Kerry-Anne approached me and was so interested in the orphanage project, and me being me, so passionate about what I was doing, and prattling on for ages about what I was trying to achieve, and her listening so attentively and then asking questions, I thought all my Christmas’s had come at once, when she asked if she could join the team.  I have known Kerry-Anne for years and know of her skills, so it was a magic moment.  I can still ‘feel’ it.
• We love our brainstorming afternoons and often have to ‘park’ ideas to be resurrected at a later date.  Kerry-Anne welcome to Umoja.
• It is also with much pleasure I welcome Valerie from Washington, USA to Umoja’s team http://fakingfabu.blogspot.com  Valerie is a besty of my niece Natalie who lives in LA, and put her hand up to help Umoja in the land downunder.  How good is that? Valerie has been having a wonderful holiday in Italy, and now has returned to Washington.  Welcome Valerie and we really look forward to working with you, your advice, and how Americans can help and become ‘friends of Umoja. Thank you both for joining us and believing that we can make a difference. We LOVE having you both on the team.

FUNDRAISING  

• We set up a stall at Sharlom Markets, and sold items from our online store
• Virtual Brick fundraiser off our website
• Continual social networking on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word
• Charity Golf Day is happening in Townsville in the coming weeks organised by my wonderful cousin and his gorgeous wife
• Tanzanian Trivia night on Wednesday 16th November
• Nairobi Night Out on Saturday 3rd December
• Coral Cove Charity Golf Day on Saturday 18th December
• Donations/sponsorship on our website

Until next time see you on the flipside.

Remember the sum of the parts is worth more than the whole….

Cathy