New Arrivals

I really have to thank all those generous ladies who responded so quickly to my call for help on Facebook last week. I was almost completely out of soft toys to include in the backpacks and nappy bags. In fact I had only 4 left and a giant Kermit the Frog!

So far this week (Tuesday), I have received two parcels of pre loved toys and a backpack filled with toys, clothes and other bits an pieces.

I especially asked for pre loved soft toys. Why? Because I believe they already have love inside them, and something ready to give to a child who may be sad, confused or just plain tuckered out.

The quality of the toys that arrived has been top notch. These toys have obviously been well cared for. Even if they were sitting on a shelf, they have come from a home full of love. I know this because of the very fact they were sent on to B4AK.

Those who know me well are not surprised that I whisper something special to each toy before I zip the bag up. I loved that movie Toy Story because it was something I think we all secretly believe. So I say to the toys, 'Ok now, you are going to be with a child that really needs you, they may not like you to start with but please take good care of them and show them that love is real and for them'. Or words to that effect.

Silly? Probably, but for a few of these children, this teddy will be with them through some of the hardest parts of their young lives.

So, thank you to those who have sent toys, made monetary donations, given clothes or words of support and encouragement.

I really believe that 'if we can' - 'we should'. In this case, make a positive difference in a child's life.

QCWA donates

Tuesday the 21st July, I was invited to attend the QCWA (Queensland Country Women's Association) AGM. Several of their members had taken a clipping from the local newspaper article that myself and Jo were in a while back.

The group was keen to hear more about what we are doing and even had organised a raffle with money raised going straight to B4AK! I didn't know about the raffle until I got there just before the meeting.

And what a lovely meeting it was. The Mayor of Cassowary Coast was the Chairman and the people from the Mamu Canopy walk had also been invited to speak.

It was obvious that the group had had a tough year with the loss of members to cancer and other illnesses, but they all seemed to be very supportive and caring of each other.

When it came to my turn to speak I had to apologise about my lack of knowledge of meeting protocol. I haven't been to a proper formal meeting since high school!

I took along a backpack made up for a girl aged 2. As I took the items out of the bag I explained the reasons that they were included - soft toy to cuddle, torch to feel safe at night, new underwear, activity pack to give the child something fun to do, clothes and p.j.'s especially for the child, toothbrush and paste to call their own and a toy if possible.

The ladies were very concerned that some of the children coming into care didn't have these items with them. I explained that sometimes kids must be removed from their home quickly and they may or may not be able to go back later and get their things. This is important to remember for the older children who already have their own personal issues to deal with, at school, in the playground, with friendships, etc.

At the end of the talk I was presented with a cheque for $60 from the QCWA. I wasn't expecting anything when I turned up, just to talk. It was a lovely gift for kids in need.

Another lady from Tully spoke to me after the meeting and personally gave $50 as did the Laurel club of Innisfail.

A really great day! And....? I hear you ask.....Were there pumpkin scones with jam and cream?
YES!!! and mini caramel tarts, home baked cakes, finger sandwiches cut into triangles and cups of tea.

The only sad part of the afternoon for me was realising that all the ladies in the room were over 60 and some much, much older. I hope this wonderful Association is able to stay strong and gain new and younger members.

New Goal!

Alrighty, let's get serious. We can 100 bags easily. In fact I have almost enough stuff to do another 20 or so bags today, which would mean I'd almost reach the goal. Then what? . . . I just know that we can do better!

I'll tell you a secret. Shhhh ... When I first thought of this idea I originally had 1000 backpacks as a goal. But I wasn't sure anyone would be interested in helping out. I lowered the goal to 100, so if I had to I could do it all myself.

But the support from the online and real world community has been overwhelming, and I really think we can reach the 1000 by ....um, how about February 14th next year. Valentine's day is a day to show people you care. What better way to show you care than buy helping a child in need?!

So let's reach for it and more!

Who's with me?!!!!

Busy week

Wow, what a busy week! The Innisfail show was last Thurs and Fri. I was there helping dad with his stall, Papou's Greek Sweets and Bicuits and he let me attach an information stall about the backpacks. I decided at the last moment to have a $2 lucky dip because I wasn't allowed to run a raffle. It was great! Managed to raise some much needed funds. I'm quickly discovering bookkeeping I can tell you!

The Innisfail Harvey Norman stand was across from us at the show. Those fellas helped to make the time more interesting. Craig, (the I.T.) franchise owner ran a photo competition. You could take a digital camera for 15mins and wander around the show taking photo's. You then picked the best one from your time and it got printed out and placed up on the wall to be judged. I'm expecting a call any second to say that I've won!!!! (I wish). The prize is a really cool new digital camera.

An old friend of mine from school also turned up at the show stall with a wonderful donation. I almost cried when I saw that she had personally donated $100! That's 20 backpacks from the ebay seller I've been dealing with. What a generous lovely woman! I can't thank her enough for her donation.

Also, just recently joined the site connect2mums. A really great place to meet some clever and interesting people.

Peace and Katy signed a copy of their book, to be included in the next big prize draw and I'm thinking about getting one of my mum's manuscripts published, (she passed from cancer in 2000), I know she would love that.

Until next time,

des