Today I want to pay tribute to our sponsors. My first interest in the Rations Challenge was to see whether I could manage on the food allowed. Partly out of interest and partly because it was a a good cause. We have been supporters of Act for Peace (best known for the longstanding Christmas Bowl Appeal) for a long time and I was happy to raise money and consciousnesses of the plight of refugees.
This campaign seemed pitched at the younger generation and fundraising was mostly on line. It was suggested that Facebook be used to publicise the challenge. I chose to use that method but also to email friends and to solicit the help of church family.
I have been encouraged and surprised and blessed by the responses. People at church have quietly pressed serious folding money into my hand. The dear kid who comes to work in my yard with me for an hour a week gave me one of his hard earned dollars - the smallest but perhaps one one the most valued gifts. (He's 12 so too young to take part although he wanted to.)
Via electronic means we received generous donations from; a former colleague I have seen only a couple of times over the last 12 years, someone I studied with and have had links with through the wider church family, and a couple who came to live in our town over 30 years ago and taught us about eating vegetarian food for the sake of making food supplies go round.
Probably the one that blew me away was when we got home after being away for a few days and found an email alerting us to a donation - a substantial one. From a very unexpected person. Someone we know only a little. Her generous gift came with well wishes and a tip on how to extend our rice supplies by making a watery brew. Such a gift of grace to us.
The Challenge tips suggested that sometimes refugees are able to make a little extra by selling craft products so I made a few more of my cards using some of my most recent photos and some of my colouring in. I put them out for sale at morning tea at church with no price - just suggesting a donation if people wished to contribute. Over $100 went into the pot over 3 weeks and there were not that many cards!!
And so it continues with several people telling us they plan to give us a donation after pay day or when they had cash with them.
And so we have raised over $1000. A big thank you to all.
But for me it was never all about money although Act for Peace will make good use of it. It is about raising awareness of the plight of those in need and also being grateful for all we take for granted.
Thank you, thank you.
Four days to go...
| Here is a gift for you.. .  |
| This is one of the photos I used for my cards. Taken by my daughter, Bethany, at The Sanctuary, Deep Creek. Copyright. Used with permission |
.
Gratitude for - and awareness of - the food that we eat would surely be increased by this challenge! Best wishes for the next few days!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeedy. Especially when I can pick it (usually) straight from my garden. even now I have mandarins, pumpkin, silver beet and capsicums growing and their are home dried sultanas, my pantry cupboard and freezer are full. Yes very grateful.
DeleteYes, indeedy. Especially when I can pick it (usually) straight from my garden. even now I have mandarins, pumpkin, silver beet and capsicums growing and their are home dried sultanas, my pantry cupboard and freezer are full. Yes very grateful.
Delete