Who, what, where?
A letter from the CEO
Dear friends
When I joined Opportunity International Australia in 2006, it was six years since the launch of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). That year, I was shocked to hear that 824 million people were still suffering chronic hunger, and that the majority of starvation deaths happen when food is plentiful, but people simply cannot afford to buy it. War, disaster and famine account for a much smaller percentage.
Since then, I have met numerous clients who once illustrated these sad statistics. Thankfully, a small business means that hunger is no longer an issue for them. But in 2009 – six years out from the 2015 MDG deadline – we face the sombre news that while hunger has diminished since the 1990s, its prevalence in developing regions is again on the rise, from 16% in 2006 to 17% in 2008. We must reverse this trend.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon observes, “We cannot allow an unfavourable economic climate to prevent us from realising the commitments made in 2000… The global community cannot turn its back on the poor and vulnerable.“ This is especially pertinent as the people of the Philippines, Indonesia and India rebuild their lives in the wake of their countries’ recent natural disasters.
On behalf of Opportunity Australia, I would like to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and happy holiday. Moreover, I want to thank you for your support in 2009 – your continued donations mean that for many families, 2010 will be a year of new life.
Warmly
Robert Dunn
Chief Executive Officer
Net worth
The Opportunity International Australia website relaunched on 9 October 2009 with a fresh look, updated info and new tools to help you learn more about poverty and what you can do to help. Zoom in on maps to discover where we work, watch short films to get to know what we do, or read up on what you can do to get involved. Visit www.opportunity.org.au today.
While you’re online, visit www.gofundraise.com.au to check out a quick and easy way to fundraise for Opportunity Australia. You can set up a page in minutes, select Opportunity International Australia as your beneficiary and ask friends and family to sponsor you for an event or give donations in lieu of birthday or Christmas gifts. Doing away with the admin work that can come with fundraising, GoFundraise passes on donations to Opportunity Australia and makes it easy to make a difference.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Socks, ties, scented candles – they’re the go-to-gifts that have served us well when an inspired Christmas gift for friends or loved ones eludes us. Only problem is, they may have served us a little too well, and it’s come to our attention that some Opportunity Australia supporters are looking for a present with a difference.
Opportunity International Australia has come to the rescue with greeting cards that make a difference. Donate on behalf of loved ones this year and we’ll provide you with greeting cards to let friends or family know that their gift has helped a family (or families – depending on the donation) make their way out of poverty – one loan at a time.
Free with donations over $25, the cards are available all year round by calling 1800 812 164.
Walks of life
The fight against poverty got physical this August with a group of Opportunity Australia supporters donning their walking shoes and hitting the streets for the 2009 Brisbane River Fundraising Walk. Determined not to sit back while people struggle under the weight of poverty, 35 people walked part or all of the 44km return stretch along the banks of the Brisbane River between Hamilton and St Lucia. In addition to a few sore muscles and blisters, the walk raised more than $20,000 for Opportunity International Australia’s India Program.
“The walk was a great success,” said Ambassador Janet Yeo, the event’s organiser. “It’s wonderful to think that by enjoying a walk along our beautiful Brisbane River, we can help poor families in India work their way out of poverty and live lives full of potential.” Our thanks and congratulations to everyone who contributed.
Cappuccino for a Cause
From the streets of Fremantle to the sunny beaches of Noosa, thousands of Australians used their cup to fight poverty this October in support of Gloria Jean’s Coffees Cappuccino for a Cause, a nation-wide event that this year helped raise funds for Opportunity International Australia. By ordering a cappuccino or iced cappuccino, the Australian public helped contribute 50 cents from every cup sold to Opportunity Australia’s poverty alleviation programs in Indonesia, one of the places Gloria Jean’s Coffees sources its beans.
Held on 16 & 17 October, the event marked the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Proceeds from the two days will help thousands of poor Indonesian families start small businesses and earn the money they need to pay for meals, proper shelter and school fees for their children. A huge thanks to the Gloria Jean’s Coffees International Foundation and the franchise partners who so generously opened up their stores and their profits for this worthy cause.
How the homeless helped the poor
Inspired by an information session they attended at a church conference, enthusiastic members of the Eastgate Christian Community in Byron Bay pledged to raise $10,000 for Opportunity Australia’s group-lending program back in 2006. Since then, the group has faithfully stood by their pledge, hosting family-friendly Teddy Bear’s Picnic days to see a total of $4,000 raised.
Last winter, the group decided to put on a weekly community meal at 5.30pm before their Sunday evening service. The meal welcomed in locals, providing free food to the homeless as well as backpackers and visitors. Church members were given an opportunity to donate as a thank you for their meal, and within nine months, the outstanding $6,000 had been raised.
Most inspiring is this: grateful for the hospitality and love they were shown, some of the homeless people even began donating to the poverty-alleviation program themselves. Pastor Sue Ellen Strachan notes, “It blessed our hearts to think that regardless of their own hard circumstances, they found it in themselves to bless others who are less fortunate.” A humble thanks to all who contributed – what a story!