Our Last Meeting  - Hazel Overfield - Days for Girls

Bernie Chaired the Meeting

 

She welcomed Guest Speaker Hazel and her colleague Robyn,
and Roger’s partner Sally

 

Thanks for the photos Dave

 

 

There was no International Toast, with the Sergeant suggesting bacon flavoured toast instead

President’s Report from Jim

Welcome to the first sit down meeting of the year

“Happy New Year“ and Year of the Rabbit

 

Paul introduced our guest speaker, and Robyn, who is the Qld President and co ordinator of DFG

 

Thanks for the info Hazel

 

My name is Hazel Overfield and until three years ago lived in the little country town of Boonah where I worked for 12 years as a Teacher Aide at the High School. I Have spent about 30 years working with students with disabilities and challenges and loved every minute of it.

I started a Days for Girls team in 2013 which has grown stronger each year and is producing hundreds of kits that are sent around the world.

 

On retirement to Caloundra, 3 years ago, I joined Days for Girls Mooroochydore and have been part of the team, again, producing many kits that have made their way to Fiji.

2023 will see this team scale back its operation due to a few factors and I am convinced that another team needs to be established here in Caloundra with some enthusiastic friends ready to take up the challenge.

I have been passionate about Days for Girls since it was established here in Australia and believe that the need is still huge and so much more can be done to alleviate the suffering and alienation of so many girls and women around the world.

 

I hope this simple but effective presentation will inform, perhaps shock some of you but ultimately speak to your hearts, spreading the word is our first step together should you wish to partner with this vital charity.

Thank you from all the girls!

 

Hazel is suggesting a Days for Girls in Caloundra.

 

The Lifepointe Church at Wises Road was their base until very recently. As you are no doubt aware, the church was destroyed by fire on the 20th– fortunately they were insured.

 

The idea was initiated 12 years ago – Every Girl – It aligns with UNICEF & Rotary W. A S H.principles

The 2008 founder was a scientist - Celeste Mengens.

 

The project is about solving menstrual health and hygiene practice with environmentally sustainable solutions. The full participation of girls in every day life in many developing countries is hampered by lack of information and effective means of dealing with the issue.

 

Hazel had been working in slums in Kenya. Women and girls had no way of managing this. They initially supplied disposable pads, but realised quickly this was not the way forward and have moved to reusable materials.

 

Gloria Buttsworth found Celeste in 2012 and DFG was founded in Newcastle.

 

A single kit helps girls stay in school for three years.

 

A lot of research went into the product.

 

There is also poor information around menstrual matters in sometimes girls are not informed, and they think they are dying – it’s often a “taboo“ subject – even mothers don’t seem to tell their daughters.

 

There are approximately 750 teams currently.

Social entrepreneurship.

 

Hazel has been to Uganda, five times.

 

The kids cost $15 to make

 

DFG funding? – No.

 

Bernie and Jim thanked Hazel and Robyn for the most informative presentation

 

 

Deborah - Sue Ellen called out of the blue regarding involvement in providing lunch for an equestrian event at the Pony Club grounds – would be day long exercises from 7:30 till three– 11th of March

 

Jim and Deb spoke to RSL Airforce chaplain and historian – they have the Avro Ansen which discovered the Centaur. American ambassador. CarolineKennedy is visiting Fisher electorate.

We have been donated 20 lengths of timber from Bunnings, which is going to the woodwork club to make the crosses for the ceremony.

 

Jim – two up

 

Dave “bad hat” 30% still to pay up

 

Applause for the tree planting photos.

 

Bernie thanked all.