Archive for June 11th, 2012
Operation Enduring Freedom
I have family links to the Philippines, so was especially interested in a news item I’ve just come across. It relates to the troubled island of Sulu, in the south of the country.
Staff Sgt. Jack Martin III from Oklahoma, USA, was killed by a roadside bomb on the island two and a half years ago, while helping to build and supply an elementary school as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Now the school has been named after him – The J. Martin & C. Shaw Memorial Elementary School; and his parents have donated much-needed items. Back in the States his mother Cheryl heard about another family donating supplies, so she and her husband Jack decided this would be a great way to remember their son, on what would have been his birthday, in April. They sent six large boxes packed with shoes, books, kick balls, baseballs, basketballs, toys, flashcards and other school supplies — many of the items had their son’s name printed on them. Financial contributions from family, friends and community members helped with the purchase of these items at Oklahoma thrift stores. The generous gift will make a significant difference to the lives of needy kids in that rather remote island.
Small Charity Week
Small Charity Week commenced today and runs until Friday. It’s an opportunity for the UK’s myriad of small charities to increase awareness for the work they are doing. Events going on each day will range from advice clinics to influencing workshops.
Today was the “I Love Charities” day, when people were encouraged to commit to supporting charitable work with online and face-to-face pledges. This evening there will be a reception and networking session in Newcastle.
Tomorrow is the “Big Advice” day, with experts on hand to deal with charities’ queries, as well as a range of training and briefings, again in Newcastle.
Wednesday will be “Policy” day, with the Houses of Parliament hosting two events at which charities will be able to meet with policy makers. There’ll also be a Trustee Speed-Recruiting event in London.
“Fundraising” day is on Thursday, with all sorts of events taking place to encourage innovative methods.
Finally, Friday will be the “Celebration” day, with entertainment in Russell Square, London, and an opportunity for charities to advertise what they do.
Read more about what’s going on, here: www.smallcharityweek.com/category/events; and if you have any events planned, yourself, it may still not be too late to add them to the official website here: www.smallcharityweek.com/submit-events. Organisers, the Foundation for Social Improvement, have already reported on some of today’s activities, on their website, and there is a Facebook page where you can keep up-to-date with what’s going on.
Note: Cancelled links (above) are due to the fact that this article refers to a previous event – the relevant website has now changed.
