The MJs non-event

Do you remember our find raising group the MJs? A selection of like minded friends hell bent on putting the FUN back into FUNdraising as well as minimising the out goings and maximising the dollars that actually get to the cause. Now there's an idea!

We're called the MJs because we all have middle names that start with 'M' or 'J' - Jane, Joy, Mary - that kind of 1960's thing. Well, we did have until Sally joined... but we're overlooking that.

Anyhoo, our next FUNdraiser is now open and I need your help!

We're hoping to raise $20,000 for Avalon Centre which provides second hand clothes, shoes, bedding and toiletries to the homeless as well as supporting other disadvantaged and disenfranchised individuals  - those from a refugee background, those with a disability, the lonely... anyone is need. They're a great cause.

So, what event, we wondered? We've had a trivia night, a cake stall, an indigenous do, a vintage clothing sale.... and then a friend's suggestion a couple of years ago popped back into my head - a non-event! That's right - an event you don't have to go to - perfect!

For those of you in Melbourne, you'll know what winter is like - long and bleak. So you start off, buying a ticket for an event and as the day draw closer, enthusiasm tends to wane as the beckon of the couch and an open fire becomes stronger. Why fight it, we thought?

Here's our promotional video.

That's why our next event is a non-event. That's right - an event we're asking you NOT to attend. 

We're not spending a dime on a venue, extravagant entertainment, a sit down dinner and wines of questionable quality - 100% of all monies received is going to the cause. We are so 'on mission'!!

As mentioned, (about 3 times..) we're hoping to raise $20,000 - we're up to about $4k and have a deadline of June 27th - eek!!!

Tickets are $130 and entitles the purchaser to a tax-deductible receipt, a discount on an eat-in, take away or delivered pizza from Firestone Pizza (472 - 486 Waverley Road, Malvern East) on the night (June 27th - it's a Tuesday BTW...)  and a warm fuzzy feeling!

And how can you stop me nagging? Yes - buy a ticket!!!

In addition, you can 'purchase' much needed items like sleeping bags, socks, underwear, runners and beanies - and yes, you'll get a tax-deductible receipt for those too.

Here's the TryBooking link so you can take action. 

With thanks and love!! MWWx and the MJs

What matters?

We were recently fortunate enough to work on a brand strategy that landed us in a space of 'what matters'. It recognised that we often get so caught up in the everyday 'doing', of being busy, that we don't know if it is achieving the things that actually matter. The brand encourages people to take a moment to reflect on what does matter to them and just check that it is where your energy is directed.

For me, knowing that I have been fortunate in life means giving back matters.

I'm currently part of a small group, The MJs, (please do LIKE us on Facebook) who undertake various grassroots events to support different causes. Our key aims are to have minimal expenses so the maximum amount of funds raised end up with the cause, to try and get people closer to the cause (perhaps through a personal connection, the type of event or an activity) and to put the FUN back into FUNdraising.

Our current project has been providing physical help to an amazing organisation called Avalon, which collects, sorts and distributes clothes and bedding for the homeless. It has some other very worthy activities as well - check them out at avaloncentre.org.au 

Before we started mobilising the small army of helpers, Elle and I went out with Avalon on their Sunday night run, following the St Vinnie's food trucks and helping pack and unpack the vans at the various city locations.

At one stop, the well-signed bus was rushed by an exuberant woman who clearly had business on her mind. She'd spoken to the key organiser and had rendezvoused here, as planned, to make her donations. We climbed out of the van as she handed over a couple of black plastic garbage bags - one at a time with explanation:
'Now this bag has sheets and doona covers and pillow cases..'
The second bag came our way.
'...and this one has everything matching - the doona cover and pillow cases and the thing ... the frilly thing for the mattress...'
'The valance?' I offered.
'That's it!' she exclaimed, clearly relieved someone was speaking her language.
'It's got the doona cover, pillow cases AND valance - all matching - and I would REALLY like them to stay together.'

I managed not to laugh out loud. Was she insane? What homeless person is going to be concerned about having a matching valance? In fact, what person anywhere is lying awake because they don't have a matching valance? And what does a person sleeping rough even do with a valance? So many questions....

But, as she pranced back to her black BMW,  high on the goodness of her charitable deed, I realised... a matching valance mattered to her. And that is absolutely her prerogative.

Putting the FUN back into FUNdraising....

Hello readers of MWW, benevolent supports, friends and those of you who just feel obliged to play along, (and apologies to this of you who have received this via FB, email as well - Twitter and G+ is also coming!!!)

Don't panic -  it's not a ball.

So a few of have gotten together, and decided to make our own fun-draing committee that will support whatever cause is near and dear to our hearts. And to kick off, what could be nearer or dearer than my gorgeous son George – well, in fact his school, Glenallen.

But firstly, check out the video/invitation Nick Trumble (creative) did for us. It's attached – just turn the volume up ad enjoy:

http://youtu.be/OYRTLLK54Yk

Just in case you missed it, it's Friday June 15th at the Malvern Town Hall.

Glenallen is a special school for the special of the special. The ratio of kids to staff and volunteers comes close to one to one. The do an amazing job. Jaz went there and George is in his last year. The kids there have some pretty extreme disability. The special of the special, as I like to call them. Here's the link to their site:

http://www.glenallen-sch.vic.edu.au

For some of the kids and their families, it's very tough. English may not be their first language. They may be strapped for cash. Or family support. So we'd like to help them out – not just with their wish-list of equipment, but with the schools assistance, a bit of extra help where it's needed most and will make the biggest difference.

So here's where you come in:

• Of course we need you to come along and support the event, please!! 
• Because we're branching out, we really need you to bring people along to the event – not just the people we know – to make this a success, we need to expand the network and if you can help with that, dragging along everyone you've ever met in your life, we would be extremely grateful
• And as always, any donations for prizes, auction, raffle or cash would be amazing

To book (yes, we've gone all techy and proud!) please click the link below:

http://www.trybooking.com/21843

And if you can't make it but feel you'd like to donate, you can do that via the same link.

Thanks as always,

Your friend in emotional blackmail,

MWW xx