International Women Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievement of women around the world. The theme for 2017 is ‘BE BOLD FOR CHANGE’, highlighting the importance of a better working world or more specifically a gender – exclusive world.  

“The need for a better world is evident in the gender pay gap existing at 24% globally, revealing the growing disparity within our society.”

Make a change this March by:

• Participating in the many fundraisers organised around the city including IWD early morning meditation and yoga, special organised breakfast at NSW parliament house and many other organised events in your local community
• Raising social media awareness through #Beboldforchange
• Volunteering at fundraisers in your locality
• Donating money to the organisation
• Sharing personal stories                               Or Simply, communicating the idea to family and friends to raise awareness

This March, do something amazing #forsickkids by supporting the 28th annual Bandaged Bear Appeal.

Running from 1 – 31 March, the Bandaged Bear Appeal is a signature fundraiser, helping raise vital funds for brave patients. Your support of the Bandaged Bear Appeal makes it possible to continue providing world-class care and treatment to thousands of children every year.

All funds raised throughout the Appeal go towards purchasing the most advanced medical equipment, funding vital research and delivering services that are central to the wellbeing of patients and families.

Getting involved is easy, you can:

• Hold a fundraising event
• Purchase merchandise
• Volunteer
• Make a donation

World compliment day is the most positive day in the world. A true compliment must be genuine.

World Compliment Day simply addresses the basic human need for recognition and appreciation.

Participate this March in the most positive day of the year by:

• Handing out genuine compliments to people
• Raising awareness on social media
• Volunteering
• Participating in fundraisers around the world
• Keeping your #complimentday wish going

The National Family Drug Support Day aims to raise awareness of the services and the help that is needed for families to reduce the discrimination surrounding drug users and promote harm – reduction strategies.

The theme for 2017, ‘see the person not the drug’ allows societies to look beyond the stigma of drug use.

“The 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 21.5 million people aged 12 and older had a substance use disorder in the previous year; however, sadly only 2.5 million received the specialized treatment they needed.”

Fight back against drug use stigma this year by:

• Offering compassionate support
• Sharing your own stories
• Avoiding hurtful labels
• Doing your research
• Volunteering
• Participating in fundraisers

Do you know

“Only 43% of the almost 1,500 women diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year will survive.”

Ovarian Cancer Month is held in February to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.

With no early detection test, it is so important that women know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and their family history.

Some signs and symptoms include

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Increased abdominal size or persistent abdominal bloating
• Needing to urinate often or urgently.
• Feeling full after eating a small amount

This February you can participate through events such as the afternoon teal campaign, teal ribbon day on the 24^th of February, hosting your own afternoon tea.

International Asperger’s Day

        18 February 2017

International Asperger’s Day is aiming to highlight the significance of Asperger’s Syndrome. It is one of the many challenges in understanding the autism spectrum.

“Recent survey results from the National Institute of Child Health and Mental Development estimate that 1 in 500 people (0.2% of the general population) have some form of Asperger’s Syndrome.”

As a community, we can raise awareness about Asperger’s syndrome through holding charity fundraisers, donating a small sum to Asperger Services Australia or increasing awareness on social media.

Childhood heart disease

Do you know?

• Childhood heart disease is the single biggest killer of children under the age of one in Australia.
• Eight babies are born with a heart defect in Australia every day. That is almost 3,000 every year.

This February is the time to support Australia’s little battlers in the fight against heart disease.

Get involved in the fight against heart disease by making a donation, volunteering with HeartKids Australia in events such as Sweetheart Day, participating in a fundraiser or simply raising awareness on social media.