February 2021 Newsletter
Dear Solemen Supporter,
The Ides of March is upon us
According to Wikipedia the Ides of March is the 74th day in the ancient Roman lunar calendar, corresponding to 15 March. It was marked by several religious observances and was notable for the Romans as a deadline for settling debts. In 44 BC, it became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar which made the Ides of March a turning point in Roman history.
At Yayasan Solemen we like the idea of turning points and our optimistic nature yearns for a positive pivot. As we all are still chafing under the effects of the pandemic, we dream about a turnaround that will bring some welcome relief to our Solebuddies and the poor communities in Bali. Too many people are still going hungry. Please take this time to contribute something to alleviate their hunger.
FUNDRAISING
Read on to see how you can make a difference
Solebuddies waiting for a kind sponsor
Desak
This 16 year-old teenage girl suffers from Cerebral Palsy which has affected her ability to walk. Desak is being monitored monthly.
Desak needs sponsorship for medicine IDR 550.000/month, a food parcel IDR 800.000 and school sponsorship when classes resume.
Pak Ketut
Ketut is in his mid-40s and diagnosed with Schizophrenia. The Outreach team found him in a makeshift cell as he was very aggressive. He has been treated and is now much calmer. He needs help with meds.
Ketut needs sponsorship for mental health medication IDR 1.600.000.
Pak Kelemun
Due to a serious case of Hepatitis B, 71 year-old Pak Kelemun cannot walk properly and must use a crutch. Consequently he cannot work anymore and is supported by his wife who is making a meagre living as a Canang Sari (small Balinese offerings) seller. The medicine required for his condition is not covered by BPJS.
Sponsorship needed for monthly medication IDR. 800.000 and food parcel IDR 800.000
Niluh Sri
Niluh is 13 years old. She is speech delayed and was diagnosed with autism and intellectual impairment. Her behaviour is often challenging; she does not like wearing clothes and punches people when frustrated.
Niluh needs sponsorship for medicine IDR 200.000, milk (Ensure) IDR 600.000 and food Parcel IDR 800.000Gede BudiThis 7 year-old boy is one of our Heart Kids with a severe heart defect who will require life-saving surgery in Jakarta within the next 6 months. He is also malnourished.
Gede needs sponsorship for milk (Pediasure) IDR 600.000 and food Parcel IDR 800.000
Sponsor a Solebuddy Today
NEWS, EVENTS, & UPDATES
Bali Core Expedition is organising a 10-day fundraiser Walk Though Bali
Solemen is one of 5 core NGOs participating in this relief initiative. From 2 till 11 April, interested participants can join the West-to-East Coast walk to help raise funds for Bali’s rural communities which have suffered a devastating loss of income due to the Covid-19 pandemic. For details of the walk, sponsorship and crowdfunding, contact Balicore2021@gmail.com, IG @balicore2021 or FB @balicore2021.
Solemen set up the Bali Hunger Relief Campaign
Bali’s economy is in shambles and the poor suffer more than anyone. Hunger is a constant factor in their lives. Yet, it costs so little to bring relief. $5 buys food for 1 day for a family of 4; $35 buys provisions for a week and $150 gives them food for 1 month. Please donate at the Bali Hunger Relief Campaign link and save a poor Bali family from the devastation of malnourishment.
More Pepito Food Markets are joining the Solemen Food Drive
Since the beginning of the year 3 more Pepito Food Markets have joined Solemen’s hunger relief effort by adding food boxes at their stores. If you live in the Canggu, Echo Beach or Batubulong area, you can easily participate by adding a few extra dry food items to the boxes.
Yayasan Solemen was included as a beneficiary in the Bali Support Group
Bali Support is the island’s first collective fundraising platform for environmental, humanitarian and immediate relief projects. The system facilitates financial support for various projects for long-term sustainability in Balinese communities, emergency response to the deficit caused by Covid-19, and thriving and healthy natural ecosystems. Visit their website at https://balisupport.org.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT : Jenni Meggs
Margaret Mead once famously said ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.’ One of Solemen’s supporters in Australia took this principle to heart and together with her friends, Jenni Meggs organised a fundraiser in Melbourne including an auction to benefit Yayasan Solemen. The fundraiser had a Balinese theme and delicious Balinese food provided by international Balinese students from north Bali. Lots of great door prizes, raffles and an auction that netted AUD 2.300 made for an entertaining evening. Solemen warmly thanks Jenni for this wonderful initiative that is bound to change a few Solebuddy lives in Bali for the better.
WISHLIST
We are constantly in need of the following items: Melolin, Mepitac, QV Cream & Lotion, Sudocream, Colostomy Bags, Tea Tree Oil and Vitamin E Cream.
Donations of clothing for men, women, children, and babies are always appreciated. Please see our list of Donation Drop Points.
Many of our families are unable to afford even the most basic food necessities and are severely malnourished. Provide a basic food parcel to these families monthly. Nobody should endure hunger.