Weeks ago, we asked CCNT if they didn't mind us sending a few white dolls to the children because we had several donated brand new.
They told us that the children in those communities didn't see colour at all because they were not racist; all they wanted was dollies to call their own. We were told by other organizations NOT to send white dolls because it was an insult to elders. Obvious they knew nothing at all about these communities.
I then asked if the community children liked fishing as the Reject Shop have kids fishing sets for $10.00. We asked permission to send some soon but were worried about enticing kids to fish when the rivers are full of crocodiles. Little ones have been taken in the past by crocs.
Apparently, children are sent out to fish whilst the men go out hunting for food and the women gathering food as well. If the children come back empty handed then their family doesn't eat that night. The mining is chasing away their food (kangaroos, snakes, emus etc) and other ground food is becoming extremely scarce.
So! To help feed 47 communities, we will be looking for donations of processed grains for cereal; baby food; powdered milk; Milo; healthy packet foot with long life dates; rice; popping corn etc and trying to find a fishing company to sponsor or donate a tone of kids fishing rods and line to help them get more fish to feed their family.
We also found out that outsiders have allegedly been telling these communities for decades that all white men hate them and will kill them if they leave their communities.
Outsiders who turn up at the communities via back packing etc; get them to do loads of paintings for them to sell and give the painter the royalties. The paintings sell for thousands to millions of dollars and the artist never hears from them again or sees the money owed.
On these 47 communities; they make items to sell for food now and then. But they literally have no running water, no showers, no sewerage, electricity, gas, phone coverage of any kind. Many well known organizations and charities have promised alot; then said "It's too political" and walked away.
We offered items, CCNT thought that we may be like everyone else with their promises but within a week they received several boxes of goodies and have received a constant stream ever since. Unlike those organizations, we have guts, compassion, understanding, and are NOT racist and we are staying for the long haul!
(Maree)