Recognising volunteers
After a summer of extreme weather challenged the emergency and community volunteering sectors, recognising the extraordinary work of volunteers is vital. Nominations for the 2020 Volunteering Awards, Canberra Region are now open. There are nine award categories. Seven categories are open to the public to submit nominations, and all nominees will be put forward for the two remaining categories: Volunteer of the Year and Canberra’s Choice Award. Nominations are open until 6 April 5pm; volunteeringact.org.au
GIVIT donation of the week: Bibs and wraps
A local organisation that supports children who enter into emergency care is in need of baby bibs and wraps for their Go Bags. The organisation creates bags of essential items such as clothing, feeding supplies, toiletries and sleeping comforts so when a child is relocated to a safe temporary home the carers have items readily available to support the child/children’s needs. Items can be dropped off or picked up by the charity. To donate, visit givit.org.au/items-needed, search ‘baby bibs and wraps’ 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 300 charities across the Capital Region by matching your quality, pre-loved items with people who need them most.
Op shopping
Red Dove at Tuggeranong Uniting Church, Wanniassa will be open on 5-7 March and 2-4 April 9-1pm. You will find an auditorium full of quality clothing with great summer bargains. Also check out the community library outside the entry doors.
Up-Opping@Limestone (82 Limestone Avenue, Ainslie)is open on 6-7 March 10am-2pm with lots of $2 specials and large stocks of clothing, shoes, books, kitchenware, bric-a-brac and more. EFTPOS available.
Koala fund
ANU has set up the Koala Conservation and Protection Fund to support the temporary housing of bushfire-affected koalas as well as ongoing research to assist their recovery and protection. More info: anu.edu.au/giving/support-us/transforming-our-world/anu-koala-conservation-and-protection-fund
Eckankar events
Sound of soul: Experience some of the benefits of HU (the sound of soul): inner peace and calm, healing of the heart, divine love, expanded awareness, spiritual self-discovery and growth at an event on Friday 6 March 6-7pm, Corroboree Scout Function Room, Patterson Street, Ainslie.
ECK light and sound service: Discover more about yourself, discuss spiritual topics and experiences with like-minded people, or simply listen on Sunday 8 March 9.30-10.30am at Northside Community Centre, Majura Hall, Dickson. Donations accepted. More info: eckankar.org or call 9212 2100 and leave a message for a call back.
Autumn flower show
Come along to see beautiful flowers and plants on display at Lancaster Hall, Wesley Centre, Forrest on 7-8 March (Saturday 12-5pm; Sunday 11.30am-3.15pm). Dahlias are the showcase flower this year and there’s’ plenty more to see including fruit and vegetables, potted plants, orchids, floral art and a huge plant sale.
Volunteer with Safe Shelter
Safe Shelter for homeless men, in the inner city, is preparing to open on 26 April, at the start of Canberra’s winter. It is planned to close on 31 October. About 140 volunteers will be required. New volunteers attend a two-evening induction course before they decide whether they wish to volunteer. Courses start from 10 March and will continue throughout winter. More info: email [email protected]
ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia
Finding it hard to make changes when you are constantly exhausted or in pain? Create personal options for your future at ‘Change Well with ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia’ led by counsellor and psychotherapist Annette Fisher on Wednesday 11 March 10.30am at 170 Haydon Drive, Bruce. To book, contact ACT ME/CFS Society on 6290 1984 or [email protected]
Autumn plant stall
Calvary Hospital Auxiliary will hold its autumn plant stall on Thursday 12 March 7.30am-4pm near the main foyer, Calvary Hospital, Bruce. There will be a variety of indoor and outdoor plants for sale, including succulents, natives, exotics, roses, geraniums, lilies, iris and more. All funds raised go towards the purchase of equipment for Calvary Public Hospital patients and staff.
Art auction
The Aarwun Gallery, Shop 11 Federation Square, Gold Creek, will host a bushfire appeal art auction on Friday 13 March 6pm; viewing Wednesday 11 March from 10am. Register now by calling 6230 2055 or email [email protected]. Proceeds direct to bushfire victims.
Preloved fashion sale
The Zonta Club of Canberra Breakfast’s annual preloved fashion sale will be held on 13-14 March at the Yarramundi Cultural Centre on Lady Denman Drive. The event specialises in vintage and high-end fashion labels at an affordable price. A pre-sale event that includes champagne and finger food is on Friday 13 March; entry costs $25 and tickets can be pre-purchased through Trybooking. Entry on Saturday is free. More info: email [email protected]
ACT Miniature Enthusiasts
The ACT Miniature Enthusiasts annual show is on Saturday 14 March 10am-4pm at Weston Creek Community Centre. The ‘Make and Take’ table will return for children who wanted to learn a miniature skill at a minimal fee. There will also be a dollhouse play area. Entry: $6 adults, $3 children aged 5-12; children u5 free. Show profits will be donated to MULCH – Marymead’s Urban Land Community Harvest.
Melanoma March
On Sunday 22 March from 9am, the annual Melanoma March will be held in Canberra at Weston Park. Melanoma March is the annual nationwide event by not-for-profit organisation Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) calling on Australians to raise awareness and funds to combat one of Australia’s biggest killers. More info: melanomamarch.org.au
Folk dance workshops
Learn a variety of dances from folk regions of Romania with Marius and Maria Ursu from Timisoara. Workshops are on 14-15 March 9.30am-1pm and Monday 16 March 7.30-9.30pm (advanced level) at Folk Dance Canberra Hall, Hackett. Cost: $15 per session, $18 non-members. Contact: [email protected]. Another event will be held on Wednesday 18 March 7.30-10.30pm at CIFDA Yarralumla Uniting Church Hall, Yarralumla. Cost: $10. Contact: [email protected]
Girls Leadership Network
The Girls Leadership Network is now taking applications for young women, ages 16-20 (or years 11, 12, and first years of uni). There is no cost to attend the series of sessions, which will be held the first Wednesday of each month at ThinkPlace in Barton (50 Blackall Street). Applications are due by 15 March with the first session 1 April. More info: thegirlsleadershipnetwork.org
Charity stall
Relay for Life Team the Bold Bandannas will hold a charity stall at the Belconnen Markets on 14-15 March 8am-5pm. There will be trash ‘n’ treasure, homemade preserves, a range of hand-sewn items and more. More info: call Rosemary on 6288 7752.
