RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION (RDA) - Singapore

RDA is the only organisation in Singapore that provides free, therapeutic horse riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities. Since its start in 1982, RDA has hosted sessions for more than 1,000 children and adults. More than 100 riders currently attend sessions each week.

Opportunities for ANZA Members: Many ANZA members already volunteer with RDA, and they are always delighted to hear from others, especially those who may be interested in "sidewalking." These 45-minute sessions involve walking beside the horse, guiding and motivating the rider to achieve the tasks and activities set by the Instructor. Horse experience is not necessary as training will be given, though volunteers must be over 16.

ANZA Support: ANZA has enjoyed a long association with RDA through the funding of Blossom the pony, who recently passed away. ANZA is continuing its support by funding a new pony for the next three years at $10,000 per year. RDA is currently searching for a suitable pony, and we will have some news soon. In addition, ANZA's Melbourne Cup Race Day lunch (Nov 2010) will support RDA. To volunteer at RDA or help at fundraising events, email volunteer@rdasingapore.org.sg. Visit RDA to learn more.

RIVERKIDS - Phnom Penh, Cambodia

When the adopted daughter of a New Zealand/Singaporean family told her new parents that she had been trafficked, her shocking story started the family's inspirational commitment to prevent child trafficking and to find non-exploitative labour alternatives for children and families in the slums of Phnom Penh.

Two more children were adopted by the family while funding twelve children at kindergarten and school. With no more funds available to help other children, their family and friends supported them by renting a room, then a house, and hiring teachers and social workers.

The Riverkids Foundation – a local non-governmental organisation – was registered in Cambodia in 2007, while the Riverkids Project charitable trust was set up in Singapore to oversee the finances and operations.

Riverkids now cares for more than 400 children over three sites, encompassing ten slums in Phnom Penh. It provides education, social and health care, and support to families in need so they do not feel forced to sell their children to survive.

Despite its shoestring budget, Riverkids' comprehensive and highly sophisticated program has a holistic approach in tackling the many causes and issues associated with child trafficking.

Opportunities for ANZA Members: Riverkids Advocacy Tours to Phnom Penh are an invaluable insight into the reality of slum life, showing why Riverkids exists. ANZA Action will organise up to two Riverkids Advocacy Tours in 2011.

ANZA Support: ANZA's 2011 Ball will support the inspirational work of Riverkids. Visit www.riverkidsproject.org to learn more.

GREEN GECKO PROJECT - Siem Reap, Cambodia

During a routine business flight in 2004, Sydney-born Tania Palmer read an article about a Cambodian orphanage in need. One month later, Tania was in Cambodia, surrounded by the begging hands and wide desperate eyes of Siem Reap's countless street kids. Tania returned to Cambodia in 2005 to set up the Green Gecko Project, which benefits the lives of street children in Siem Reap.

Green Gecko strives to empower these children with the skills, education, values and self-esteem they need to break the begging cycle and become proactive members of society.

Opportunities for ANZA Members: Delivering equipment and supplies; working trips to help expand accommodations and school facilities; providing training to the local Khmer staff by volunteers with backgrounds in teaching, performing arts, music and sport; and natural therapies (ie. acupuncture), medical services, social work, computers and accounting.

ANZA Support: ANZA's 2011 Ball will support Green Gecko.
Visit www.greengeckoproject.org to learn more.

SALVATION ARMY - Singapore

For the past twelve years, ANZA volunteers have been providing much needed assistance to The Salvation Army Family Support Services' elderly outreach programs. ANZA member Lynn White is responsible for organising a team of seventeen volunteers who regularly assist the "Salvos" by working in the food distribution program, where donated and purchased food is delivered to elderly people who don't have the money or the mobility to shop for food.

Volunteers also participate in fundraising. "Sponsor a day out for a Senior Citizen for only $10" raised enough money to provide two buses for excited participants to enjoy a lovely day out that included lunch. Volunteers have also arranged coffee mornings and mahjong for the Wednesday Elderly Drop-In Group.

More unusual activities have included the painting of a mural in the office/drop-in centre, and the cleaning and painting of HDB flats. Volunteering is fun and provides an opportunity to contribute to Singapore's community, whilst giving assistance with the outreach programs.

Opportunities for ANZA Members: Donating food to the annual Christmas appeal; assisting with the food distribution program; assisting with the cleaning and painting of apartments.

ANZA Support: ANZA is planning a special fundraising Christmas lunch. Join in and help fund the important services of The Salvation Army. More details will come soon. To join Lynn's volunteering team, please send an email to: anzaaction@anza.org.sg.

NEW2U THRIFT SHOP - Singapore

The New2U Thrift Shop is part of the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO), which oversees the nation's women's advocacy groups. New2U first opened its doors in May of 2000. The shop is managed entirely by volunteers, some of whom are ANZA members.

The shop sells donated pre-loved clothing, bric-a-brac, books, and electrical appliances. The proceeds provide essential funding for The Star Shelter, a safe, temporary refuge for women and children of all races and religion who are victims of family violence.

The Star Shelter teaches vital skills that empower victims to rebuild lives that are free from violence. Shelter is available to victims who have been referred by the family court, family services centres, the police, hospitals and other agencies.

Apart from meals and lodging, The Star Shelter also provides trauma and crisis counselling. Through the "rebuild" program, a once-only payment covers residents' transport expenses during their search for employment. An interest-free housing loan also helps victims to set up new homes.

Opportunities for ANZA members: Join the existing team of ANZA volunteers at New2U. Assist with sorting, tagging, and pricing donated items, help out at the annual weekend sale, and donate clothing, appliances, books, or other items. To volunteer at New2U, go to www.scwo.org.sg or email volunteer@scwo.org.sg.