Congratulations to Di Andrews and her Winter Warmth project for being selected as our July grant recipient. Di’s project is simple, but it addresses the complex issue of Melbourne’s homeless by providing some of life’s basic needs. Winter Warmth will supply backpacks to the homeless filled with items like food, gloves, a toothbrush and pamphlets for assistance from organisations like Beyond Blue that support those affected with mental health issues. A few of the Melbourne trustees had the pleasure of meeting Di and saw firsthand the passion she has for helping others. She was overjoyed to put this project into action and is determined to grow it beyond the initial $1,000 grant through donations and support from the community. One of the qualities we liked most about this project was the opportunity it provides everyday people to give back. If you would like to contribute to the Winter Warmth project please contact the Melbourne Awesome Foundation at awesomemelb@gmail.com Meet Di and hear about her inspiration for Winter Warmth in the video below:

Where would you be today without your education? Would you know how to read or write? Would you be able to support yourself? Melbourne’s June grant was awarded to One Girl, an organization that’s made it their mission to educate girls from the poorest rural communities of Sierra Leone, West Africa. One Girl was founded in 2009 by Chantelle Baxter and David Dixon and has given 100 girls the opportunity for an education and a better life. Their upcoming campaign Do It in a Dress will raise $25,000 to send another 50 girls to school by 2012. The difference an education in Sierra Leone can make is astounding.  See what these girls are up against: – 1 in 6 chance of attending high school. – 62% chance they’ll be married before their 18th birthday. – 50% chance they’ll be sexually abused before they turn 18 and it’s almost guaranteed that they’ll experience some kind of sexual violence in their lifetime. Do It in a Dress plans on raising the $25,000 by recruiting 100 “rock star” bloggers from around the world to set a personal challenge for themselves like run 5K, go to a yoga class, bungee jump or just go to… read more →