A message for everyone who may be thinking of attending the 17 March 2006 drinks at Gracie Kelly's. I don't mean to be pushy but may I make a suggestion, or two?.
Would those attending please consider bringing along some medicinal products that will assist Smudge in his excellent work? For example products including:
· Stomach medicine like Gastro-stop and generic versions of Loperamide, ie Imodium.
· Paracetemol for reducing fever, ie. Panadol etc
· Anti mosquito creams, ie RID to fight mosquitos causing dengue fever.
Looking at on-line pharmacies the cost for all three products may be around $10 in Australia. So if everyone, or every couple, or every family, could bring some of these products just imagine what we could donate to Smudge at the end of the evening.
There could be a garbage bag away from the table, or at the bar (?), that people can put the medicines into which would mean it would be totally confidential and anonymous with no pressure on those who are unable, cannot afford or don't want to donate.
If some want to donate money (and again it would be totally non-compulsory and confidential) perhaps they could include money sealed in an envelope which could go to Noel's Rotary contact in Nusa Dua for a surgical procedure? We may get enough for a cleft palate operation, if not, it could go towards their dental project? (NB: This money would be donated without anyone's name so if you wanted a receipt for tax purposes you would need to donate direct). Imagine how our small contributions combined could change someone's future - what a great gift to give.
This is only my suggestion and should not deter anyone from going. If you don't want to give that is perfectly OK and if the donation procedure is made as anonymous as possible (ie. away from main area), no one will know who gave or not.
I dont mean to "tread on the toes" of whoever is coordinating the get-together, hope my thoughts are OK with you. I just thought it would be another great opportunity to give back, as we all do, in our own small way.
For those thinking of coming what do you think?
If the majority disagree that's OK, just dont be too harsh with your feedback, it was only a suggestion.