What We've Done
Thanks to kind people all over the world who support 52 Lives by sharing our stories or offering help, and the many businesses
that have supported in so many ways, this is what we have been able to do so far...
Life # 53 - Kindergarten children from Alburqueque
We raised US$1640 to send kindergarten children in need on a field trip.
Some of these children arrive at school having slept in homeless shelters, some arrive hungry, some with wet feet. Their teacher wanted to do something special for them. Our target amount was $240. But as the story spread around the world, donations flooded in and there is now enough money to help the whole school. The help we gave even made the news in the US (you can watch by clicking the links below).
Thankyou so much to all the donors: Lucy G, Paul, Barbara Henderson, Bronwyn, Donna, Orchard Wealth Management, Richard, Lucy, Ana, Julie Ann Besaha, Frances Andrew, a donation made in honour of Jacqueline and Roger Hearn, ad all the anonymous donor.
Thankyou also to the crew of amazing cyclists from Australia - the RAAM 2015 CEF Team Australia, who will be competing in the Race Across America this June. The team not only offered to pay for the school bus, but also offered to help the kids follow their journey as they race. The teacher will be doing lessons based on the race, and some of the riders will be sending video messages to the kids. Follow CEF Team Australia on Facebook
An email from the teacher, Sonya
The current 52 Lives (2014/2015)
Life # 54 - A Futsal team from Brisbane
We helped to buy sports kit for an inspiration group of asylum seekers and refugees in Brisbane, Australia.
The team of 10 men, made up of Aussies, Iraquis, Iranians and Afghans, were brought together by an organisation called Communty of Hope which aims to provide practical support and friendship to asylum seekers and refugees in their local area. They soon discovered a shared love of football, and so founded the Community of Hope Lions Futsal Team.
They wanted to give these men the chance to play a sport they loved, giving them a connection to each other, their culture, and to their new lives in Australia.
In the first few weeks, the impact was incredible and the games have become a welcome respite for these men. They have fun, exercise and forge much-needed friendships. And it is already making a difference to their family lives. One man’s wife said her husband has been so much happier since joining the team.
The team was in need of funds to pay for uniforms, boots and game fees. The total money raised to date (March 2015) stands at AU$890. A big thankyou to all the donors, with a special thanks to 52 Lives supporters Richard Harwood, Maree Griffin and Belinda Toner. This team means so much to the men involved, and is helping to unite communities and change lives.
We are so very very grateful for your help. The generosity of your donors means that this week I will be ordering the boys their own kits, with their chosen numbers and colours.
They will proudly wear these kits knowing so many people care. This team gives many of our boys a bright light in their week...a few nights a week where they know they can come and forget about the uncertainty of their futures and just play.
THANK YOU for helping us make that happen.
Leanne, Community of Hope
Life # 55 - Mitchell, a 13 year old boy from Gladstone, Australia
Strangers donated almost AU$1000 in gift vouchers to the family of Mitchell, a young boy with cancer, as well as a lambskin to make him more comfortable.
Three years ago, Mitchell was given the devastating news that he had cancer.
Mitchell has endured so much since then, and his family's life has been thrown into chaos. We wanted to do something to make life a little bit easier for them.
Thankyou to Stephanie Ford from the Sunshine Coast, who generously bought Mitchell the lambskin rug. It is going to make him so much more comfortable in his bed, and his wheelchair.
Mitchell’s mum, Rochelle, said: “The rug is already on his bed and it's made a huge difference and he absolutely loves it so thank you very much! We will definitely be using it every day and taking it to treatments and hospital visits to help make Mitchell very comfy!”
And thank you to all of the people who offered help and send gift cards: Lynda Casey, Maree Griffin, Emma, Rob, William and Gregory, Monique King, Carole Ericksen, Melissa Spicer, Richard Currie, Jenny Woodrow – as well as all the anonymous donors..
And finally, a 52 Lives supporter, Ann Booth, got in touch to ask a bit more about Mitchell’s sister, Chelsea, who is often cared for by her Nanna. As well as donating gift vouchers for Mitchell’s parents, Ann also sent a gift voucher for Chelsea and her Nanna, so they could “have a bit of a spree and buy something special.” Such a thoughtful gesture, thankyou Ann.
We would like to thank everyone who was touched by our story on 52 Lives and who generously gave donations. You are all doing an incredible job and we appreciate it very much! Much love to everyone.
The Luders family
xx
Life # 56 - Sarah from Shepperton
We helped to buy an iPad and a communication app for a 32 year old woman with learning difficulties. It will give her the abilty to communicate properly for the first time in her life. We received £575 in
gift cards, as well as a protective iPad cover and case.
Sarah is a 32 year old woman from Shepperton in the UK, who is cared for full-time by her mum, Carol.
Soon after Sarah was born, she was diagnosed with a severe learning disability. Carol was told her daughter would require full-time care and support every day, for the rest of her life. She also has other medical issues, which mean she is in often in pain.
Sarah has a mental age of a 5-6 year old. She struggles to communicate, relying mostly on gestures and sounds. It is frustrating for her, and for her family.
Sarah’s Speech and Language Therapist has recommended an app called Proloquo2Go – it is widely known as a voice for those who cannot speak. However, it requires an iPad - which Carol could not afford.
When Sarah and her mum, Carol, stopped by to collect the gift cards, Carol was in shock. She said: "I just never knew people could be so kind."
Thankyou to everyone who contributed:
Andrea Wotherspoon, Paul, Rachel Turnbull, Lucy Groenewoud, Lorna, Ann Greenwood, Richard Harwood, Mathanki Thirukaran, Mark, Sue Hyslop, Stewart, Kennedy and Aimey, as well as the anonymous donors.
You have all changed Sarah's life.
I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your marvellous work...Sarah is beaming from ear to ear now. This is a dream come true!"
Carol
(Sarah's mum)
Life # 57 - Alice from London
We were able to give Alice
Sarah is a 32 year old woman from Shepperton in the UK, who is cared for full-time by her mum, Carol.
Soon after Sarah was born, she was diagnosed with a severe learning disability. Carol was told her daughter would require full-time care and support every day, for the rest of her life. She also has other medical issues, which mean she is in often in pain.
Sarah has a mental age of a 5-6 year old. She struggles to communicate, relying mostly on gestures and sounds. It is frustrating for her, and for her family.
Sarah’s Speech and Language Therapist has recommended an app called Proloquo2Go – it is widely known as a voice for those who cannot speak. However, it requires an iPad - which Carol could not afford.
When Sarah and her mum, Carol, stopped by to collect the gift cards, Carol was in shock. She said: "I just never knew people could be so kind."
Thankyou to everyone who contributed:
Andrea Wotherspoon, Paul, Rachel Turnbull, Lucy Groenewoud, Lorna, Ann Greenwood, Richard Harwood, Mathanki Thirukaran, Mark, Sue Hyslop, Stewart, Kennedy and Aimey, as well as the anonymous donors.
You have all changed Sarah's life.
I wish to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your marvellous work...Sarah is beaming from ear to ear now. This is a dream come true!"
Carol
(Sarah's mum)