The tradition of an annual quiz night and silent auction continues as our main organisational fund raiser bringing in on average $5,000. In 2019 we also had a preloved designer clothes sale raising $5000 and a dinner / auction organised in conjunction with the Mt Barker Anglican church which raised $6,600. It was a busy year also gathering goods for our container.

The clothes sale major sponsors in Thomassina Marin, Cheryl Paes and Lyn Carpenter.

We average sending a 40 foot container every 18 months. This holds hospital beds and mattresses, medical resources and equipment, new and second hand clothes in good order, school desks and chairs, computers, office furniture including filing cabinets, bookcases , office tables and chairs, solar panels, reconditioned tools, usually 1000 Days for Girls washable sanitary packs, sewing machines and rolls of fabric, often several thousand birthing kits, several hundred hospital sheets, hundreds of shoes, sports equipment, uniforms, educational resources and much more. The benefits of these goods in DR Congo can’t be easily quantifed. They show the people that many Australians care about them. The women can’t buy the beautiful homemade blankets and clothes we send.

Our MHCDASA committee with an 80% packed container

Money is regularly donated from individuals and organisations into our MHCDASA bank account for specific programs in DR Congo. Our annual report thanks our many supporters. These donations are now all tax-deductible.

Sports uniforms donated by Adelaide United Soccer club

In advocating for the work of MHCD and MHCDASA we have spoken at church gatherings across Australia from Brisbane to Canberra, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth and to rural towns of Mittagong, Middleton, Mt Barker, Strathalbyn, Bendigo, Minlaton, Wagga Wagga, Hervey Bay and Newcastle. Similarly we have spoken at many Zonta clubs and Zonta conferences in WA, NSW, Vic, Qld, SA and Canberra and at many Rotary conferences and club meetings across states. Our other main speaking opportunities to share our work are at schools especially high schools.

With Dr Luc Mulimbalimba coming to Australia annually we have regular meetings with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Canberra to keep DR Congo on Australia’s radar and acquaint the Africa department and many interested politicians on the status of development our organisation  has achieved for the people of DR Congo. How our collaboration yields great impact.

Our final huge achievement was a group of 6 Australian supporters attending the opening of the DR Congo Australia Friendship Monument at Luvungi Hospital in DR Congo in May 2018. It was a joy to be there and we were looked after as very privileged and special guests. The country and people are beautiful. It is rewarding to meet the people we help and hear their stories even if they are traumatic. In country visits enable reviewing of all donor programs and MHCD processes for our auditing. We came home more focused on the needs of the people and what we could do to help them. Our enthusiasm formalise d our Mission and Vision statements and Goals and then our Strategic Plan on how to achieve everything.