Well of support from CWL
By Wendy Shaw
Compassionate Catholic Women’s League (CWL) members from Launceston have raised funds for vital projects in Cambodia.
In just a few weeks, the members raised almost $1,500 for life-changing aid to support poverty-stricken Cambodian families.
Branch president Rosa McManamey explained that members had previously supported Cambodian families, donating clothing, hygiene items, toys and books to make life a bit easier for families in need.
This time, they raised $1,490: enough for five new wells, with money left over for food aid.
“We don’t usually raise big amounts of money but when we told friends about this project in Cambodia, money just started arriving and it was very surprising,” Mrs McManamey said.
“We thought we would have enough for one well and some rice. But we quickly had enough money for five wells plus the rice.”
The link with the Cambodian project came about through CWL member Pauline Heazlewood’s daughter Rachael, and son-in-law Rob Lewandowski, who have been supporting Cambodian projects for some years.
Launceston school teacher Rob has spoken at CWL meetings about the positive benefits that donations such as this have on the quality of lives of the recipients.
On a recent visit to Cambodia, he saw all five wells completed and helped to distribute 600kg of rice.
“It is incredible to see the impact this has on others,” he told CWL members at a meeting at the Launceston Parish Centre.
“It is life changing. Having the well will change what they drink, and this will change their health. That will change attendance at school, which will really change their lives.”
He passed around photos of the completed wells and the happy families that the project had supported.
Mrs McManamey thanked everyone who had supported the fundraiser, including George Town CWL members, St Vincent de Paul conference members, family and friends.
“We can see exactly where the money goes and the difference it makes to people’s lives, and that’s wonderful,” she said.
“When you see such a need, it is such a lovely thing that so many people want to help.”
The CWL is hoping to organise a parish curry night fundraiser to further support Cambodian families.