Issue 15, December 2009

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Congratulations

CONGRATULATIONS SYDNEY FC on your W-League win!!

Watch your thoughts;
they become words.

Watch your words;
they become actions.

Watch your actions;
they become habits.

Watch your habits;
they become character.

Watch your character;
it becomes your destiny.

-Frank Outlaw

Dear Supporter,

As 2009 draws to an end, we reflect upon and celebrate our wonderful achievements for the year.  Our outstanding accomplishments are a reflection of the dedication and tireless work of our staff and the many volunteers who wholeheartedly band together to make a phenomenal difference in the lives of others.  Their willingness to go the extra mile has been especially appreciated during a year of tough economic times. 

First group of Melbourne Little Sisters graduate
I was absolutely thrilled to attend the graduation of our very first group of Little Sisters in Melbourne, and celebrating our first year of having national presence.  The completion of our fifth Sydney SISTER2sister Program was a milestone for our Foundation and we look forward to impacting many lives in future programs.

Whilst graduation marked the end of the program, it also signified the beginning of life long friendships.  Thank you to all of our Big Sisters who gave (and are still giving) their precious time to make a difference in the lives of our Little Sisters. 

To Our Little Sisters
I'm so proud of each and every one of you for your strength, your resilience and for being brave enough to get out of your comfort zone and embrace this program.  I sincerely hope that all of you will keep in touch with us to tell us of your news, wins and achievements. 

Thank you
Our accomplishments are also a testament to the continued support that we receive from our community and corporate funding bodies, including our partner NIVEA.  I am continuously inspired by the members in our community, for giving endless opportunities to the needy girls in our program and their commitment to making our community a better place.

To all our supporters – we are grateful for your ongoing support.  Without you we would not be able to touch the lives of others.  Wishing you all a very safe and happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in 2010.
 
Kind regards,

Jessica Brown  

Event Highlights

Butterfly Release at Hyde Park
Thank you to event sponsor, NAB and ambassador Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

The city skyline was filled with colour as we released 51 butterflies into the air at Hyde Park, Sydney.  The butterflies represented the 51 girls who graduated from the 2009 SISTER2sister Program, celebrating their metamorphosis as they shed their cocoons to spread their wings and fly. Thank you to NAB for sponsoring the event and to our lovely ambassador Natalie Bassingthwaighte for giving up precious time to lead the Butterfly Release. We look forward to making this an annual event and hope you can join us next year.

Click here for more photos >

Mentor for a Day Program
We were also very excited to work with Symantec for an online safety workshop and ten pin bowling day as part of our Mentor for a Day program. Staff at Symantec had the opportunity to experience first hand what it is like to mentor a teenage girl and enjoying sharing the day with our Little Sisters on the waiting list for 2010. Participants had a great day and we look forward to the next workshop early 2010.

Message from Lyndal Keith – National Program Manager

2009 has wrapped up after an action packed year in both NSW and Victoria. Graduation for both states was held in November with a total of 51 Little Sisters graduating in both states.

The Little Sisters all looked gorgeous for their Graduation evening. It was wonderful to see so many of the Little Sisters accompanied at their Graduation by their family members.

We were lucky enough to have the support of Nivea, Werribbee Apex Club, The Body Shop and Symantec to help us make both the NSW and Victorian Graduation the huge success they were.

Graduation
Each Little Sister made a speech as part of her Graduation, the speeches were inspirational and really showed everyone in attendance just how much work the Big and Little Sisters had done throughout the year to help set goals and achieve them, many of the girls used their speeches as an opportunity to tell the audience of their goals for the future, I think we need to keep a close eye them as some of their goals once achieved will see their names up in lights or on Brass plaques all around the world, I have every confidence in them achieving their goals.

Thank you
The Graduation evening is also a perfect opportunity for the Foundation to thank its many wonderful supporters and volunteers. So to all of our supporters, sponsors, Big Sisters, Team Leaders and facilitators – a sincere thank you.

From all of us in The SISTER2Sister team, we would like to wish you and your family and Happy and Safe Christmas and may 2010 be a wonderful year full of great times with family and friends.

Click here for more photos >

Sponsor Spotlight

Agent99 Public Relations has been working with Jessica Brown and her team at LCEF since 2007. As a result of numerous media campaigns, Jessica Brown was featured as a real life beautiful person in WHO Magazine's "Beautiful People" issue. We are grateful for Agent99 PR's continuing efforts to secure media opportunities in supporting our aim to raise much-needed funds for the SISTER2sister Program.

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Media Buzz

For a rundown of Life Changing in the media click here >