One Heart

Today is the day! our Run for Change team are heading over to Africa today getting ready for a jam packed 10 days! Check out our stories to stay up-to-date with all that's happening!

We can't wait to see and hear the lasting impact that this years run has on all the participants. Less than 12 hours till the team fly to Kenya!

The ULTIMATE run club! Our team are almost ready to go for Run for Change 2024! This Saturday is the day we all fly to Kenya for a life-change 10 days in country. Not only will our team be participating in the Run for Change, taking on either a half or full marathon, but they will be working on projects, visiting the farm and schools and finishing the trip with a Kenyan safari! Send the team some encouragement in the comments!

We can hardly believe it’s nearly the end of financial year! It’s the time of year when we’re all reviewing budgets and preparing for tax time. If you, a small business you know, or friends and family are looking for a cause to give that will provide the with a tax deductible donation, we can help! As a DGR registered charity, all donations $2 and over made in Australia, are fully tax deductible and making an impact that will help create lasting, generational change.

Head to our website to give your tax deductible gift today.

* If you're in New Zealand or the USA, we work with GDG to provide a tax deductible giving option for you too! Reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll share the link with you.

Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right,
the right to dignity and a decent life. - Nelson Mandela

We recognise that creating the change we're aiming for takes time. We have spent the last 16 years creating deep impact, which is why our numbers may look ‘small’ in contrast to the bigness of the problem. We are passionate about impact, not just activity.
Over the last few years, the children who came into our care as young primary school-aged children are starting to graduate from university, complete vocational training and build their own families. It is truly humbling to see that what we set out to do has taken place.

Did you know we run a music program for our One Heart children? Music has been shown to have a wide array of mental health benefits. With most of our children suffering trauma of some kind, the program allows them to lower stress and anxiety, to feel their feelings in a safe way and to identify language and ways to communicate their feelings. The program provides its members with a sense of belonging, community, and purpose.

We do our best to see challenges as a way to be inspired and to fuel creative thinking and problem solving. This is a big reason why we are running 'Run For Change' (no pun intended!). This is more than a fundraiser. This is a challenge! A challenge that will push you, impact you, leave a mark on your life, WHILST impacting people who everyday are faced with unbearable challenges outside of their control. You can change the world! Want to know more? DM RUN to chat or jump to our website for all the details.

Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We believe this WHOLEHEARTEDLY! And that's why we run our One Heart School in Turbo, Kenya.
One Heart Academy is educating over 200 children from both the One Heart homes and support programs, and children from the surrounding communities. We love this kids!

Statistically, children who grow up in poverty, are far more likely to live in poverty as adults, thanks to the poverty cycle. And when children have been orphaned or abandoned, the opportunities for them to break free from that cycle, without the intervention a person or organisation, are rare. The numbers and challenges are big. But we have the ability, and responsibility, to positively impact the lives of as many children as we can. To give them a hand up and help change their future. We invite you to be part of the change!

2024’s Run For Change team are kicking major goals at the moment in their fundraising and training era! If you're in the team, we wanted to give you a few FUNdraising (fun, get it!) ideas to get your creativity flowing! Swipe right ➡️

“All I can say is, One Heart Uganda should reach more women so that they can learn what I learnt and pull themselves from stagnant businesses that do not grow. Thank you" — Nantume Yowerina

We love hearing this testimony from Nantume — a 40 year old Ugandan Mother with 8 children who is part of our Street Business School (SBS) program. SBS is on a mission to end generational poverty by empowering women as entrepreneurs.

After developing the necessary tools and confidence to start her own business, Nantume now sells shoes in her community. Each day, she goes door to door selling shoes in her community and in the evenings she takes her shoes to the trading centre to sell from there. Through her business, Nantume generates income to care for her families needs, proving that empowered women can positively impact the entire community.

It’s always an interesting journey to walk as an NFP when it comes to driving revenue whilst believing in offering something of worth to everyone involved.

As an organisation, we have always valued a partnership model where value is added to both the donor and One Heart. This is why we have come up with creative solutions; the Run and Trek For Change experiences. These experiences are life-changing for both the participants and for our One Heart community.

— Excerpt from our GM's recent blog: The Gift of Giving - Our Partnership Model for Run & Trek for Change
Read the Blog:
https://bit.ly/4aNcseF

There's still room to join the Trek For Change team 2024 and climb Mt Kilimanjaro this coming September!

Find out more about the Trek:
https://bit.ly/4aJr8eJ

It takes a village to raise a child. The One Heart village is made up of people from all around the world — our incredible team of 60+ local staff, our child sponsors, volunteers in Australia and New Zealand, board members, funders, and of course our One Heart kids. It is always a joy and delight to bring the teams together. 😍

Life goals:
- create positive change
- leave the world a better place than I found it
- take risks and challenge myself to constantly grow and evolve
- meet interesting people from all over the world
- expand my horizons and challenge myself physically - might climb a mountain

If all, or any of these resonate with you, we might have just the thing... our Trek for Change is taking place in September 2024 and we are accepting applications now. Over 12 remarkable days, you will experience the trip of a life-time in Tanzania as we meet and work with the One Heart kids and team, we explore some of the challenges being faced by children stuck in generational poverty, we create practical change through hands on work and we experience one of the worlds great mountains - Mt Kilimanjaro* climbing to its peak.

It's a trip that will change more than one life. Join us. Find out more via the link in bio. *The amazing Mt Kilimanjaro pictured above!

Did you know that all of our One Heart properties are designed to have their own farm? These farms are a huge part of our model as they provide food for the One Heart family, produce to generate income and build self-sustainability in-country, employment opportunities for the local community, as well as training facilities for our students and other youth in the regions. The farms are productive in all senses of the word!

-sustainable

Tonight is the night — Gala 2024 let's go!
Good food, chats, amazing entertainment and epic raffles and auctions — It's going to be a special night. And the best part? We are all playing a part in doing good in the world and seeing generational change take place! See you soon, and don't forget your touch of red.

When you sponsor a child, you are creating life long, generational change. Your sponsorship provides a safe, loving family environment, health care, education and the support structures that will set a child up for a better future.
For those coming along to the Gala tomorrow, we will be sharing more about our sponsorship program then!

If you'd like to become a sponsor or find out more, jump over to: https://bit.ly/3VgoGaG

We are so thankful for our amazing sponsors who have generously donated some INCREDIBLE auction items for our bi-annual Gala this Friday night!
Swipe across to for a sneak preview 👀

For those who are coming to the Gala, you can now view the full catalogue of items for silent auction online. Signup now to Galabid via the link and peruse all the amazing items up for grabs! https://bit.ly/3ViVksi

Only 2 Sleeps to go! It's going to be a special night for sure.

Make Life Bloom, Sponsor a Child 🌻
It is possible to eradicate poverty - with the collective contribution of governments, organisations and communities. But the motivation for change comes from the power of everyday people like you.
By giving just $55 per month you will change the life path of one child forever, lifting them out of poverty and bringing hope for their future.
Find out more over on our website https://bit.ly/3Iwd0JB

Along with incredible holidays, there will be heaps of amazing items to be auctioned or won in the raffle, including art, tool sets, trek bikes, pottery and more.

All funds raised will go towards empowering children to fulfil their potential! Together, we can change the course of history.

As we celebrate International Womens Day and the power of inclusion, we have been reflecting on the remarkable transformation that takes place in the lives of women as they receive not only skills through the Street Business School program, but also dignity and hope. We are so proud to partner with SBS. So far, in 12 months, we've had over 200 graduates of the SBS program. That's 200 women with stories of change that has had a positive impact on them, their family and their community.

This is Janes story...

Jane owned a collection of reservoirs and for 6 years she ran a seasonal business, making money by harvesting rainwater in the rainy season and then selling it on to brick makers. The seasonal income was not sufficient however and she struggled as a single mother to provide the basic necessities for her three children. Their father’s family would provide something small to help but it was not enough to sustain the family.

Upon hearing about opportunities for business training within her community she enrolled for the program. She was motivated by the first three modules which provided training in getting out of your comfort zone, identifying business opportunities, as well as how to source capital and start small.

“My name is Akeba Jane. I did not have any business because I did not have capital. After receiving business training from One Heart, I sold my goat for 150,000 UGX and used it to buy maize. Then I just went on selling and re-buying. Right now as we speak, I have two sacks of maize worth 340,000 UGX, 1 sack of dried cassava worth 170,000UGX and 20kgs of millet worth 60,000 UGX per kilogram. In two months I have created about 600,000 UGX worth of capital. I thank One Heart for bringing a business training to uplift us to higher levels. Thank you”

As at May 2023, Jane is grazing another goat worth 120,000 UGX. She is now able to contribute more towards the family’s basic needs like education, clothes and food varieties. She is very happy and excited about the outcome.
--
"When you lift up women, you lift humanity." - Melinda Gates

Gala friends, are you still looking for a ‘Touch of Red’ for your outfit?

We have got you covered! Our stunning One Heart Cuff Links and Lapel Pins are made in Australia with all profit going to our mission. You’ll look fab while doing good, it’s a win win.

Jump over and place your order today to ensure delivery by Gala night!

Cuff Links: https://bit.ly/3USBOmm
Lapel Pins: https://bit.ly/43f9nRT

Ok ok, who is getting excited for our Gala Auctions & Raffles? (we sure are!)

With an amazing 7 day getaway to a beautiful snow lodge in Japan on the table, alongside a plethora of other items from jewellery, to Trek Bikes, to kitchens, entire tool kits and BBQs and a once in a lifetime private dining experience with famed Melbourne chefs, there’s something for everyone!

And the best part? All proceeds go to changing the lives of vulnerable children.

It’s going to be super fun. Look out for details on how to register to be part of the action.

At One Heart, we have had the privilege of facilitating child sponsorship since 2007.
Each individual that Sponsors a Child makes a remarkable impact!
It really is an avenue where you can create lasting, generational change that has a ripple effect beyond the single child being sponsored.

If you’d like to find out more about our sponsorship program, you can do so via https://bit.ly/49T9PXX

The kind of smile that melts your heart! We adore these kids full of life, a little bit of sass and hope for the future. Featuring some of our sweet One Heart Academy Students in Kenya.

Our gala isn't just an event; it's a movement to unlock the potential of every child. Be inspired and impacted by stories of hope and resilience.

Last chance to book tickets to our amazing Bi-Annual Gala! Bookings close tomorrow, 6th of March.

Book here: https://bit.ly/3IjiSFP

Gala Entertainment Announcement: Neda & The All Colour People NEDA
Full of all the life and vibrancy of Africa, Neda and her crew of dancers & musicians has brought the party to the last two One Heart Galas and are so excited to be coming back!
It’s not too late to book your seat! Gala ticket sales close on this Wednesday 6th of March. Book your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/3USqoit

Hope is our heartbeat, It's why we do what we do! By joining us at our Bi-Annual Fundraising Gala, you are helping bring much needed hope to a broken world.

We still have a few tickets available via the link in our bio. Sales close on the 6th of March, so jump in quick and order today:
https://bit.ly/49nXFGF

Details:
VENUE
Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne
DATE
6:30PM Friday 15 March, 2024
DRESS
Formal with a touch of Red

Gala Entertainment Announcement:

As the winner of The Voice Australia 2023, Tarryn’s powerful voice and huge heart combine to create performances that move you from the core.
We are super excited to have this amazing person and voice with us!

Gala ticket sales close on the 6th of March, it’s not too late to book your seat! Book your tickets here:
https://bit.ly/3UYuQw7