Re: 2005 Oxfam Christmas Trees Drive
Dear
volunteers,
2005
was a record year for Oxfam's annual Christmas Tree Drive. Almost 2500 trees
were sold and preliminary figures indicate that $80,000, has been raised this
year, up 20% on last year's figures. This could only have been possible
through the generous efforts of 124 vehicles from Victorian 4WD clubs and 45
vehicles from long term Oxfam supporters and members of the public who heard my
on air call for drivers to deliver the pre-ordered trees. The drivers
donated their time, use of their vehicles and fuel as a gesture of goodwill to
the Melbourne community. This in turn has helped raise funds to support
projects like tackling chronic malnutrition in Timor-Leste, preventing the
spread of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe, an indigenous family safety project in Western Australia where Australians suffer the affects of poverty, poor health and
discrimination and those effected by the recent earthquakes.
Our
media promotion was of a higher profile this year with a several radio
interviews including with Jon Faine on Radio 774, Macca on Australia All Over and
The 4WD Program on Stereo 974. Mention was made on all interviews that without
the support and generosity of 4WD club members this operation could not happen.
Many local newspapers also featured articles, often with photos and a similar
message was conveyed to the general public.
Once
again the operation ran like clockwork with the only hiccup being the last
articulated truck arriving at the Blackburn depot 50 minutes late. Thanks to
the patient drivers all trees were delivered on time and with a better delivery
record than Australia Post. Which reminds me, thanks to the driver who pointed
out that their delivery address for one tree order was to a post office box
number. A quick search found the home address and an embarrassed supporter.
Several trees were ordered from overseas supporters through our web site to be
delivered to family or friends in Melbourne as a Christmas present. We have
received many emails commenting on the beautiful trees and the quality of the
service provided by the volunteers involved.
All
drivers received a new double CD called Brave New Day featuring 29 of the best
Australian artist as a small token of Oxfam's appreciation of each drivers
tremendous support (if any driver missed out on this gift please give me a call
- orders for extra copies will also be taken). All feedback has been greatly
appreciated and noted for next year. Helpful suggestions have ranged from
"avoid allocating vehicles with trailers in the city and inner suburbs
with lots of narrow streets with road closures" to disposable signs be
attached to all trailers/vehicles indicating who they are volunteering for and
maybe contact details for future orders.
Some
extraordinary efforts were put in by some extraordinary people and worth
mentioning is the woman we have named "The Angel" from Geelong. Her offer to deliver in the Geelong area after hearing me on Radio 774, meant we
started taking orders from there. She did three separate runs, solo, in
between transporting a cancer patient up to Melbourne each day for treatment. Linda,
you have inspired us all and your energy so effected one of the people you
delivered to that the buyer has now offered to deliver next year.
On
a personal note my involvement in this project as a volunteer and coordinator
over 16 years (and as a deliverer before that) has lead me to a very special
realization. On the second weekend in December each year I've been lucky
enough to meet, as briefly as it often is, a very select group of volunteers. These
are people who have put their hands up at a club meeting or heard my call for
drivers on radio stations and have embraced that very special Christmas spirit
of giving. It is the opportunity of connecting with such unique and generous hearted
people that keeps me committed to this project. It's not a task, it's a
privilege to coordinate a team of such very special people. Thank you also to
the trip coordinator from each club who chased up phone numbers and contact
details to help the operation run so smoothly. Please forward this email on
if we did not have the email address of any of your club members who
participated.
Oxfam
Australia wants to sincerely thank every person involved and acknowledge such
a significant contribution to making the world a fairer place. On average each
driver's contribution equates to raising $500. We look forward to calling
upon your assistance on the weekend of 9th and 10th December 2006.
In 2005 the following 4WD clubs were involved: Jackaroo, Knox,
Nissan, LROCV, Melb. Jeep Owners, Pajero, Range Rover, Subaru, Toyota
Landcruser, VFWD, Wanderers, YV4WD, Toyota, Adverturers, Getabout, City West
and Wimmera 4WD Club, a total of 17 clubs. Ford Australia, Jims Mowing and
many local Oxfam groups all chipped in. Beth Pender, David Sharp and Elizabeth
Stewart all made significant contributions as did my wife Kathryn.
May
you all have a wonderful Christmas and Festive Season in the knowledge that the
reward of your significant contribution is at work now.
Cheers
and thank you.
Brian
Moran - Volunteer
Chair
of Fitzroy Oxfam Group
for
Oxfam Australia
Phone
03 94973227
christmastrees@tpg.com.au