The story so far...
Celebrating 10 years of TUFA
It was May 2013 The Umbrella Foundation Australia (TUFA) became a registered Australian Charity. Over the last 10 years we have grown and achieved far more than ever seemed possible when Linda, Carolin & Alana first signed a very basic constitution. This was the beginning of our little charity and our small member number of 3 has now expanded to an amazing group of inspirational people who give their time freely, share their passion for Nepal & it's people and have loads of fun in the process with the various fundraising events, travel and networking.
Some of our achievements include:
The Gatlang Women's Community Program - the first Days for Girls rural program in Nepal
Days for Girls Nepal Ambassador training - Pramila Dangal
Australian volunteers' program
Umbrella Nepal student support
Nepal Earthquake emergency response through our friends Mountain People
Gatlang community post-earthquake response - delivery of medical supplies, warm clothes and school support.
Post earthquake rebuild of Shree Bhimsen Secondary School in Sindhupalchowk
Water program with The Rotary Club of New Road Kathmandu
Days for Girls sewing training with students of Shree Bhimsen Secondary School
Women's Health and Hygiene education program and supply of menstruation kits to post earthquake camps
Education support for children working in Brick Kiln factories through our partnership with Global Fairness Initiative (Children of the kilns)
Health & Hygiene support for girls and women working in Brick Kiln factories through our partnership with Global Fairness Initiative (Women of the kilns)
COVID emergency response with our friend Sushil Babu Chhetri who supplied food to many families in the Kathmandu Valley.
Whilst this is a brief summary of the last ten years, we are aware that none of this could happen without the generosity of many people in our communities here in Australia. It has been a team effort and one that we hope will continue to expand over the next ten years. We are very humbled and grateful to you all.
Namaste,
Linda Harwood - Chairperson
Children of the kilns Sponsorship Program
TUFA are delighted to report that we have recently sent US$4000 to our Nepal partners, Global Fairness Initiative who coordinate our children of the kilns program. This year we are supporting 161 children who now have the opportunity to attend school and achieve an education which has not been previously available to them. Our Children of the kilns program is fully funded by our awesome sponsors who donate at least $20 a month...we have to give a huge call out to those who generously contribute far more! You are all special people who are giving these kids a chance to achieve a future and break down the generational barriers of poverty.
10 years of fundraising events
A charity cannot exist without funding and over the years we have tried to step out of the square and have some fun events to support our programs. From our first fundraiser in Sydney at a Nepali restaurant to extravagant themed events such as our Gatsby night, Bollywood and Nepali dance evenings, it has been a blast! We especially appreciate the individuals who have cooked sausages, school groups who had had cakes stalls and the many people who have purchased raffle tickets and made donations.
To the Hunter Valley and Sydney small businesses who have supported us with an amazing array of raffle and auction prizes.... some of which have included the signed Russell Crowe divorce auction program book (Thank you Leigh Capel from Belle Epoque Fine Arts)!
We thank you all!
Join us in Nepal.
October 2023 we will be going on a big jet plane to Nepal. Yes folks, our Nepal Discovery Tour is happening again! Linda Harwood will be hosting the tour which is organised by our Nepal partners Nature Treks who are absolute whizzes in organizing beautiful locally owned accommodation and include many hidden extras in the trip.
This is not a fundraising event as you are paying Nature Treks directly. The tour number is limited to only 10 people and allows you free time to explore the many hidden gems that are often overlooked by the large organised tour companies.
For the full itinerary and costs go to: Events — The Umbrella Foundation Australia (umbrellaaustralia.org)
Artist Sushil Babu Chhetri
Our friend Sushil has now produced a range of cards and merchandise which feature his amazing artwork. These are available at Fleurs of Morpeth, situated in Swan Street, Morpeth NSW.
All funds raised from the sale of cards go to supporting the many projects that Sushil is undertaking in Nepal. Please contact us at: info@umbrellaaustralia.org if you would like any orders or information in regard to contacting Sushil.
If you are interested in being part of our small organisation please contact us at: info@umbrellaaustralia.org
Our team meet the second Tuesday bi monthly in the function room at Easts, Bank Street, East Maitland NSW. Our next meeting is Tuesday, 12th June 2023, 6.00pm.
If you require any information about TUFA and our programs, please contact Linda via email: linda@umbrellaaustralia.org
Copyright © 2023 The Umbrella Foundation Australia Ltd, All rights reserved.
Newsletter - 10 Years of Umbrella Australia
Our mailing address is:
info@umbrellaaustralia.org