On Presentation Day in September we conducted a fundraising campaign to support two very worthy projects in South Sudan and our own community liaison program. Through the very generous donations, we raised over $4,500 to be split between the three projects. Thank you to Maria Kaplanis who co-ordinated the silent auction, and to all who donated goods and services. Donors are listed below.

Here is an update about the projects, and we are seeking further donations to assist with the building of an outside basketball court in Akech Manyiel’s home town.

At St Joseph's Primary School in Limkuon (Jonglei State, South Sudan), students study under the trees during the dry season, bringing their own chairs if they have them, or sitting on the ground. The compound is gated to keep animals out, and 200 children share a single toilet. The children are in one large class ranging in age from 6 to 14. There are no text books, and very few exercise books, pens and pencils. There are no tables, chairs or buildings. There is also no electricity, so there is no opportunity for classes in the evening. In the winter wet season there is no school because the ground becomes muddy and the children have no shelter from the rain. Instead, they help with planting and work on the farm.

Kokoya Abomtoug, the mother and aunt of Gai, Bella, Bedeit, Kan and Dal who play with the All Stars, is our contact for this project. She will be visiting the school in January and giving the school the news that we have raised $1,500 to help the school build a shelter for classes so that the school can continue during the wet season!

Akech Manyiel, our Community Liaison Officer, is visiting his home village for the first time in 27 years and wants to restore the basketball court to encourage basketball there. Akech is from the village of Yirol East in South Sudan, and he will see his mother for the first time since he was six years old.

We have raised funds to help Akech provide poles, backboards, rims, and basketballs, as well as to cement the court. However, cement is very expensive in Yirol (approximately $50 per bag) so we are asking club members if they would like to make a donation towards bags of cement so that Akech can complete the court.

Akech will be visiting Yirol East over the Christmas holidays.

If you would like to make a donation, please complete the attached form and:

PDF & scan to: manager@collingwoodbasketball.com.au

Fax to: 9419 3203 (credit card only)

Post to: PO Box 1408, Nth Fitzroy, 3068

It would be ideal if donations could be made by Monday 23rd December.

Akech would be very grateful if you could help him complete this project!

Thanks to those who have already donated, including the 14CW5 girls team. Perhaps other teams would also like to donate!

Please contact manager@collingwoodbasketball.com.au if you would like any further information

Thank you to the following businesses and individuals who donated to the silent auction and raffle on Presentation Day:

2012/13 Boys 16.3 Representative Team

5 Elements

Hatton Hotel (Andrew Hatton)

Annette & Peter Lilley

Basketball Outlet

Birch Living

Bruce Clothing

Caitlin Jones

Chris Bain

Tarrawarra Wines (Clare Halloran)

Degani

Emer Diviney

Errol Street Spinal & Sports Physiotherapy (Ben Smith)

Firstbite Dental Practice (Agim Hymer)

Fire Boroughs

Gloria Staios

Jenny Pedersen

Madison Sports (David Fletcher)

Margarita's Bijou (Margaret Price)

Mark Stevens

Megan Rouse & Gerard Molan

Mesop

North Cafeteria

Peter Moore

Run by Women (Alex Ryan)

Spencer Lacy (Emma O'Connor)

The Orient Express (Reba Aldous & Paul Tozer)

Via Veneto

Vicki Bell Photography

Vicki Georgiou

Water Wheel Wines