This week saw the loss of our committee member Cid Dare due to family and university commitments; and the gain of Rachelle Herron who jumped in full steam ahead to help us design some very unusual baby clothes for our darlings.
We say "our" because, although we never get to meet the families or see the babies; we feel they are also a part of us too as an Australian community. Most times we never receive feed back from nurses or even a thank you but knowing these babies and families are helped then that is enough for me.
We have also found an Aussie business in Sydney that supplies bed stays, B&B's, 1-5 star hotels and motels, resorts and restaurants around the world with many items we need. Individually packed tea, biscuits (healthy), hot chocolates, soap, shampoo and conditioner, hand cremes etc small enough for our babies and packs and all organic.
The prices for 460 individually wrapped soaps alone is extremely inexpensive and they are very high quality. Our twin baby bootie sets for 50 sets were well over $125.00 and yet 460 soaps from this business range from $15 - $$99 depending on the brand. That is a phenomenal saving and affordable if we cannot find soap sponsors, to buy them ourselves.
Our very wonderful auditor has decided to register us as an ACN so that we can gain tax benefits such as a DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) and an ITEC (Income Tax Exempt Charity). Once approved, we can enter bank competitions for money donations, receive donations via our bank account to be set up this week, and find people to sponsor our freight costs Oz wide as well as nurses care packages.
A warning to ALL charities out there, even if you are a registered ACN and have been operating for years; you now need to have an Authority Fundraising Number like we have, from the Office of Liqour, Gaming and Racing (free registration).
You are now legally obligated to apply for a fundraising license for any fundraising event that includes events to raise money for any causes; to receive any monetary or merchandise donation be it from a 6 pack of tissues to baby clothes to goods for raffles. If you do not have this license specifically then your charity can be shut down, committee members charged with solicitation and fined heavily and or gaoled.
All charities that have drop off places for donation pick up, MUST have containers with the charity's name, address, contact person, number of bin on the side. Secodly, all publicity for events MUST go through OLGR; and any agreements with a business or organization to fundraise for you MUST be accompanied by a written contract with a copy to be sent to OLGR.
Many laws have changed now in relation to charities so contact The Office of Liqour, Gaming & Racing (OLGR) about your charity.