Aaron Smith, as mentioned a few posts ago, went to his primary school to ask them to get involved in raising money for the Manado orphanage. Today one of the school's students handed me a cheque for $1800! This was raised through gold coin donations each week and by some 50 or so children doing odd jobs at home. Simply amazing.

Maggie Jenvey's Tropical Soiree was once again a huge success raising over $2,300.

A beautiful Clontarf pool side setting was the stage for over 20 vocalists and musicians last Friday night (24th November). 80 guests filled the garden and patios to listen to charming melodies and rythmns. 10 silent auction ietms were bid for by the generous guests, each knowing that every dollar they contributed helped more families in Manado to be given a life sustaining opportunity to help themselves.

We thank all the artists for contributing their time and talent, Colin on sound and light, Margi of Vocal Arts centre in Manly and all the local businesses who helped by donating such wonderful auction items.

As it was last year, a fabulous evening, inspiring thoughts and friendships in our community. Well done Maggie and her husband Chris for all their hard work along with the team from All Saints Balgowlah church.

On Saturday a bible study group from St.Matthews raised $1,000 from a Table Top Sale. Not only was the sale recycling people's unwanted items, thereby helping environmentally, the money raised from such a sinple idea will go to offering three families a helping hand to help themselves out of the cycle of poverty.

Stu Harris, the group's leader said "it was just such a simple thing for us to do - it took us a few hours to come up with the idea of what we could do to help, a few days to collect some items to sell and a few more hours to sell it on Saturday morning. Not only that, we all had great fun too!"

Absolutley right Stu, it is that simple, we can all have fun in community while helping others through our time and talent.

Today, 40 golfers played 18 holes, vying for prizes such as closest to the pin and longest drive, while raising $1,500. The money raised will go toward the Manado orphange project that was built earlier in the year from funds raised by 100 children from St. Matthews Church.

Organised by Jim & Rita Smith, some fantastic golf was played in the 'Ambrose style competition' with multiple prizes awarded and a very generously donated to raffle followed.

A fantastic day out was had by all in the great weather with further awareness raised on the issue of global poverty, along with some new friendships made. Wonderful!

Well done Jim and Rita.

Last night's Book Swap raised an incredible $1,900 to help 6 families in Manado start a small business and lift themselves out of poverty.

Organised by Helen Allchurch and Deb Solomon, some 50 ladies attended the talk by author Tegan Bennett Daylight and then shared books with each other for a donation cost. A raffle and local Manado items for sale added the rest. A fine night of education, awareness building, fundraising all while making new friends. Perfect. Well done girls.

 James and Chloe Corbett raised $2,035 to help families in Manado last week when they undertook the Noosa Triathlon together. Congratulations to both of you, a fantastic effort.

180 people turned up to blast the dance floor last night at the Big Rock Gig. $3,046 was raised on the night helping lift a further 10 families out of poverty. Well done to everyone involved. Much laughter was had by all as entries to the best air guitarist, best dressed rocker and best rock dancer strutted their stuff! Thanks to Manly Mayor Peter Macdonald and local member David Barr for attending and getting involved, along with the many businesses for their support. A true community event.....FANTASTIC

Revive's new album launch at St. Matthews Church was attended by over 450 youth from all over the peninsula last night. An absolutely amazing night and $450 kindly donated to helping families in Manado from the barbecue at the start. Well done Dave, Ty, Rich and Mike.

Today 172 people took part in the Spit to Manly for Manado Sponsored Walk! Together they raised over $17,000, all of which will go towards offering 57 families a chance out of poverty by receiving a micro business loan for the first time!

Isn't that astonishing and what a wonderful legacy to leave in the hearts of others. As the new poster says this year "All we wanted was an opportunity" and today 57 more families will have just such an opportunity.

At the end of the walk there were all sorts of arts and crafts on offer for kids to get involved with, cakes stalls filled with yummies and some local jewellry from Manado.

A great community day out, all round.

Thank you to all the local businesses who were involved in sponsoring the event, thank you to Seaforth Baptist Church for organising the event and thank you to all of you who took part.

Over the last few weekends kids from St. Matthews Church have been painting cake boxes, baking cakes and then selling them, all to raise money for the orphanage they are supporting in Manado. They have raised $200 so far and this will go towards helping the orphans have food and basic essentials available to them every day. Good on you kids....fantastic effort!