RSPCA Cupcake Day
RSPCA’s annual Cupcake Day will be officially launched at South.Point shopping centre on Saturday 26 September 11am-1pm at the Centre Court. Canberra bakers have donated kits and instructions for purchase, so you can decorate your own animal-themed cupcakes with all profits donated directly to RSPCA ACT. Cupcake Day this year will be held on Monday 26 October, but RSPCA ACT is encouraging people to register and host a (COVID-safe) Cupcake Day on any day throughout the month. For more information or to register, visit rspcacupcakeday.com.au
GIVIT donation of the week: Fish tank
A local organisation that supports young people in various temporary/emergency care situations are looking for a fish tank to bring joy and discovery into their healing space. Many of the families who are supported through the organisation’s programs have experienced various traumas and challenging home environments. Having a fish tank in the main shared community lounge will bring a level of comfort and peace to the parents and children using the space. The fish will provide a safe way for all children to interact with a natural ecosystem and focus their attention on another living being. Any fish tanks in good condition which can be donated to this deserving organisation would be greatly appreciated. To donate, visit givit.org.au/donate-items, search by category “Fish Tank” to view requests located in your area. After you pledge the item, you will be contacted by the relevant organisation to arrange delivery. GIVIT supports more than 350 charities and community groups across the Capital Region by matching your items with people who need them most.
Another Chance op shop
Another Chance op shop at Scullin shops will be having 50% off the entire store from Monday 28 September through to Saturday 10 October (coinciding with the school holidays). Store hours are 10am-4.30pm weekdays and 10am-1pm Saturdays. Like their Facebook page for regular updates. Another Chance is truly a hidden gem, well worth your time to visit, especially during their 50% off sale. Another Chance is a project of Mosaic Baptist church – “in the community, for the community”.
Host a Giving Tree
Communities@Work is inviting organisations, schools and workplaces to host a Giving Tree to collect donations of food and gifts so struggling families and individuals can have food at Christmas and presents under the tree. So many have missed out on so much already. Please help make sure they don’t miss out on Christmas too. Hosting a Giving Tree is easy. Communities@Work has a digital toolkit on their website with all the resources you need to set up and promote your donation drive. They will support you and then collect your donations and set them up in a beautiful Christmas room for people in need. Unfortunately, with the tough challenges of this year, there may be more people than ever that need help, so Communities@Work are reaching out early to ask for your support. Please join their 2020 Christmas Appealastogether, we can help so many more vulnerable Canberrans. More info: commsatwork.org/christmas
Free online pelvic floor workshops
Women of all ages are invited to attend a free online pelvic floor workshop presented by a physiotherapist from Canberra Health Services on Monday 12 October 9.30-11.30am. This workshop is targeted to women who are experiencing continence or pelvic floor concerns as well as those who are wishing to prevent them. It will provide education and practical self-help strategies that may be implemented straight away all in the comfort of your own home. The workshop will cover issues relating to: pelvic floor muscles; bladder and bowel control, incontinence and prolapse; and concerns pre/post gynaecological surgery. Bookings essential. Call the Community Heath Intake Team on 5124 9977 so an individual email with the online link can be sent to you.
Cup Of Kindness Day
Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets is putting a call out to all cafes, coffee shops and clubs around Australia to get behind the youth charity and support Cup of Kindness Day on 1 October – a day to celebrate good coffee and a good cause, where every cup of coffee counts towards changing young lives for the better. The event was developed by the charity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, where Youth Off The Streets has seen the full impact of the crisis on homeless and disadvantaged young Australians. It will also help small businesses doing it tough amid the pandemic. Cafes participating on the day simply donate a proportion of their sales from every cup of coffee or tea sold on 1 October. Those customers getting their daily cup are welcome to add a kind donation to their purchase.
A list of participating #KindCafes can be found on the Youth Off The Streets website at: youthoffthestreets.com.au/support-us/cup-of-kindness/.
Spring forward
Daylight Saving Time starts in the ACT on Sunday 4 October at 2am when clocks are turned forward one hour to 3am. It will end on Sunday 4 April. 2021. A handy mnemonic for remembering which way to turn the clock is: Spring forward, fall back.
Australian Wildlife Week 5-11 October
From the well-loved kangaroo and koala to prickly echidnas and quirky quolls, Australia is known for having some of the most unique wildlife in the world, a rich variety of birds, (including 12.5% of the world’s parrot species), marine life, insects, spiders and reptiles. Held during the first week of October, Australian Wildlife Week 2020 is on 5-11 October, an opportunity to celebrate the diversity of Australian fauna and to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. During this week, you can help spread awareness on issues affecting our wildlife, including education on how to improve the environment in which our animals make their habitat. The Australian Wildlife Society is offering 50% off one- and three-year memberships. More info: aws.org.au/australian-wildlife-week/
Remembrance Day for Pregnancy and Infant Loss
Every day in Australia, six babies will be stillborn, another two babies will die within 28 days of birth (neonatal death) and 282 women will experience early pregnancy loss before 20 weeks gestation. One in four women under 35 will experience a miscarriage; by age 35, this increases to one in three, while half of all pregnant women over 40 will lose their baby to miscarriage. Thursday 15 October is International Remembrance Day for Pregnancy and Infant Loss. In Canberra, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Australia have worked closely with local Canberra stillbirth advocates, Bonnie and Steve Carter, to recognise this important day and to have buildings lit up in pink and blue to support Canberra families. This year, 10 Canberra landmarks will be illuminated, including: Old Parliament House, National Carillon, Royal Australian Mint, National Archives of Australia, Canberra Airport (terminal), Bowen Place, Kings Avenue Bridge (overpass), Canberra Times Fountain, various Light Rail stations, Telstra Tower. All Canberrans are invited to take a moment to reflect on the many people who experience the loss of an infant or pregnancy and let them know you are thinking of them. Please share your photos and stories on social media to help break the taboo and silence around pregnancy and infant loss. More info: pregnancylossaustralia.org.au; rednose.org.au
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