HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND HAVE A GREAT 2023
GOOD NEWS STORIES:
On 09 November 2022, 7 pallets (16,748 books) left The Barn for our long-term partner in Lesotho, Transformation Resource Centre. It was the 16th shipment sent to TRC. The shipment left Port Adelaide on 21 November 2022 bound for Durban via Singapore.
This brought the total number of books sent to Lesotho to 260,145
The total direct freight cost has been $108,746 – an amount (plus overhead and other operating costs), totally donated by YOU. Thank you for your support of this “Nation Building Project”
COST INCREASES: The above shipment cost $9,374 (The cost was $8,691 in 2021 and $5,886 in 2020.)
Our budget of $22,939 compares with $16,429 for last year. Donations to date total $5,435.
NEED FOR BOOKS
While books continue to arrive at The Barn for sorting and packing (see next page), we are always seeking supplies – as always, there is a special need for Year 6 to 12, fiction and non-fiction. Please ask your school whether they can assist.
LOCAL INITIATIVES
- Adam Li – a Year 12 student from St Peters College, Adelaide
Early in 2022, Adam approached us to see if he could conduct a fundraising project to help B4L. Adam says that this was not a compulsory project, rather it was on his own initiative ”to help someone”. Naturally our answer was, “Yes”.
In due course Adam advised that he had raised $645.89 through the school, and then told us he had donated books too. He had approached a number of libraries plus added some of his own. What an amazing effort and a wonderful result – even while studying Year 12. Thank you, Adam.
2. Immanuel College Senior School
Dr Kylie S Booker, Director of Resource Centre & Innovation, reported: “The books donated to Lesotho came from a number of sources. A number of books were donated through the generous support of both Immanuel Primary and College families. In addition, members of the Holdfast Bay community donated books in response to a community project by two young students whose goal was to raise awareness of Lesotho and your projects. The Immanuel College library also donated a number of books” Right: David and Ray collect the donated books
3. A HUGE INFLUX OF BOOKS
About 2 months ago we had NO books at The Barn waiting to be sorted. Since that day we have had a steady stream of deliveries – from too many sources to list. However, I must especially thank the school and council libraries that have recently donated books. If you have helped with this, then you can know that you have helped set us up for a great start to 2023
4. SUPPORT FROM SERVICE CLUBS
Recently we have enjoyed support from several service clubs (both Lions and Rotary). I have spoken at meetings held by some of the clubs, and these have been most enjoyable occasions. We have received donations of books or dollars, and in most cases, both. This support is crucial to the ongoing success of Books for Lesotho.
B4L GOVERNANCE
During November, B4L held its AGM. 4 directors were due for re-election; they were duly re-elected. After the AGM the Board had its regular meeting at which David Linn was appointed Chairman and Wayne Turner as Treasurer.
A BIG THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone who has contributed in whatever way during 2022.
David Linn
Chairman, Books for Lesotho Inc.