Acknowledgements
Many acknowledgments need to be made as a result of the generous donations we have received during 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The Australian Leukodystrophy Support Group thanks most sincerely all individuals, groups and organisations who show their support and care for Leukodystrophy sufferers and their families. Without this generosity our organisation would not be able to maintain the high level of support that we feel all Leukodystrophy families deserve.
2010
Estate of the Late Mr Rex David Pelham
Our sincere thanks and condolences go to the Pelham family. Mr Rex Pelham kindly remembered the ALDS in his Will and we thank Rex and his family for their support. As you know ALDS is committed to providing the best possible care and support to all Leukodystrophy sufferers and their families. Thank you to Ogilvie Jennings for forwarding us a cheque for $500.
Hamilton Friends and Supporters
Thanks to everyone who supported Deirdre Quinsey, her partner Dennis and her two daughters, Ashleigh and Samantha, by attending a concert which was held in memory of Josh Quinsey. The concert - 'Dennis Turner Plays Bob Dylan' was held on Sunday 29th August and $1,800 was raised for ALDS through ticket sales, donations and fundraising. ALDS sincerely appreciates the generosity of Hamilton residents and family and friends of the Quinsey family.
Melbourne Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation
Thank you to the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation for supporting us so generously this year through their grant of $12,500 towards administration expenses. This gift means such a lot to our committee and members. It gives us great peace of mind knowing that income from donations and fundraising continues to be directed to families affected by Leukodystrophy.
Macquarie Telecom
To the team at Macquarie Telecom for keeping us in mind when looking for a recipient for three laptop computers – THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Three ALDS families now have a laptop to use which will significantly enhance their lives by creating communication opportunities which would otherwise have been unavailable.
St George Foundation
We are so grateful to the St George Foundation for their continued support of us over a number of years now. It is comforting to know that the SGF recognises the value of our group and the special needs of our families. We successfully applied for a grant of $5,000. Four families have received the funds necessary to fulfil their wishes for their children – 1 child will be given speech therapy, one child will be given a standing frame, two children will be given a feeder seat and one child will be given education aids to be used at home and school.
Make A Wish Foundation
Make A Wish Foundation recently organised for a Western Australian family to come to Melbourne to attend a Wiggles concert. This family's three year old daughter has an Undiagnosed Leukodystrophy. We thank the Make A Wish Foundation - Mandurah Branch and in particular Christine Hodges and Glenice Haines for making the weekend so special. From leaving home to arriving back the family was treated very kindly and to many wonderful opportunities including catching up with their own family here in Melbourne and a trip to the Melbourne Zoo. Thank you also to The Wiggles themselves for providing an extra ticket for another family member. Info - Make A Wish
Challenge Fund Inc.
As a result of further fundraising after the Inaugural Sydney Golf Day 1n 2009, Gary Dawson OAM and his colleagues at the Challenge Fund Inc. provided ALDS with a cheque for $5,023.15. This money was raised at the Charity Challenge Ball which was held in November 2009. We sincerely thank all those who contributed to the organisation of this event and those who attended and actively supported the auction and raffle events that were held over the course of the evening.
Adam Gardiner Foundation
Many thanks to Terry Gardiner from the Adam Gardiner Foundation for supporting ALDS at the time of the inaugural Sydney Golf Day and the Charity Challenge Ball by donating $660
Anonymous
Thank you very much for your recent donation of $10,000 and for expressing your support for families in this way.
Anonymous
We have received an anonymous donation of $500. Many thanks for your kindness and generosity.
Portelli Family
Thank you very much for your ongoing support over many years now. Your donation of $500 will go a long way to assist families affected by Leukodystrophy
Sr Julie Thomas
Julie's acts of kindness and concern continue through her recent donation of $10,000 to the ALDS. Julie received a bequest and, in very typical fashion, decided that ALDS would be a more suitable benefactor than herself. Thank you very much Julie - you still amaze us!
Anonymous Donation
The generous and caring nature of so many in the community never ceases to amaze us. We are so grateful to one wonderful person for their anonymous donation of $50,000.00 which has been given to support the ALDS.
Long Reef Golf Club
We thank the Long Reef Golf Club for choosing ALDS for fundraising during 2010. We look forward to our association this year.
Lions Club of Geelong - Longest Walk Committee
The Longest Walk Committee never seem to stop working and we thank you all so much for your continued efforts on our behalf. ALDS was the recent benefactor of a further $1,900 which will be put towards assistance for families with mobility issues.
Talya Brookman
Thank you Talya for donating art work from the Chase Gallery in Sydney. Your donation has raised over $3,000 for our group.
The Precinct Group Pty Ltd
Thanks to Ross Duggan and Andrew Strachan from the Precinct Group for assisting with updating our website. This is an ongoing project which will be finalised a little later in the year. So please stay tuned for our new look!
2009
Tenix Foundation
The Tenix Foundation has very kindly donated $5,000. The donation came to us in support of a Tenix Solutions staff member who was the recent recipient of a Chairman's Award. Many thanks to Tenix Foundation, Tenix Solutions and your staff for such a generous gesture. This donation has been given to families in need.
All Souls' Opportunity Shop
Thank you very much to the Volunteer Auxiliary of the All Souls' Opportunity Shop for donating $600. This very dedicated and kind group of ladies has been assisting the ALDS for many years now. We take this opportunity to express our very sincere thanks for their continued support.
Haigh's Chocolate Factory
Many thanks to Mr Alister Haigh, CEO of Haigh's Chocolate Factory, for his sponorship of the South Australian ALDS Carer's Week Luncheon which was held at the Muscular Dystrophy Association on Saturday November 7th 2009. Mr Haigh contributed $500 to cover the cost of the luncheon and also assisted us to organise a tour and afternoon tea at the factory which took place on October 17th. Thanks also to the wonderful staff who assisted us on this very pleasant day.
Muscular Dystrophy Association of South Australia
MDA SA have been particularly helpful to our group in the last few years. We sincerely thank all staff who assisted us in conducting a luncheon in support of Carer's Week 2009. We all had a very comfortable and enjoyable time together.
Newman's Own Foundation - "A Delicious Way to Give"
"Paul Newman was committed to helping make the world a better place. To carry on his philanthropic legacy, Newman's Own Foundation is donating to five nationally based charities in their annual philanthropic campaign which sees a total of $1million given to worthwhile causes. This year the foundation is honored to be making grants to a total $315,500 and a further example of the generous legacy left by Paul Newman, who died late last year (2008)."
We have been very fortunate to be one of these successful beneficiaries receiving a grant of approximately $59,300 AUD, and are extremely grateful to Paul Newman and his Foundation.
Sr. Julie Thomas and Mary Myers attended the official presentation at Sofitel Melbourne, along with a number of other recipients. It was a pleasure and a privilege to meet with Bob Forrester, the President of the Newman's Own Foundation, and a world recognised leader in the philanthropic and non-governmental sectors who was also a close, personal friend and advisor to Paul Newman.
These funds will enable us to employ our first Case Manager to assist our families throughout Australia.
"Who knew that a bottle of salad dressing could, in turn, forever change the lives of thousands in need around the world. That's mighty potent (and tasty!) stuff." More info at www.paulnewmansown.com.au
The Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation - Melbourne
We are pleased to announce that for the third year we are the recipients of The Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation Grant of $12,500 for our "Better Support for Families" cause. Special thanks to Grants & Philanthropy Director, Mr Leigh Wallace and also to Robyn Stanton for all her support.
Carers VIC Australia
It is with great delight to announce we are the recipients of a $200 grant in August 2009. These funds will contribute greatly to our needs here at ALDS in the new year.
St. George Foundation - Grant
On Thursday the 11th June, Bronwyn Paterson, Branch Manager at St. George Bank in Cheltenham and Gordon Tansey, Regional Executive from the Melbourne City South Office, presented Sr. Julie Thomas CSB OAM with a cheque of $20,000.00 GRANT to assist with Project Freedom. This money will be distributed to assist a number of families around Australia. We are extremely grateful to St George Foundation who supports children's charities in Australia to improve the lives of disabled and disadvantaged kids. Since 1990, over $13 million has been distributed to hundreds of charities to help thousands of children be the best they can be.
Camberwell Rotary Club - Grant
The Camberwell Rotary Club honoured ALDS with $2,500.00 to distribute to a few Victorian families suffering difficulties in many areas of their lives as a result of one or more family member/s suffering with Leukodystrophy. Jo-Anne Tamlyn, Project Co-Ordinator at Chronic Illness Alliance Inc. is doing a fantastic job, and as member of the Camberwell Rotary Club, has been of great assistance and support in her applications on our behalf. We thank Jo-Anne, Chronic Illness Alliance Inc. and the Camberwell Rotary Club for their generous support and contributions.
Genetic Support Network of Victoria (GSNV)
Special thanks goes to Leah Lonsdale, Coordinator at GSNV for her great work in approving our application for the Special Projects Grant of $200.00.
Luncheon at Caulfield Racecourse Melbourne
A special Luncheon was held at Caulfield Racecourse in the Elms Function Room on Wednesday the 5th August 2009 at noon. Our Guest Speaker Mr. John Olsen (Longest Walk for Aussie Kid) spoke of his solo walk across Australia, and guests viewed glimpses of the walk on DVD that John took himself. Our appreciation goes to Marie Graffen for ongoing thoughtfulness, planning and generosity. Approximately $2,000 was raised for ALDS.
Geelong Lions Club
Special thanks goes to a number of 'Lions' for their assistance in raising funds for ALDS, especially Mr Brian Edward.
$62,000 was raised as a result of John Olsens greatest marathon - Thank you John.
John Olsen - Personal Donation
John donated personally $5,000 to ALDS in addition to the tremendous amount of funds raised by his "The Longest Walk for an Aussie Kid" marathon. Further information on the News tab.
Cargill Australia - Donation
We sincerely thank Management and Staff at Cargill Australia for their generous and kind contribution of $5,000.00 in aid of Andrew MacPhersons' "Sponsor a Tri athlete" fundraising event for ALDS.
Andrew Macpherson - Andrew set himself a challenge in order to raise money for his friends (whose three children were diagnosed with MLD) and for the ALDS. Andrew sought sponsorship for completing the Ford Australia Ironman Triathlon endurance race (swim 3.9kms, bike 180kms, run 42.2kms). It involved over 300hrs of training in which he ran over 1,000km, swam over 250km and rode over 5,400km. We wish to thank Andrew for his kindness, generosity and hard work in raising funds for ALDS and his friends. Congratulations Andrew for completing the triathlon April 2009 and achieving your goals.
Russell Investment Group Pty Ltd
We received a donation of $500 from the Russell Investment Group Staff Matching Program. Thank you to all concerned for this year including the ALDS onto this program.
Oneone Woods - On behalf of the ALDS Committee and members I would like to express sincere thanks to Oenone Wood for her time as Ambassador of our group. It is sad that Oenone has left professional cycling from the end of 2008 but I hope she receives much joy and pride from all the sparkling achievements of her career. Oenone worked extremely hard and always strived to be her best - she has been an inspiration to many and I am sure this will continue to be the case for many years to come. Oenone joined us just over two years ago now in May 2006 and very generously and graciously accepted formal invitations and publicity engagements to appear on our behalf.
The BlueArc Group - We hope everyone will take advantage of the easy way in which to make donations to the ALDS. Our Online Donation system has been set up with the assistance of the staff and management of BlueArc - an IT Professional Services Company. We acknowledge all involved in the project for their commitment of staff, time and resources to our group.
2008
Oxfam Skill Share
Many thanks to Kate Taylor from Oxfam Skill Share who connected us with a wonderful volunteer to advise and support us with all public relations and media matters during the Longest Walk for an Aussie Kid campaign. The assistance we received from Oxfam, Kate and Margot Gorski of PR Matters was instrumental in achieving the wide spread recognition that John's walk needed. This collaboration between an organisation, a volunteer and our group has strengthened the ability of the ALDS to be successful in future fundraising and public relations ventures. Thank you to all.
Margot Gorski - PR Matters
Thank you Margot for all the wonderful work you did to assist us with the Long Walk campaign. You provided knowledge and expertise that proved to be most beneficial to our group, John and the Geelong Lions Club and will be invaluable to the ALDS for future ventures into public relations. We couldn't have done it without you.
Good Company Volunteers and Management
Large, important projects that require knowledge and expertise in fields unfamiliar to our group can often remain 'on hold' until such time as 'the right people come along'. This 'time' came around a whole lot quicker when we approached Good Company for assistance to find a professional volunteer who could help us produce our promotional DVD. Our group has produced a lovely DVD that is of a far better standard than we could have done on our own, it was produced in a very respectable amount of time and at next to no cost. We are so grateful to the Management and Staff of Good Company and to Brendan Patterson who so graciously accepted the challenge to help us achieve this long term dream.
Good Company has also been responsible for partnering us up with Allison Brown from Profile Consulting who has been assisting us in the area of grant application writing since 2007.
Michael Long
Another very generous person who has given us his time and expertise to assist with our promotional DVD is Mr Michael Long from Mobile MultiMedia. Michael very generously printed our initial run of 100 copies of the DVD and supplied us with the art work for the label and cases. Many thanks to you Michael for your friendship and generosity regarding this special project and for your continuous generosity in providing us with a further 100 DVD's in August 2009. For a copy of this DVD please contact ALDS via email - mail@alds.org.au or phone 98452831.
Currajong State School
St Michael's School
Pandahcare Pty Ltd
'Friends Group' for a NSW Family Trust
Novita and the South East Metropolitan Region of the Commonwealth Carer Respite Centre
Santos Moomba 'Friends Group'
Dick Smith Foods Pty Ltd
Howard Glover Charitable Trust
Anonymous Donations
SAP Australia
Adelaide Benevolent Society
The Rotary Club of Maroubra NSW
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The Costa Family Foundation
Anonymous Donations
Department of Human Services
2007
Gwen & Edna Jones Foundation
Southside Stampers Inc.
Spring Bulb Fundraiser - NSW
Carers South Australia
Department of Human Services Victoria
Department of Families, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs
Genetic Services Network of Victoria (GSNV)
2006
1314 Foundation
Camperdown Rotary Club
Maroubra Rotary Club
Gwen & Edna Jones Foundation
Paul Newman Foundation
The Newman's Own Foundation donated US $12,000 to assist families. The ALDS purchased Specialised Hospital Beds and Hoists for a number of families and this will be greatly appreciated by all concerned for many years.