GIVIT donation of the week: new tents and swags
Recipients: Bushfire victims on the South Coast. The recent bushfires have caused significant damage to properties in the South Coast and surrounding areas. Residents have lost their homes and businesses and are having to sustain themselves without power. Many victims have had to vacate their properties and find alternate accommodation including living in tents. Brand new tents and swags are needed for those affected by the bushfires. Your donation will be hugely appreciated. Delivery options: Items to be dropped off. To donate, visit: givit.org.au/items-needed, search ‘tents’ and select requests located in ACT. After you pledge the item, you will be contacted by the relevant charity to arrange pick-up or drop-off. GIVIT supports over 250 charities across the Capital Region by matching your quality, pre-loved items with people who need them most
Live your best life
The School of Practical Philosophy is running the Wisdom Within introductory course starting on Tuesday 4 February. The course will help you become more mindful, connected and alive. Costs apply. For more information or to register visit practicalphilosophy.org.au
Info for seniors
The Office of Seniors and Veterans has provided the Belconnen Men’s Shed (BMS) with funding to assist with the delivery of a program that will bring people together to discuss matters that are of   interest to seniors. The events will be available to all senior members of the ACT community. Sessions will start in February. A survey is available at Terry White Chemmart pharmacy Ainslie, Garran and Higgins and online [tinyurl.com/tips4actseniors] with feedback to help establish the topics, dates, times and locations of the information sessions.
Family fun fair
Papilio Early Learning in Yarralumla (48 Macgillivray Street), Barton (50 Blackall Street), and Bruce (100 Eastern Valley Way) are inviting people to attend their respective family fun fairs on Saturday 1 February from 10am-1pm. The 2020 theme is ‘a new year of fun and learning has begun’. The Family Fun Fair will feature activities such as face painting, community and local business participants with demonstrations of the play-based early learning curriculum.
This is Australia
Belle Hogg is one of two local artists who have participated in a project coordinated by artist Kasey Rainbow via Instagram. The 100-page colouring book features the work of 100 Australian artists, each who have been inspired by our beautiful country. It costs $10 with 100% of proceeds to be donated to wildlife charities; kaseyrainbow.bigcartel.com/product/colouring-book-digital
Media freedom
Come and hear Virginia Haussegger AM and Mark Kenny’s thoughts on media freedom and other current issues at a forum hosted by ABC Friends ACT Region. The event is on Saturday 1 February 1.30-2.30pm at the Main Hall, Ainslie Arts Centre, 30 Eloura Street, Canberra. Register for this free event via Eventbrite and search for ‘ABC Friends’. Non-members are welcome.
Free pelvic floor workshops
Women of all ages who are experiencing continence problems or wishing to prevent them are invited to attend a free workshop on Wednesday 5 February at the Belconnen Community Health Centre, 9.30am-12.30pm. Presented by a physiotherapist the workshop will provide information, education and self-help strategies relating to: Bladder and bowel control/incontinence; Bladder and bowel prolapse; and concerns pre/post gynaecological surgery. Bookings are essential. Contact the Community Health Intake Team on 5124 9977.
Op shopping
Red Dove is open Thursday to Saturday 6-8 February and 5-7 March from 9am to 1pm at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Comrie Street, Wanniassa. Free goods available for fire affected families.
Another Chance op shop at Scullin shops opened for 2020 trading on Tuesday 28 January with a great range of new stock at fabulous prices. Like them on Facebook for more information. Another Chance is a project of Mosaic Baptist Church.
Up-Opping @ Limestone will be open on Friday 31 January and Saturday 1 February from 10am-2pm with lots of bargains, food, fashion and fun to be had.
Sport and rec fair
The Gungahlin Sports and Recreation Fair is being held on Friday 7 February 3.30-6pm at the Amaroo Playing Fields. Coordinated by Northside Community Service, the fair is an opportunity for local sports and recreation clubs to come and advertise to the public about the options for their kids in the Gungahlin Region. Free entry.
