Students from The University of Queensland are lending practical support to an organisation which helps poor children working in the streets of Peru.
Volunteers from four UQ student clubs – The Bridge, Oxfam UQ, the United Nations Student Association and Women and the Law will host the ‘Simplicity Ball’ on Saturday, September 4, at the Colossus Reception Lounge in West End, to raise money for non-profit organisation Hogar de Cristo in Arequipa, Peru.
Yvonne Oberhollenzer from The Bridge has been a volunteer worker at Hogar de Critso and saw first-hand how much the centre meant to the children and how much it helped them.
“They not only receive bare essentials like food and clothes, but their educational opportunities and survival strategies are also enhanced which allows them to better face the world they live in,” Ms Oberhollenzer said.
The association’s community centre functions as a shelter for poor, working children and adolescents aged four to 17.
“I saw how going to the centre gave the children a chance to be children, rather than working adults, and saw how much they loved that. They provide an invaluable service to these children,” said Yvonne.
The Simplicity Ball is an annual event, with last year’s ball raised more than $3000 for the East Timorese non-governmental organisation, Feto Kiik Serviso Hamutuk (Young Women Working Together).
Ms Oberhollenzer said the ball would be full of fun, great food and entertainment.
“We’d love to see members of the community come along and not only have a great night, but also help support this inspirational organization,” she said.
“The ball will be a truly multicultural event and will feature an international menu and entertaining performances from a number of different cultures.”
Tickets are $42 and are available by emailing simplicityball2004@hotmail.com.
For more information, contact Anusha Goonetilleke (s360728@student.uq.edu.au or 0400 243 849).
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