ST VERONICA WELFARE COMMITTEE ANNUALREPORT

2013 S T V E R O N I C A W E L F A R E C O M M I T T E E ANNUALREPORT St Veronica Welfare Committee founded by Mr and Mrs Colin Bennett 1956 89 H...
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2013 S T

V E R O N I C A

W E L F A R E

C O M M I T T E E

ANNUALREPORT St Veronica Welfare Committee founded by Mr and Mrs Colin Bennett 1956

89 Hardgrave Rd West End Q 4101 • PO Box 5098 West End Q 4101 • Ph: 07 3844 7423 • Fax: 07 3844 7426 • Email: [email protected] • Web Site: www.stveronica.org.au President: Mrs Margaret Kerwin • Vice President: Mrs Jan Drake • Secretary: Mrs Anne Roberts • Treasurer: Mr Bryan Menhinnitt • ABN 74 044 171 838

PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2013 has been a tumultuous and distressing year for many, especially for the millions overseas who endure unimaginable deprivation and suffering. As media details of natural disasters, wars, civil strife, slavery, poverty, corruption, child trafficking, abuse and exploitation confront us, the human tragedies portrayed can be overwhelming. It is notable that media reports frequently focus on grave crimes against women and girls. Thus Committee efforts to promote female education and independence through our overseas centres are vitally important. Dear friends and supporters of St Veronica’s, we are a tiny organisation but I believe we must be encouraged in the knowledge that the support we provide is making a positive difference in the lives of those whom we are able to assist. Our sphere of influence is small but, hopefully, with your on-going support, will continue to grow. As you will read in this report, 2013 has been another successful year for the St Veronica Welfare Committee. It is no small miracle that a Committee run entirely by an unpaid, volunteer workforce functions so efficiently as a successful business. Perhaps it is because we are a true community – a community of supporters, volunteers and overseas organisations comprised of like-minded individuals, working together to help those whose lives are blighted by the devastating effects of poverty. The continuing financial success of our Committee is documented in the Treasurer’s Report and Auditor’s Statements and reflects both the generosity of our supporters and the hard work of the shop volunteers who have enjoyed an outstanding year with over $137,000 of Thrift Shop proceeds being included in 2013 overseas disbursements. Congratulations to all involved in donating, raising and processing these disbursements – a complex process involving shop volunteers, donors, and office workers which commences with record keeping and issuing of reminder notices. A major event this year has been the much needed refurbishment of the Thrift Shop. This involved closing the shop for some days and much hard work from a number of our volunteers (Jan, Frank and family, John and Olga, Fay and Wanda, and Mike) who moved stock back and forth and assisted the builder in the construction work. Especial thanks must go to Bryan, our Treasurer, who conferred with Shop Coordinators Fay and Wanda to design, purchase materials and supervise the process. Well done everyone! During 2013, a number of Committee members have died, suffered the loss of a loved one or experienced ill-health, either of themselves or a close family member. In November, Mrs Eileen Bennett, the Founder of St Veronica’s, died. During the year, Mrs Vonnie Platzer, our long-serving past President, was incapacitated with a very serious illness. On behalf of all Committee members, I extend condolences to all those who have lost a family member and best wishes for improved health to those who have been ill.

I wish all Committee members a happy and healthy 2014. Thank you for your support and life enriching friendship. Margaret Kerwin

DEATH OF COMMITTEE FOUNDER MRS EILEEN BENNETT OAM, passed away on 27th November, aged 92. Eileen was a woman ahead of her time. In addition to the diverse and demanding tasks associated with being the wife of her high profile politician husband Colin, she was a busy mother of eight young children. As well as successfully managing these huge responsibilities, Eileen maintained an interest in worldly issues. In 1956, with Colin’s support and in response to the dire poverty and suffering of refugees in Hong Kong, she established the Committee which was to become St Veronica’s. For Eileen, it was important that the organisation of St Veronica’s be efficient and accountable. She identified and gained the cooperation of interested donors, volunteers and overseas groups to support a viable organisation capable of helping those in need. Just as importantly, she developed the business protocols, personal communication methods and financial safeguards that continue to characterise St Veronica’s operational procedures. Over the years Eileen played a fundamental role in ensuring that St Veronica’s prospered and grew. This was not always an easy task; frequently it was difficult to obtain the assistance of volunteer workers and some Committee meetings were attended by only four or five members. Indeed many times St Veronica’s would have foundered without Eileen’s determination that it continue. Her persistence, insight and vision, together with the generous hard work and support of a relatively small number of volunteers, past and present, have resulted in the existence of our Committee today. As one volunteer stated, she has provided us with both the opportunity to contribute to others and to enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of so many wonderful people. Vale Eileen and congratulations on leaving such an outstanding legacy! Photo: Eileen on a visit to St Veronica’s last year.

Below is portion of a poem written by Chris Bennett, Eileen and Colin’s eldest son: Amongst all the turmoil she saw the stress and the strain Of refugees so homeless, with children in pain She formed Saint Veronica and harnessed the love Of fellow Australians with the spirit of the Dove They helped lots of kids in stricken poverty From New Guinea, to India and war torn Hungary They gave more than money and showed more than care As they sponsored their kids in knowledge and welfare With hearts full of kindness and letters of hope With the spirit of Veronica they helped kids to cope

Our Volunteers… During 2013 a number of supporters expressed an interest in putting names to volunteers’ photos. Below are photos taken at the Committee’s Christmas gathering attended by most volunteers. (Once again thank you to the Brisbane Lord Mayor, Graham Quirk, who supported this function with a donation.)

TREASURER’S REPORT 2013 was a mixed year for St Veronica Welfare Committee. Our donor support of $309,555 was somewhat down on the 2012 receipts ($320,172) due to a lower level of income for Overseas Appeals. Nevertheless the overall figure has more than exceeded the average over the past 7 years. Circumstances such as receiving bequests from donors can result in some distortion from year to year. Secondly the Thrift Shop takings of $147,172 was down on the record takings in 2012 ($150,106) due to an interruption to trading because of the need to close the shop for 10 days to allow for a necessary repair to the building. On the positive side, a record figure of $448,799 was disbursed to the various centres in 2013. As well, we continued to receive a favourable exchange rate throughout the year which provided a higher level of support to our Asian beneficiaries – an added bonus for them.

Introducing some of our Volunteers Front Row left to right: Jan Drake, Pat Coombes (standing), Lee Duffy, Brother Martin Connell, Wanda Brady, Fay Roberts, Sue Brady, Margaret Kerwin Back Row left to right: Noel Synnott, Sister Elizabeth O’Connell, Bryan Menhinnitt, Marie Menhinnitt, Lorraine Hoger, Cecilie Clarke, Maggie Barszczyk, Margaret Cooper, John Johnstone, Olga Johnstone, Doug Kerwin, Jan Kerwin, Frank Drake, Mike Kerwin. D Douglas and Ruby (pictured with Olga and John) also attended our gathering but had to leave for Christmas carol practice before the g group photo was taken.

Our expense ratio @ 9.5 as a percentage of gross income was slightly higher in 2013 due in the main to the costs associated with the building repair/refit and the purchase of a new computer to develop our new web page (www.stveronica.org.au). All costs of our operation are met from Thrift Shop income which guarantees that 100 percent of donors’ contributions are disbursed. St Veronicas did not receive any government funding other than a small donation from the Lord Mayor towards the volunteers’ Christmas party. Sincere thanks must go to all who have contributed to this most favourable result - the generosity of our donors, the dedication of the volunteers who work tirelessly in the Thrift Shop, their customer base and the office staff who keep the systems functioning. Most importantly the objective in all of this is to ensure that the children and others who benefit from this effort can look forward to a better, more meaningful future and healthy life. Bryan Menhinnitt

Brother Marty has been transferred. Marty has been a cheerful volunteer in the office. His many talents and wisdom reflect his extensive experience working with students and with impoverished communities overseas. Marty, we are going to miss you. We hope you return one day. Sponsored Students at Sacred Heart Convent, Mawlai, Shillong.

An occasion to celebrate… The refurbishment of the Thrift Shop As Committee members know, the Thrift Shop – another example of Eileen Bennett’s foresight – covers all of the Committee’s administration expenses and supports a number of overseas projects including the provision of extra assistance for students undertaking tertiary studies. The hard work of the volunteers involved has resulted in an airier, more attractive shop as can be seen by the photos included here:

Before

A sponsored student who completed a Bachelor of Engineering in 2013 photographed with his mother and the Director of KIDDS Rural Motivation Program.

Also remembering… Rest in peace SISTER LINO Sponsors who provide educational support to children at St Roch’s Convent, Trivandrum Diocese, will be saddened to learn that Sister Lino passed away on Christmas night 2013. On 4th January Sister Rosamma John ICM, Ph.D, advised the Committee that Sister Lino ‘became sick before midnight and at 1 am she breathed her last’. Sister Lino has been a hardworking coordinator of St Veronica sponsorships at St Roch’s and, prior to that, for 19 years at St Mary’s, Mariapuram. Many sponsors will be familiar with her neat handwritten script as she kept them informed of the children’s progress. The laborious work entailed in writing all of her large amount of correspondence by hand was inspirational and, especially so, when one realises that Sister Lino was continuing with her work until the very end of her life. Office workers will be aware that a large parcel of correspondence and handmade gifts from Sister Lino arrived in December just a week or two before she died. Dear Sister Lino, may you rest in peace. I hope that you knew how much your efforts were appreciated. We also remember BRIAN BRADY

After

For some years prior to his prolonged final illness, Mr Brian Brady transported volunteers, cleaned the thrift shop and office, mowed and completed odd jobs. He will be remembered for his practical assistance to the Committee.

APPEALS The bi-monthly and special appeals again have received generous support from our sponsors and donors. On behalf of the many beneficiaries ‘thank you so very much’! Our special appeals for 2013 included the following:

Approximately 650 orphans are cared for in 11 centres conducted by the F.I.H. Sisters. As a result of our support, all now sleep on mattresses rather than the bare floor.

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2013 Appeal for funds for the construction of wells for the scheduled (lower) caste community in Nedumangad, India, where municipal water supply is irregular and at times unavailable. MARCH / APRIL 2013 Appeal for funds for the purchase of educational aids, materials for the construction of livestock shelters and initial livestock to provide education and a sustainable food supply for impoverished tribal girls in Guwahati, Assam, North India. MAY / JUNE 2013 Appeal to support parents in the construction of a toilet block for the use of boys attending All Saints’ School, Manivila, Kerala, India, where the present toilet block was in total disrepair.

Girls at Kalyani Auxilium Educational Society use their new technology to learn computer skills. This will improve their future employment options.

JULY / AUGUST 2013 Appeal to assist the local community construct and maintain classrooms and classroom furnishings and to purchase construction and educational materials for Snehadeepti Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, India. SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2013 Appeal for funds to complete the Mother Teresa Community Centre for the Christian, Muslim and Hindu Community in the Dindigul Diocese, India. Centre to be used to facilitate generational changes in attitudes and behaviour.

Goat rearing at FMA Outreach Centre, Meghalaya, India. The goats provide milk and milk products for food. Any excess and progeny can be sold to earn extra income.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2013 Appeal for the provision of computers and learning materials for the Marist Brothers’ Migrant Centre for poor, marginalised and refugee children and youths in Thailand.

2 of 20 wells cconstructed with scheduled sc (lower) caste villagers at Bethany, N Nedumangad, India. New classroom and educational aids help poor students at Snehadeepti Bhavan.

Good nutrition, education and animal husbandry skills are helping tribal girls overcome disadvantage at Guwahati, Assam.

Boys’ Toilet Block under construction at All Saints School, Vinaya Bhavan.

Good News!

A letter from Sister Rubina at the Madonna – Special cum Residential Home for the Mentally Challenged: ‘Hope you all are keeping fine – our children are all very happy. We have to let you know a very happy news. Our student Christo Varghese won a Gold Medal in Handball for the National Special Olympics held in North India. We are eagerly waiting for the selection of Christo for the International Special Olympics. Please do pray for him.’

Letters from Father Selvaraj, Parish Priest of Dolours Parish, include:

It is interesting to note that Father Selvaraj continues to forward details of new recipients of the ongoing low interest rate loan program including copiess of signed agreement forms. An example of both is included here:

A major achievement this year has been the development of a new webpage. Despite living in Sydney and having minimal contact with those of us who work in the office, Mrs Philippa d’Halluin initiated and maintained our first web page. Philippa, thank you so very much for your efforts in this regard! Without your generosity, St Veronica’s would not have its present web domain. Sister Rosina and 10 orphans with their new dresses.

‘Your support towards educating the poor children is highly valued. You give new life, new vision and new hope to the poor children. I am sure by your support they will become contributing persons to the society. Your help towards the small traders in my parish is highly appreciated. They are free from money lenders. They are able to do the business successfully and maintain the family peacefully.

Beneficiaries of the St Veronica 2013 Christmas Appeal to establish a livestock bank as an income source for poor widows and their children.

Thanks to the initiative and generosity of Vince and Cecily Reibelt, mothers and children in Haryana State, India, receive much needed support. Sister Agnetta advises ‘by taking advantage of the unexpected offer (from Vince and Cecily), they (the F.I.H. Sisters) have started two projects there in the village. One is periodical hygienic and health classes for the women and the second is literacy classes for adult and 120 children who are unable to go to school due to their special living situation (bonded labour, cattle graze, etc.)… Every day after their assigned work they gather in the church yard and sisters and some volunteers divide them into groups and teach them to write and read. The illiterate mothers also have literacy and hygiene classes.’

Father Kildos and Arthi, sponsored by Mrs Helen Barry.

Email from Brother Paul Murphy: ‘I wish to inform you that your kind donation to support the people in the typhoon affected Philippines… was used to support them to help a good number of people… get on their feet. Of course the children lost all their school materials and some of your donation was provided to support children get school bags, writing materials and books. It was extremely important to get the children back to school and some form of normality. I attached… photos of the school materials (inscribed with St Veronica). I think some 300 of these bag packs and books were made up. Thank you so much! I hope you will be able to present this small report and especially the thanks of the people for your quick and touching help when they needed it the most.’

On Christmas Eve, Sister Rosina Susngi at Mary Mazzarello Orphanage, Jowai, Meghalaya, India, advised: ‘Wishing you once again all the joys and blessings of Christmas, with lots of love… 10 of our orphans who have nowhere to go are still here with us. We have prepared a Christmas gift for them with a warm slack each (very cold here… 5 degree Celsius in the morning and less in the nights) together with stationery items, handkerchief and sweets. We were also able to buy a new dress for all of them to be used on Christmas day. They are very happy and find it better to spend Christmas here.’

Stancy, whose education was sponsored by Mrs Lesley Forman, on her wedding day. Photo forwarded to Mrs Forman and the Committee by Father Victor Papali.

Building upon Philippa’s work, the Committee now has a new web page developed and maintained by John Johnstone. John, a regular volunteer in the office each week, is in the perfect position to keep the page current. For many years he has printed our reminder notices and enhanced the presentation of our bi-monthly appeals. However, the development of a web page was a novel task for John; one which he embraced with enthusiasm and aplomb. Congratulations John on your achievement and on developing the necessary skills to undertake this task.

Sister Maggie with some of the Committee sponsored children at Infant Jesus Orphanage, Mulagumoodu.

Portion of an email from Sister Gemima Pohrmen, FMA Outreach Centre, Shillong: ‘I am happy to give you some information and the impact of the project “Goat Rearing” that you had sponsored upon the life of our poor people. Each family has got a unique story to tell us. I can tell you with much joy that this help has brought a smile and a sign of hope to families to be able to raise their income and sustain their family. Please convey our sincere gratitude to all who have made this help possible and in a special way to you who is always there to help and support our mission among these unfortunate and poor people.’

Girls from one of the families benefitting from the Committee’s goat rearing project. F.I.H. Sisters working towards the eradication of illiteracy in Haryana State.

Volunteering at St Veronica’s presents many challenges to those of us who work in the office or shop. Shop volunteers have had to embrace marketing and presentation tasks as well as the social and communication skills needed to serve different customers. Those of us who work in the office also have been challenged by the demands of technology to ensure that our record keeping, reports, communication and marketing reflect current business practice.

Photos from Father Kildos, Director of the Coastal Peace and Development Program, Kottar Diocese, India.

Following Up on the Committee‘s 2012 July - August Appeal for Low Interest Rate Loans for Daily Traders

Small Traders continue to prosper in Dindigul.

Over recent years a number of studies have concluded that volunteering enhances both quality of life and longevity. And for us to retain good brain function, it is suggested that it is important to continue to learn new skills throughout our lives.

Life is never dull for the volunteer workers at St Veronica’s! As a result of benefactors’ generous support we have diverse opportunities to help individuals and communities towards independence and sustainable futures.

Christo Varghese.

By your timely support nearly one hundred people are being benefitted at present. They return the loan every month, their living standard is improved and there are peace and joy in their families.’

New skills and achievements produce smiles all round:

Some of the 32 Committee sponsored children at St Michael’s Orphanage.

Our New Web Page – please explore it to keep in touch.

Dated: 10 / 03 / 2014.

Dated this thirteenth day of March 2014.

SPONSOR A CHILD Christmas Gift Cards

SALVIN P SAJU St Ann’s Carmelite Convent

ALEENA S S St Jacob’s Parish

BENSAM All Saints School

Thank you so very much to those donors who supported St Veronica gift cards in 2013. Note, Committee gift cards are available throughout the year. These cards for the purchase of livestock (pigs {$50}, goats {$40}, chickens {$30} or to support vocational education for displaced fishing villagers {$20}) can be tailored for a special event (birthday, retirement, bon voyage, anniversary or other celebration) and are well received by recipients.

ANUSKA BARA Auxilium Convent New Chumta

Office Hours SPONSORS’ OVERSEAS VISITS: Our centres always welcome visits from sponsors. Indeed, sponsors are treated as very special guests. One sponsor stated the centres made her feel like a movie star!! If anyone is interested in visiting their sponsored child, please let the Committee know. A sponsor from Gympie, a retired teacher, wishes to visit India and the children she sponsors. She would welcome the company of another sponsor. If you are interested, please inform the Committee and we will put you in touch.

Usually, there are volunteers in the office each Monday and Thursday (public holidays excepted).

workers from Pastor Barbara’s People’s Mission at Acacia Ridge collect voluminous amounts of surplus clothing and other donations from us to assist local homeless.

If the office is unattended, please leave your name, phone number and address after the message. If a shop volunteer answers the phone, ask them to take your name, phone number and address. WE ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO RETURN PHONE MESSAGES.

ST VERONICA SUPPORTS LOCAL CHARITIES: Occasionally the Committee receives comments to the effect that we should be concentrating on Australian needy rather than helping the poor in our neighbouring countries. Whilst Australia does indeed have many in need of assistance, we live in a country where government and other organisations are ready and able to provide a helping hand to those in need. Unfortunately, this is not always the case in other nations and we who live in the ‘lucky country’ cannot afford to turn our backs on our impoverished neighbours.

Donations to Pastor Barbar’s Mission (photo provided by Pastor Barbara, The People’s Mission, Acacia Ridge).

WITHOUT VOLUNTEERS THE GREAT WORK OF ST VERONICA’S WILL NOT CONTINUE.

This sturdy table and chair set was a great Thrift Shop purchase and can withstand rough play and the weight of an adult. They don’t make them like this anymore!!!

Do consider volunteering either in the shop or in the office. More workers are needed and will be Supporters may be unaware that the St Veronica welcomed with open arms. If at present you are Committee uses some Thrift Shop funds to provide not in a position to volunteer, consider paying a assistance to local needy. A regular donation is made visit to our Thrift Shop for a wide choice of items to the St Vincent de Paul organisation and, each week, available at bargain prices.

Carol, a shop worker, models a steam punk outfit sourced entirely from Thrift Shop stock.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SPONSOR A CHILD/ DONATE TO OUR WORK? I would like to donate

$

FOR:

Child Sponsorship - $100 per year

Support for Special Appeals (PLEASE TICK RELEVANT BOX)

(New sponsorships only)

METHOD OF PAYMENT: MASTERCARD

VISA

CHEQUE

(PLEASE TICK ONE)

NAME / NAME ON CARD:

SIGNATURE:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE:

CARD NUMBER:

EXPIRY DATE: / Please send your gift to St Veronica Welfare Comittee PO Box 5098, West End Q 4101 PHONE: 07 3844 7423 ABN: 74 044 171 838 Email: [email protected] Web: www.stveronica.org.au