Fab fundraising night to raise money for the children in boarding House

Photo: Delivering food to the canteen at Boarding House, Thailand border.

Newly formed Melbourne group of women "EMPOWA" used their first fundraising and community awareness raising activity to empower the Burmese children at a boarding house within a refugee camp on the Thai border. The women held a dinner and silent auction at the Burmese restaurant, Burmese House, in Richmond, Melbourne. Great food, including traditional dishes from Burma, was served in between information sessions and a photo presentation of the living conditions of Burmese migrant children and refugees living in Thailand. The night was a good time for old friends to catch up, and new friends to be made. Great contributions to the cause, $3,500 AUD was raised, all of which is going to the boarding house.

So thanks to everyone who contributed, 85 children will have protein, fruit and vegetables included in their daily meals for the next year.

Special thanks to:

EMPOWA Women's Group - Vic, Kim, Kerry, Kerri, Karen, Michelle, and Bron (who is a member of WWM).
Burmese House - thanks to Mimi for fabulous cooking and the great staff support.
Orient Express for donating beautiful Burmese items for the auction.
D'Fine/Creative - for donating the art work and printing for the banners.
Kim King and her party for their great support for the night.

FOOTNOTE:

The boarding house is located within a refugee camp near Mae Sot, Thailand.  It is home to between 85 - 100 children who cross the border from Burma to have the opportunity for education and to live safely, free from the threat of the army burning down their villages, and worse. They come without their parents (if they are still alive) and often do not see their families for many years. Some of the children receive rice rations from the main camp, but many are totally dependant on people such as us for food, clothing, and hygiene supplies. With the increasing price of rice since Cyclone Nargis, food is now at a critical level for these children, who receive only two meals a day, unless substantial extra funding is received.