On Saturday 27 August, raize the roof is hosting its fifth Gala Ball at QT Hotel, Canberra.
Stay up late with raize the roof for an enchanted evening with host Amanda Whitley from Her Canberra. The fifth raize the roof Gala ball is a gathering of Canberrans who are changing the world and supporting kids a little less lucky. Among the glitz and glamour, be entertained and inspired with amazing speakers and uplifting performances including Sebastian Terry (100things.com.au), Amber Nichols (The Voice), Minh Ha, Big Boss Groove and more.
You will have the opportunity to make a real difference through an auction or raffle on the night. Early bird tickets are available until 30 June and all tickets include drinks and canapés on arrival, a five hour drinks package, three course meal and entertainment. Tables seat 10 guests, but individuals can purchase tickets too!
TICKETS HAVE SOLD OUT FOR THIS EVENT
GOLD SPONSOR
We are very proud to have SHL Development on board as a Gold Sponsor for the raize the roof Gala Ball. Find out more information here: shldevelopment.com.au
We would also like to welcome the Club group as a major sponsor of the event. Find out more information here: http://home.clubgroup.com.au.
If your business or organisation are interested in being involved as a sponsor for the event please email bonnie@popmedia.net.au.
To view the list of exciting auction items at the event, click here.
To subscribe to the raize the roof monthly e-newsletter click here.
Be sure to check out our Blog, Facebook and Twitter
Check out the short video from the trip co-founders Lincoln and Danielle Dal Cortivo took to Botswana, to walk in the shoes of those a little less lucky. It can be viewed here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmoT0FAlLM8
Check out this short video created by Sharni Williams, she created for our team: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8pkt6i_7tQ
‘You wanna change the world? You gotta know about it’ (Kid President).
A familiar pang of sadness hit today. Today’s trigger? Reading the following update about two of the newest residents at SOS Children’s Villages Botswana.
In our SOS Children’s Village in Serowe, we have recently admitted two abandoned babies who are both less than two months old.
A baby girl was found abandoned near a tuck shop in the evening by a passerby on their way home from a church service. The passerby heard a baby crying in the dark and when she went closer, she found a small baby wrapped with a towel and plastic bags. The child was then taken to the hospital before ultimately been placed at SOS.
In another case, a baby boy aged less two months old was admitted to SOS Children’s Village in Serowe. The child was dumped in a pit latrine toilet in Mmashoro Village. Passersbys heard the cry of a baby in a toilet and immediately called the Police who retrieved him.
Both children have been with us for the past two months and are recovering well and feeding well. Both the parents of the babies have not been traced and the police have opened the files and investigations are ongoing.
Sometimes knowing the truth hurts. Sometimes it’s easier to ignore it. Sometimes it just seems like the better option.
But sometimes it can’t be ignored. I’m grateful for that. Because that can inspire change. Like the change that has enabled these two innocent babies to find a place to call home. This makes my heart ache less. I am grateful for that.
This is Mmapula Miller. And this her story about being a child living at SOS Children’s Villages, Botswana. These are her words.
Living in SOS was a life changing experience for me, it was more of a molding experience that shaped my life in a better way and the right path. I get to wonder what kind of person would I be if it was not for such a home like SOS.
SOS is my first trip and it will not be my last trip for I believe that there is more in store for me in life and one of my achievement was receiving support from individuals, donors sponsors and friends.
Nothing prepared me better for my life experience than growing in a small village called SOS.
I learned to be independent by helping in the village-odd jobs around the house and ran errands, getting to meet other people from outside who would help us with homework and also the volunteers.
The time when I started to know what life is was when I learned that in life I have to decide and know that I am smarter in my decisions.
Having my lovely village father, Mr Kitso and the mothers to teach me how to be responsible and clean was one part of all the lessons I had to learn. I came in as a child and I left as a responsible young woman, how fascinating this is that I even got to love life and myself.
I am proud to be part of this big family for out in the real life now I look back and thank God for letting me be part of such people who love, care and share with an open heart. I thank God for this life.
I also learned that it’s okay to miss your parents for no matter how independent I may be and how ready to move out of the village I may be, its still okay to miss living with my family for there be a time we will meet again.
I got a chance to find myself, to know who I am and it all began in the small village for God has a plan for my life. Above all I give all thanks to our LOVELY FATHER who saw it fit to provide homes for us in more than 20 countries, Mr Hermann Gmeiner.I harvested a lot from the environment, I lived and for sure my harvest will be endless and I will let my light shine everywhere I go for I am an Ambassador…every big thing in the world only comes true when somebody does more than he has to.
Having the opportunity to learn and challenge conventions at every stage of life was one of the lessons I took along and to have the passion to learn, I learned that to be smart is not only by attending class but to be passionate of doing what impacts a person.
I got a chance to listen to my heart and do what I love educating myself and doing what is worthwhile my life, I can be what I want to be in life following Excellence and Success will chase after.
I am currently doing my third year Bachelor of Business Administration at ABM University College.
And it is this difference that continues to inspire raize the roof to fulfill our vision. This is the opportunity we want for all children—for all children to be empowered to shine.
Woo hoo!!! My favourite day of the week; Monday—aka, time to reflect on the week that’s been and how all things raize the roof related are tracking.
SUCCESS TRACKER BOARD
Extraordinary results to date: Houston, we have momentum! The raize the roof word continues to spread with more followers supporting our cause, more donations and most importantly, more events for people to enjoy. What on earth am I talking about? Check out our Facebook page for details: https://www.facebook.com/events/1446590945612914/ Tickets are on sale now!
Lessons learnt: More clichés I’m afraid. Many hands REALLY do make light work, and the more the merrier!
Followers on Twitter: 187 @raizetheroof
Total online donations: $113,170 https://www.raizetheroof.org.au/donations/
Number of cement bags remaining: 175 (same but will be going down once the computer refreshes tonight!)
Number of bundles of bricks remaining: 966
Likes on Facebook: 438 https://www.facebook.com/raizetheroof?fref=ts
Average daily website hits: 389
All in all, things are tracking brilliantly at raize the roof. I can’t wait to see what the last 3 days of the 30 days: 30 ways to change challenge brings…
How to capture today’s sentiments? I choose to do so in song. I introduce to you my rendition of I Will Survive.
At first I was afraid,
I was petrified,
Kept thinking I could never blog,
With no Shakespeare by my side
But then I spent so many nights
Thinking what on earth I’d write,
And I got hyped,
And I just forced myself to type
And so now I’m back
All weary faced,
I just collapsed upon my bed
For some Sunday blogging space
I should have started hours ago,
When my thoughts were flowing free
If I had known for just one second
I’d have lost my energy
So I go hard, must type some more
Just bang some random something out
’cause it won’t be Sunday for much more
No time for tantrums or attempts to just have a cry
Did you think I’d crumble
Did you think I’d lay down and die
Oh no, not I
I will survive
Oh as long as I can sit upright
I know I will stay alive
I’ve got all my life to sleep
With the aid of counting sheep
and I’ll survive
I will survive (hey-hey)
I stumbled across a very interesting blog today centred around the 10 choices you will regret in 10 years (article lives here if you want to suss it out!: http://www.marcandangel.com/2013/01/18/10-choices-you-will-regret-in-10-years/)
It was choice number 6 which resonated with me the most.
Here’s what it says:
Giving up when the going gets tough.
There are no failures, just results. Even if things don’t unfold the way you had expected, don’t be disheartened or give up. Learn what you can and move on. The one who continues to advance one step at a time will win in the end. Because the battle is always won far away and long before the final victory. It’s a process that occurs with small steps, decisions, and actions that gradually build upon each other and eventually lead to that glorious moment of triumph.
I found this to very aptly reflect the theme of the 30 days: 30 ways to change challenge.
Relevant everywhere in life, it can most certainly be VERY tempting to throw in the towel, do the runner in the other direction and hide under the doona (with the electric blanket on maximum heatage) and give up when the going gets tough.
It never works. Or maybe it doesn’t work for me because of the incredible people who never give up on me or what we’re setting out to achieve at raize the roof.
These last 26 days have very much showed me the absolute dedication by so many supporters for reaching our vision. That always leaves me completely inspired, and reminded, that no matter what, everything happens for a reason. At the end of the day, you’ve just got to refuse to sink and follow the wise old advise from Dory:
To the pool I go.
It’s Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday.
I’ve been told. Best I obey.
Blogging does not constitute getting down on Friday.
So, I’ve gotta love you and leave you and get down! It’s Friday after all.
What a way to end the week; an epic week.
#gettingdown.
#gettingdownmeansgoingtosleep.
#justsoyouknow.
#chickinpicisnotme. #Fortherecord.
Tonight’s blogging process, brought to you by me and my blank brain.
Must write something.
Must write something smart?
Must write something insightful?
Right, change of plan. Think of what was achieved today; write about that.
Some of our volunteers are particularly revved up and are cranking long with brilliant ideas for our upcoming event. That’s awesome. And exciting. And greatly appreciated.
Hmm… but I need to write more.
What was today’s insight? Think of an insight.
Hmm… keep thinking about dessert! Argh!
Right. Find a cool quote. Write about that.
Link to today’s insight.
[*enter tumble weed*].
Eek, starting to freak out. MUST WRITE SOMETHING WORTH READING! Must find inspiration.
Pressure is on, Masterchef style. 30 seconds to finish up. Mmmm food. Dessert – argh!
Nope, still nothing. Just an insight into the workings of the right side of the brain today. Not much happening there—guess that’s an insight.
Oh well, tomorrow will be a better day. And a better blog. I promise.
What a day it’s been! When things are on a roll, they are ON A ROLL!
I mean, it’s probably not the most logical of times to be undertaking 30 day challenges that end on the day you fly out overseas for 5 weeks, or organising events prior to departure—but when there are kids’ lives and livelihoods at stake… there’s no rest for the wicked.
It’s quite weird how the world works. Not only is raize the roof picking up the pace and its momentum, the same deal seems to be flowing over into all other parts of life. You name it, it’s cranking! And not just for me, but for others too.
Like Alex. She’s cranking away and getting on board the raize the roof band wagon. This month we’ve secured a new partnership for raize the roof and it’s all things travel related!
We’re super excited to announce that Reis and James Travel Associates in the ACT are partnering with raize the roof.
This means that Reis and James Travel Associates will sponsor the raize the roof charity house project by buying up a storm on our website.
So, please get in contact with Alex Cooper. Freecall 1800 017 849! You can track her down here: https://www.facebook.com/AlexCooper.TravelConsultant?ref=hl
Remember, the more referrals that come from raize the roof the greater the sponsorship. Just mention raize the roof when you’re booking your next trip and sit back and enjoy your Reis and James experience!
And finally, to really inspire the traveller within, I will leave you with these words of wisdom from the Doc himself!
Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.
Let the adventure begin…or continue…either/or.
#peace.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Keep Tuesday, 26 August 2014 free. Your taste buds will thank you.
#Youvebeenwarned.
More details to follow, when Facebook Event Page photos behave in a far more agreeable manner. Who needs pixels anyway!
Woah! Three weeks into the challenge already!
This can only mean one thing…it’s time to see what everyone’s generous time and contributions has created for raize the roof.
Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you our Success Tracker Board as at 21 July 2014.
SUCCESS TRACKER BOARD
Extraordinary results to date: All signs continue to point to success.
We’ve recruited more followers, seen an increase in donations, an increase in momentum. Oh, and an increase in upcoming events!
Lessons learnt: It’s super important for your own sanity, and the sanity of family and friends, to remain patient, resilient and positive! Amazing things do most definitely happen…sometimes all you need to do is ask!
Followers on Twitter: 186 @raizetheroof
Total online donations: $112,605 https://www.raizetheroof.org.au/donations/
Number of cement bags remaining: 200 (same but will be going down once the computer refreshes tonight!)
Number of bundles of bricks remaining: 998
Likes on Facebook: 438 https://www.facebook.com/raizetheroof?fref=ts
Average daily website hits: 234
All in all, it’s been a very successful couple of weeks. We’re heading on and up in terms of followers, donations, Facebook likes and website hits.
And we’re going down where it matters most, with less bundles of bricks for sale and less bags of cement up for grabs!
The raize the roof team would like to say a huge thanks to all those who have been getting involved, sharing the word and donating!
Thanks to your contribution we are edging closer and closer to commencing construction on the Charity House!
#Fact.