Annual Report 2013 - St veronica welfare committee

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: stveronica@gil.com.au • 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: stveronica@gil.com.au Web: www.stveronica.org.au