Julie Higginbottom
1972
Email: julieo18@bigpond.net.au
I was fortunate enough to attend the Penang Reunion in September 2005,thankyou to my classmates David Sinclair, Cathy Campbell and Kerry Brockett(Cragg) for being there. We shared a fantastic week with lots of late nights and lots of shopping. I thought I'd died and gone to shoe heaven,sadly I could only fit 15 pairs in my case (and yes there was excess baggage), and for you guys, no you can never have too many pairs of shoes.
A little gossip for you all. A couple who had not seen each since they divorced 25 years ago seemed to renew their "friendship", what a lovely couple they made on the dance floor. Rumour has it they have been in contact since returning to Australia. Cheers Cathy Campbell and Graeme Fletcher.
On a more serious note {not that I'm not serious about the
shoes, lets be clear on that} One thing we all have in common is our love
for Penang and all the wonderful memories of so long ago. Having said that,
I decided I wanted to give something back to a place that has left its mark
on me my whole life. My colleague Sara and I (you will remember Sara dancing
the Highland Fling to the bagpipes at the sunset farewell) visited one of
the orphanages several times while we were there. We met with members of the
board (who are all volunteers) and were given free access to all areas of
the complex. There are approximately 60 children between the age of 5 and
16 living at the orphanage.
This is a privately run orphanage and relies on donations for its survival,
feeding them is sometimes on a day to day basis. They receive a government
subsidy of 3RM per child. You can sponsor one of these children for 500RM
per year (approx$195) or 1,000RM (approx $390) for all their needs. Australian
money goes such a long way in Malaysia. We have also been given a list of
basic things that they need such as sheets and towels. The older children
need scientific calculators and they would love to have a sound system with
microphones. These children have a chance to break the cycle of poverty with
a little help.
The orphanages mission statement is to provide a safe enviroment, feed them
and educate them so they can become responsible members of the community.There
are many orphanages on the island and it is my intention to visit more, this
is just the beginning for me. I ask you to join me and make a difference.
If I may leave you with these thoughts for your consideration:
When you seek happiness for yourself, it will always elude you,
When you seek happiness for others, you will find it yourself.
We are all one,
Julie O'Donnell
Sara Nicolaou
If you would like further information or if you have any
fund raising ideas I would love to hear them.
Bus 03 98768566,Fax 03 98768567 Email:julieo18@bigpond.net.au