I visited both East Timor and West Timor during November 2009 on behalf of Xanadu, and returned with two important projects that we believe are achievable, necessary, and will provide the long-term help in health and education that families in the local village communities have asked for. Read about it from the link to TIMOR in the menu.
who responded so generously to the appeal in our newsletter, for aid for East Timor. Kirsty Gusmao, Timor Leste president’s wife, heads the Alola Foundation which helps refugees, women and children in that country. After consultation with her, we sent an appeal to our customers for donations of new (not secondhand) clothing, toys, shoes, and newborn baby swaddling cloths. Over 4000 items were donated, yet again showing the humanitarian spirit of Australian people to those in need. These photos show the packing, and safe arrival of our donated goods.
· the mother, daughter and grandmother who, each week, with determination and spirit, scoured the major retail stores for bargains in children’s clothing, buying over $600.00 worth of clothing for under $50.00
· the Barossa Valley women’s sewing circle, who met weekly to create a wonderful range of over 200 children’s trousers, and other items, cheerfully delivering to our Main North Rd. store.
· The Melbourne Rotary club, who shipped our goods to Dili on their sea container, thus to ensuring delivery.
· The endless number of customers who assisted in whatever way they could. To all who helped, thank you from the women and children of East Timor.
“Well I am back after a great trip to Cancar, Flores. We had another busy week and saw about 150 patients in OPD and then operated on 70 for the week. It was mainly children with Cleft lips and Palates and more with burns requiring skin grafts. The people in Cancar are very poor and would normally not be able to afford this surgery; we see so many patients that travel so far it is very difficult to refuse them. On our last day we left at about 5 am but still all the patients, relatives, local residents and hospital staff were there to say goodbye. There was quite a crowd and it was all very emotional and heartfelt. We had 2 new doctors with us and they are still talking about their experience in Cancar. I really believe these trips are life changing and the reason I keep going back. ”
- Marg Maloney, one of the medical team for Timor and Flores.
OSSAA is the Overseas Surgical Specialists Association of Australia (Website Here). We have been active in raising funds, holding open days, donating sales profits, staff donating their time, and collecting public support for OSSAA to send the next surgical team to East Timor, where they perform life-changing surgery for the correction of congenital clefts, disabilities and burns for children so desperately in need of help. The medical team from the RAH and Calvary Hospital voluntarily offer their wonderful surgical skills and expertise to the East Timorese communities. We have been able to contribute $10,000.00 to this cause so far, and are committed to continuing to help whenever we can.
Despite what we hear in the media, there are some good things happening in Timor, to relieve the plight of refugees, women and children. Sheila Boston, an Adelaide customer, moved to Dili a couple of years ago, and now co-ordinates self-help programmes for women, both educational, and business based, and is a real asset to the community, many of whom are trying to emerge from their traumatic experiences.
As part of our business philosophy, we are involved in ongoing support work for OSSAA (Overseas Specialist Surgical Association), whose surgeon from the Adelaide team was awarded as a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2007 Queen’s Birthday Honours, for his humanitarian service. He has undertaken over 2500 consultations, and 700 reconstructive surgeries for the people of East Timor and Indonesia since 2000. A well deserved recognition for a humble and highly skilled surgeon.
