The Truffles fundraiser came about through Wakefield woman Anne Bolton desiring to 'do something that matters'.
Anne read some articles on the work done by Missions Without Borders and decided that this was the organisation to initially support. Moldova was chosen as it was the poorest country in Eastern Europe and in particular the orphans in Moldova. Anne was determined that this fundraiser would not take money away from other organisations such as those offering child sponsorship.
Her home group discussed various ideas for possible fundraisers, and they chose to make and sell truffles.The first fundraiser was held in 2004 and made a $4000 profit. This amount blew the team away. Since then the fundraiser has been held every year, generously supported by all our sponsors. Brightwater Community Anglican Church generously hosted the actual truffle-making event at their church hall in Brightwater for a number of years. Since 2011 the event is held in the Brightwater Town Hall. Various organisations from around the region, including churches, schools, businesses, and community groups enthusiastically get behind the fundraiser each year when it comes around.
2017 and the Truffles fundraiser is still going strong. Anne has been doing a wonderful job, but felt it was the right time to hand the reigns over. She approached Bonnie Kempthorne who had done mission work for a year in Davao, Philippines with Global Impact's Freedom! Philippines Campaign. Bonnie gladly picked up the role and has continued the Truffles annual fundraiser. Freedom! Philippines Campaign reaches Filipinos through kids camps, misison and medical outreach, drama, school and church presentation and feeding and education programmes. Since it's inception in 2014, Freedom! Philippines have effectively reached over 50,000 Filipinos, delivering the message on how to stay safe from Traffickers.
