What's Happening?

• Harald's House Committee is constantly amazed by the people, businesses, community groups and service clubs who contact us wanting to support our cause. It is impossible to list them all here but we would like to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of members of our community who have helped us come so far since the concept of Harald's House began.

• The colourful Runaway Reindeer, inspired by artist Tracie Worth, found a new home with seven-year-old Nakita from Kuranda (as pictured recently in the Cairns Sun). Warren Entsch MP joined Tracie and Nakita outside Apres Beach Bar at Palm Cove on August 4 for the official handover -- he congratulated Nakita on taking ownership of her unique pet and thanked Tracie for the $723 she deposited with the Cairns Penny Bank. Every cent raised will go to making Harald's dream of building a house for young kids on the street a reality! Thanks Tracie.

• Harald's House is also very fortunate to have some received wonderful support from generous community groups willing to donate the proceeds of some major fundraising activities. The Rotary Club's annual Duck Race is one example of this. A fantastic total of $27,500 will be deposited into the Harald's House account thanks to the Rotary Club and the AMP Foundation which generously provided $10,000 'top up' money on top of the $15,000 raised by Rotary on the day. Local businessman Brian White, winner of the Corporate Duck, added to the grand tally by donating back his $2500 prizemoney.

• The women of Zonta Club of Cairns have pledged $20,000 to fund the fit-out of Harald's House once it is constructed next year. Zonta Club has many worthy Causes (locally and internationally) for which it raises money throughout the year. Harald's House is fortunate indeed to have such a dynamic and committed organisation lending its support in such a practical way.

• Sincere thanks also goes to Rare Bird Fashion and Shoe Box at Cairns Central for again donating the proceeds of their Fashion Parade on September 1 -- this twice yearly event has already raised more than $3000 for Harald's House. Thank you ladies for putting on a wonderful show.

Left - Right: Helen Ruddel (a winner of a prize during the parade), Harald Falge and Chris Winn (Owner of Rare Bird and the Shoe Box).

• Art lovers dug deep on the weekend (October 5-6) with the AdPower 'Briefless' Art Auction at the Tanks Arts Centre raising more valuable funds for the cause. An evening of good humour and creativity combined to make for a successful event and we thank ADPOWER for the support.

• Not to be outdone, the sporting fraternity turned out for a fun day at the Cairns Indoor Centre's Sports Day on October 18 and also the Rotary Earlville Club Golf Day provided a valuable contribution to Harald's House in the month of October.

• A big thankyou to Wendy Geatches who is the Director of the Social Activities at the North Queensland Aero Club, for her efforts putting together “The Story of the Flying Boats” fundraiser at the Cruise Ship Terminal at Trinity Wharf on Monday the 13th of February. Wendy raised over $6,000 for Harald’s House. Thank you Wendy! Your efforts are greatly appreciated!

• Big Thank you to Cairns Business College and Foreign Language School for their help to raise over $800 towards Haralds House. The dedication towards helping Haralds House realise the dream has been fantastic! Thanks to all their teachers and especially the students who arranged the events!

• The Recent 4CA FM in conjunction with Dunwoodys Great Grape Stomp was a huge success. The team that one this event was Team Entsch… Warren’s Winos who battled many teams to win in the end! Congratulations to Sarah Massey, Jacueline McMahon and Kirsty Callahan for their efforts!

• Congratulations to Yorkeys Knob State School who held a Pyjama day to raise funds for Haralds House. They did a tremendous effort for such a small school they actually raised over $300. Thanks to all the staff, students and parents for their initiative to help Haralds House

• A huge thank you to Draeger Safety for their contribution of a Compressor that was recently auctioned off for charity. We raised $15,000 in this process! Thanks so much to all those golfers for not Scoring a Hole in One on the day and allowing Haralds House to receive such a massive donation!

• A really big Hug going way of Christine from the Chrysalis Centre, Mulgrave Road. Her support with Haralds House has been wonderful. The money that she has been raising through a money box has been unbelieveable. Thanks so much Christine! There needs to be more people like you in Cairns! Please visit her shop and give her a HUG!

• Thanks to all that have been contributing! We cannot name everyone but you know who you all are. Please keep helping as we are getting closer and closer to Haralds Dream!