Happy New Year to you all!
This year our foundation turns 10. Officially launched in April 2012, The MJF has raised over a quarter of a million dollars since, and continues to work closely with health and education professionals in Vanuatu, ensuring donated equipment and resources are needed and will be used. You — our amazing supporters — are the beating heart of this organisation and we’re so appreciative of everything you’ve made possible over the last decade.
We had hoped to make a trip to Vanuatu this year, but with only 22% of Vanuatu’s population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the Vanuatuan government has been understandably reluctant to open the borders to other countries. This is changing however, and we now aim to reconnect with our friends and colleagues in Port Vila later in 2022.
Alongside the provision of around 6,800 books to 17 different primary schools in North Western Vanuatu, a major achievement of the last few months is our registration as a recognised charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profit Commission (ACNC) and our attainment of Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status.
These accomplishments have not come without great effort from our administrative team together with the legal firm Harwood Andrews, which has provided generous pro bono support. Having DGR status in our own right gives us greater autonomy and of course, requires a greater level of reporting and accountability. We welcome these challenges and are very excited for all that lies ahead as we begin this new chapter.
Thank you for your support — whether that’s been for our entire 10 years of operation or just a fraction of that. We value each and every supporter and are thankful to have you by our side.
As always, remember to stay in touch on Facebook and Instagram. Share our story, share the love and help us make a difference to those in need.
