By Hannah Phillips (age 14)

My eyes have really been opened to the injustices that exist in our world since I first became involved in Manly-Manado four years ago. As soon as I heard about the movement and learned more about how we could come together in Manly to help the people of Manado I knew that I wanted to get involved – but I wasn’t sure how.
Every year my family decorates our house at Christmas time with a wonderful display of Christmas lights and this gave me an idea. I decided to use this opportunity to not only raise funds the people of Manado and awareness of the issues that the people of Manado face but also as an opportunity to reach out to my own community of Balgowlah and meet new people.

So, for the past four years, and for more than about a total of 80 evenings I’ve used the Christmas lights at our house as an opportunity to talk to passers-by about Manly-Manado.  And in doing so I’ve collected over $4,000, which has been used to support families in Manado through Bridge of Hope’s micro loan program. Along the way I’ve learned so much more about the injustice and inequalities that exist in our world. I’m just thankful that I’ve been able to take action and do something about this in my own community – Manly-Manado has provided me with the opportunity to do this.  It’s also been lots of fun as we’ve had to think about different ways to attract people’s attention such as waving hot pink glow sticks to attract the attention of passing motorists!

An added benefit is that my family has met so many new people in our neighbourhood who have come to visit our Christmas lights, including one neighbour who visited our house and donated money every night as part of their daily exercise routine.  And out of this we have also started a new tradition of holding a lawn party for the youth from All Saints Church in between the Christmas Eve Services.

In addition to giving passers by the opportunity to support the community partnership my friends have been inspired to donate some of their proceeds from a lemonade store held on their lawn on Boxing Day as part of the Sydney to Hobart race start – it’s been like a ripple effect.

I feel so much part of our local community through Manly-Manado and proud that the movement has enabled me to reach out to my local community and stir their hearts.  Our Christmas lights have not only helped to unite and light up our neighbourhood but also light up the lives of those in Manado.