mini olympics, one black eye too many, facebook and end of the aussie tax year

MINI OLYMPICS, ONE BLACK EYE TOO MANY, FACEBOOK AND END OF THE AUSSIE TAX YEAR

Half way through the year already and fast approaching Green Geckos 5th Birthday, so much continues to happen in Gecko land. From our very own Olympic games to opening our very own Outreach Centre there is always so much going on. For all of you who have generously contributed to Peda's University education, he and we are very grateful. Only a few months now and we will know if he has achieved the marks for the course of his choice.

In the meantime we do hope you enjoy catching up on the Geckos' latest antics.

:: OLYMPICS OVERSHADOW THE WORLD CUP

It may be world cup fever for the rest of the word, but in gecko land it's the mini Olympics!

Thanks to 4 overwhelmingly enthusiastic and talented volunteers - Radical Rachel, Happening Hayley, Joyful Jess and Creative Kat - this month's 'Me and My Planet' class of 'People of the world' turned into a full blown multi cultural competition of skill and team spirit.


Olympic banner	Athlete's oath	Country teams

From registration table and competitor lanyards to cheer squad banners and painted faces, there was no stone unturned in preparing for the big day. National anthems were sung, the athlete's oath was pledged, big gold medallions were crafted and awarded for coaching excellence, opening ceremonies and closing ceremonies... we had it all. We even had the 'will the Olympic stadium be ready on time' angst, thanks to a huge storm that caught our shade cloth sails 2 weeks before, ripping the cloth right off and bending 7m steel pipe court frame in half!

Six countries competed - Greece, Italy, Jamaica, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland (being Khmer and having an Australian 2nd mum, it would’ve been an unfair advantage to include these two).

In true Gecko style, all contestants were winners. It was a most fabulous day and in our minds... the best Olympic Games ever.


Representing Greece	Representing Spain	Representing Switzerland


Representing Jamaica	Representing Italy	Representing Sweden

:: ONE BLACK EYE TOO MANY

With every major step in Gecko's progress there was an eventful catalyst. The opening our new Gecko Outreach Centre was no exception, this time it was... one black eye too many.

As you know, most of our Gecko mums are illiterate, some are victims of landmines, many use gambling and alcohol as a way to cope with their lives and almost all are or have been victims of domestic abuse. Don't get us wrong - their situation has improved dramatically - domestic violence was a lot worse 5 years ago when we started supporting the families, but occasionally it still happens and when it does, these women have no one else to turn to but us. Whilst we can better cope with this sight, such is not the case for the kids. Seeing their mum busted up, walking into the safe space within the gecko gates distresses the kids and raises bad memories, experiences and traumas of their everyday life prior to Gecko.

On this particular 'black eye' day, the eyes of two brothers seeing their mum like this said it all, it was enough; enough to rent a house 100m down the road that would shelter and care for her and those to follow, without confronting or traumatising the kids.


The Green Gecko Outreach Centre	Gecko mum	Gecko mum and bub with international medics

We are in our 4th month now and the space has proved to be a multipurpose success. Not only is it a shelter for mums in need, but a fun place for mums to bring their toddlers for playgroup in the morning, for teenagers to attend 'Living Values' classes in the afternoon (inspired by Mel), nutrition pack giving and meetings with the families on a Saturday and an office space for our social work team. There is even a room for our live-in female social worker - Ms Sotheavy - so help and support can be available at all times.

Our next goal is to employ a full time female Khmer nurse to assist Sotheavy; we hope to provide a one-stop shop where our families - especially our mums - can seek culturally appropriate assistance and medical attention including maternal health and family planning.

Our estimated budget for this program is $2300 AUD per month (10 sponsors @ $230.00). The full proposal with budget breakdown is available at your request. Our friends who would like to be a part of this program please click on the link of your country, so you can tax exempt/deductible/Gift Aid receipts
Australia
United Kingdom our brand new UK that offers us an extra 28% in Gift Aid at no extra cost to you
United States and the rest of the world and mention GECKO MUMS in your comments and we will make sure it gets where you want it to go.

:: FIND US ON FACEBOOK

For all our gecko friends that have succumbed to the world of facebook... well we have too! Please feel free to look us up and ‘like’ us so you can keep in the loop of every day happenings.

:: ONLY 2 DAYS LEFT OF THE AUSSIE TAX YEAR

And if any of our Australian friends would prefer to pass their extra $s to gecko rather than handing it over to the tax man… then please check out our sponsorship and donation pages to make a tax deductible donation.

As usual, there is always more we could tell, but we can save it for the next newsletter. Thank you very much for all your ongoing support, particularly to our angel donors, creative contributors and fabulous volunteers, you know who you are (and so do we!).

Much gecko gratitude,
Tania, Rem and all the Green Gecko gang

:: MORE OLYMPIC FEVER


The Executive Olympic Committee	Spain singing the Khmer Anthem	Countries United


Bouncing for Switzerland	Greece in possesion	Switzerland vs Greece


I've got, no I've got, no, me	Bulls eye!	The score is!


Italian tennis player	Great shot Sarm	Tennis not bob sled for this Jamaican


Nice shot	Swedish volley ball team	Volley ball scorer guy


Relay race	Italy crosses the line first	Dad crosses the line last


Showing off their medals	Look mine is gold!	Proud as punch


Have we had a great day?	Sure we have	It's been the best Games ever!