The Campaspe East Timor Association in Friendship group have made it their mission to involve the Echuca and surrounding communities in their bid to help the third world country.
Since 2004, the small team of locals have gone to the ends of the earth, literally, to raise money and support locals in the poverty stricken nation.
“Our aim is to promote awareness of social and economic issues facing Timor Leste,” group secretary Pauline Cleary said.
“We also want to provide practical assistance for its people in their quest for democracy and a sustainable future.”
With the support of the Shire of Campaspe, the group supports and runs a number of projects including the purchase of solar panels, building chicken coups and gardens, refurbishing schools and so much more.
“We know young girls in Timor are forced to marry quite young to men they don't know,” she said.
“We want to ensure these girls are able to go to school, through scholarships we fund, and get the education they deserve that will get them out of these situations.”
The group also send small groups over to Timor regularly to lend a helping hand.
“We have ladies who will go over and spend eight weeks at a time helping teach children English as well as bring back hand-made goods,” she said.
These goods along with authentic coffee grounds are sold at stalls around the area with all proceeds being sent back to the ladies who made them.
The group also holds barbeques and knitting projects within the community, as well as collect unused medical equipment and stationary to be sent over to Timor.
The group is always welcoming new members, if you're interested in joining, they meet the first Monday of the month in February, April, August, October and December at 5pm at the Echuca Library meeting room.
If you'd like more information contact Pauline on 0429 978 079.
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