Thursday, November 20, 2008
 
AWCA & Philanthropy Minimize

"The purpose of the AWCA shall be to create a center for social, cultural, and philanthropic activities for American women in the Antwerp area." 

As you can see by our stated purpose, the AWCA is committed to providing a source for philanthropic activities to its members.  Our members enjoy "giving back to the community" - both the community in Antwerp and other communities around the world. 

Over the past few years, we have worked with several different charities.  We encourage members to present ideas for organizations in need and philanthropic activities.  Some of the activities we have had in the recent past are:

  • A work day at Zenith House in Antwerp where we cleaned and painted several rooms in their facility.
  • A "spring cleaning day" where members dropped off donations at a central location and volunteers sorted and delivered these donations to two charities in the area.
  • Split-the-pot, raffles, and book sales at our monthly membership meetings raise money for a different organization each year.  We raise several hundred euros each year with these fun and simple fundraisers.
  • Our annual Gala is an opportunity for members to get dressed up and give back!  The evening is dinner, dancing and a silent auction.  Last year we raised over 12,000 euros for charity!
  • Each year we try new things based on member suggestions.  Have an idea for a fundraiser, organization in need, or activity?  Contact our Philanthropy chairperson

Gala Charity Minimize

AWCA will hold its annual Gala on February 7, 2009.  This Gala is a social and philanthropic event, with dinner, dancing and a silent auction.  Our charity for this event is Serafien, a local organization that supports families with terminally-ill children.  Learn more about this organization at www.serafien.be


Heart Pillow Project Minimize

AWCA's latest philanthropic project is the Heart Pillow for breast cancer patients after surgery.  The pillow is designed to be placed under the arm to ease the pain form surgical incision and tension, along with helping reduce lymph swelling under the arm.  It can be used in this way and under the seat belt when driving and also while lying on your side. 

Several other AWC's in Europe have participated in this project and AWCA is excited to be part of it!  Our first pillow stuffing party in October was a success - we made 35 pillows!  We will schedule another party in early 2009.  Contact the Philanthropy Director to learn more.

And check out their website at http://www.heartpillow.dk/


Donations? Minimize

Do you have any unused items that you would like to donate to someone who could use them?  Many of us have boxes of things that we don't need anymore.  Items that haven't even been unpacked!  Why not donate them to people in need?  The AWCA works with several organizations in the area who can use our donations. 

Below is a list of items that some organizations need.  All items should be clean and in proper working order.  If you have something to donate or if you have something that is not on the list, contact our Philanthropy Chairperson to see if she can find a home for it!

  • Linens - sheets (especially double or queen), towels, washcloths, blankets, duvets, duvet covers, pillows, curtains, table linens
  • Kitchen items - hot pads, aprons, dish towels, pots, pans, dishes, silverware, etc
  • Small appliances - sewing machines, vacuum cleaners, irons, toasters, coffee machines, mixers, hair dryers (all should be in good working condition)
  • Children's items - trousers, jackets, shoes, boots, socks, tights, underwear, sweaters, shirts, toys clean and in good condition (no toys that require batteries), baby cribs, prams, bikes
  • Maternity clothes - dresses, trousers, tops
  • Men's clothing - jeans, winter coats, sweaters, shirts, shoes (esp large sizes), dark suits
  • Women's clothing - especially larger sizes
  • Other items - shopping bags, hotel toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soaps, etc) first and business class airline toiletries (toothbrush, shaving kit, lip balm, etc), shopping carts, bicycles, picture frames, other decorative items, baskets

 

Copyright 2008 by American Women's Club of Antwerp Terms Of Use Privacy Statement