This newsletter excerpt from Maisie Fook on October 25, 1984, reflects Maisie’s and Helen’s commitment to furthering Asian Aid’s work:
“This newsletter is to be extra special. Helen Eager returned to Australia on October 2, after spending seven weeks visiting 60 schools. You will be torn by her diary notes, and when you read about the special needs she saw, you will wish you were a millionaire.”
RIPON AND LINDA’S STORY
Linda and Ripon have never met, but their lives are beautifully connected in ways that continue to ripple forward.
At 18 Ripon is on the verge of finishing school – an achievement that once felt out of reach. Gentle and determined, he has grown up in the care of an Asian Aidsupported Adventist school in Bangladesh. His journey has been possible because of the kindness of supporters who believed in him long before he could imagine a bright future for himself.
child and raised funds to provide sports equipment for a school that had none. “When we saw the photos of these children, it melted our hearts,” Linda shares. “We have a weekly Asian Aid Village Box where people drop in coins. Our small church makes a difference for these dear children, supporting education and helping new programs grow.”
In 1979, Asian Aid stepped in to save Monosapara School from closure in Bangladesh. With sponsor support, it continued to operate – and today it’s one of the country’s largest Adventist schools, transforming hundreds of lives each year.
Linda moved to Australia from Canada in 1973. Today, she is a mother of three and a grandmother of six, and for more than 25 years, together with her husband, she has been part of the Camden Haven Adventist Church community. Her connection to Asian Aid began through a friendship with former CEO Sharon Heise, whose passion inspired Linda and her family to get involved, which they did in 1988 by sponsoring a boy until his graduation. Through her church, Linda became part of Ripon’s story.
Though small in numbers, her church community has faithfully supported a
For Ripon, that support has meant everything.
“Because of my sponsors’ support, we have been able to overcome many problems,” he says. “Thank you for standing by us in our time of need. I’m happy I was able to stay in school.”
Ripon’s early years are marked by fear and uncertainty. After his father abandoned the family, Ripon’s mother was left to care for three children alone. With nowhere else to turn, she found her way to the school that would change their lives. Ripon still remembers the day she brought
him here - the moment him and his siblings were welcomed with kindness and given a second chance.
“You don’t have to give much to help someone - it might be a phone call, a smile, or a quick drop-in. But it can be enough for someone to see Jesus in your
Today, Ripon carries a dream shaped by both hardship and hope. He wants to become a doctor to help other children. “I want to be a good doctor. There are so many children who are deprived of treatment,” he says. “I want to help
Over the years, Linda has seen the impact of support grow both overseas and in her own community. Locally, the opening of the HOPE Op Shop in Wauchope, weekly soup van* and food distribution have helped her find new ways to volunteer and serve. “This journey with Asian Aid has taught me that happiness is found in the simple and basic things - security, love, safety, compassion, food, education, and,
There are many more children like Ripon still waiting for that chance. Will you be part of their story?
mostly in a relationship with God.”
Ripon’s story, as it intertwines with Linda’s, is just one of many stories that reflect something powerful.
Because of my sponsors’ support, we have been able to overcome many problems,” he says. “Thank you for standing by us in our time of need. I’m happy I was able to stay in school.
Because of supporters like Linda - like you - children are staying in school and thriving. They’re gaining access to healthcare, learning healthy habits, and discovering their voice. Families are growing stronger with parents building financial independence and a deeper understanding of their children’s rights and safety. And entire communities are being transformed. And it all begins with someone choosing to care.
“I would assure anyone considering supporting Asian Aid that they would receive a very humbling reward – the joy you receive is almost as good as what the children and families you help experience.”
*The Soup Van is an ADRA Australia program in Wauchope.
OUR HISTORY
First Asian Aid office was in Beverly Hills, NSW.
First Asian Aid’s volunteer was Helen Eager.
First Asian Aid’s Chief Executive Officer was Sharon Heise.
First health camp was held in 1999 in Nepal.
First Asian Aid’s employee was Kerryn Patrick.
First Asian Aid newsletter was published in January 1984.
First Asian Aid logo looked like this:
A room full of dreams in the making.
There are many more children like Ripon still waiting for that chance. Will you be part of their story?
The first Asian Aid website was launched in March 2011.
First sports program started in 2009 in India, with youth involved in sports teams and other community activities.
First livelihood program began in 1980 in Bangladesh, training women living in the slums to generate an income through embroidery.
Over the past 60 years, Asian Aid supporters have sponsored over 55,000 children.
Over the past 60 years, approximately 150,000 children have received help through community projects in education, health, livelihood and advocacy.
They are stronger and more hopeful than the dire circumstances they face.
They stand at the edge of possibility, wishing for their friends to be healthy, educated and safe too.
School is more than education. It is safety, health, food and a pathway out of poverty.
They should be exactly where they belong: in school - not working in the fields or getting married young.
Scan here to see how you can help.
Every child should be safe, healthy, educated and free to reach their God-given potential. Your support can protect little ones, help children thrive at school, and enable young people to pursue their dreams.
A STORY THAT DIDN'T END. IT MULTIPLIED.
Throughout these early years Shohag began to study the Bible and made the decision to be baptised. After graduating from high school in 2000, Shohag went on to complete his bachelor's degree in education. This equipped him for working for the Bangladesh Adventist Union Mission and for postgraduate studies. Having always wanted to work for Asian Aid, Shohag applied and got a managerial position for Asian Aid’s partner in Bangladesh. This role enabled Shohag to help children in local villages and to continue to grow the West Bangladesh
my life would have been destroyed in my childhood,” Shohag says.
In coming full circle, Shohag’s story of hope continues in the lives of the children he now works with. Shohag sees the impact that supporting children collectively has. And how support can lift entire families and communities to a better life.
His hard work and compassion for the people he works with has kept him steady and consistent, and today, Shohag leads the organisation.
Through one sponsor’s support, he gained an education – an opportunity that so many children in Bangladesh still go without.
“Without Asian Aid,
Watch Shohag's video where he speaks to two children who share how that ripple of support is changing lives in their entire circle.
6 DECADES. 6 LESSONS.
1966-1976
A string, a tent and a calling
“Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.” – Sara Blakely Maisie Fook and Helen Eager were ordinary mums who saw children in need and chose to help. With compassion and faith, they did what they could. Maisie kept her early records in a nutmeat box, tied with string pulled from her worn carpet. At one stage, Helen worked from a tent. They were committed to living out what God had placed on their hearts.
1977-1986
Kilometres to change lives
“Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.” – Dr. John Trainer
Helen and Maisie travelled far and wide, visiting churches and Big Camps, and inviting others to sponsor children in Korea, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
- By Kerryn Patrick*
New beginnings for women
"If you change the life of a girl or woman, you don't just change that individual, you change her family and then her community." – Dr. Helene Gayle Asian Aid launched programs to support women, including mums of sponsored children. In Bangladesh, the Pollywog embroidery project created opportunities to earn an income. Tailor training in Rajamundry and other locations gave women practical skills, resources, and confidence to support their families. In Nepal, literacy programs and women’s health clinics, including for those suffering from uterine prolapse, met urgent needs and helped restore dignity.
1987-1996 1997-2006
From overlooked, to treasured
“Disabled lives are multi-faceted – brimming with personality, pride, ambition, love, empathy, and wit.”
– Sinead Burke
The schools for deaf and blind students became a highlight of Asian Aid’s work; places where children once overlooked could truly thrive and shine.
Dedicated people make lasting impact
"We know true collaboration happens when the idea can no longer be traced to one person."
– Simon Sinek
Asian Aid invested in highly qualified staff to provide the best support possible to children, families and communities – and to supporters.
2016-2026
The heart behind the mission
"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart."
– Eleanor Roosevelt
Our long-term supporters are the backbone of all we do. They value the opportunity to help, live out their faith in practical ways, and have invited others to join the Asian Aid family. Thank you!
*Kerryn devoted over 34 years of service to Asian Aid, earning trust through her genuine care, empathy, and connection with people. Still a staunch supporter, she continues to champion children in need. Thank you, Kerryn, for your lasting impact.
ASIAN AID’S LEGACY
We believe legacy is measured in impact on lives - not just in years. Children reaching their God-given potential are Asian Aid’s legacy.
One child, and then another, and then another ... until thousands of vulnerable children are safe, learning, healthy and full of hope. And until families and communities in some of Southeast Asia’s toughest places are finding a brighter future.
But today, the world is more uncertain than ever. Too many children are still trapped in poverty and lack opportunities. Too many parents can no longer provide for their families. Too many communities have nowhere to turn.
With your help, we can do more.
Together, we can reach not just one child, but many - restoring childhoods across whole communities. We can help ensure many children have safety, education, good health, and the support of loving families and strong communities. We can restore dignity and offer help that’s inclusive and fair for all children.
This is our Hope Collective.
Scan here to see how you can multiply hope.
This June, as we celebrate decades of hope-giving, we need your help to change the future for groups of children across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Cambodia - and to uplift their families and communities too.
Each gift helps not just one child, but several others in their community. How many more children will you support* today?
CHOOSE BELOW HOW YOU'D LIKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE PLEASE
I want to help BABIES, TODDLERS, and PRESCHOOLERS: Safe Nights: $55/month.
Keep little ones safe from Cambodia’s red-light districts.
Emergency Care Kit: $90 m one-off donation m monthly donation Provide life-saving healthcare.
I want to help YOUNG CHILDREN: Ready to Learn: $65/month.
Gift school meals, books, stationery and teaching resources.
Food for Families: $135. m one-off donation m monthly donation
Provide the essentials to start-up a home business.
I want to help TEENS and YOUNG ADULTS:
Dream Big: $100/month.
Support education and keep children safe from early marriage, child labour and trafficking.
Mobile Health Clinic: $450. m one-off donation m monthly donation
Bring doctors and nurses to entire remote communities.
I want to champion a child’s future with this amount of my choice:
$ m one-off donation m monthly donation
I WILL GIVE MY DONATION BY:
CHEQUE Make payable to Asian Aid Organisation and post with this form.
FUNDS TRANSFER Call us on (+61) 02 6586 4250 for banking details
CREDIT CARD
Name on Card
Expiry
Signature
m I WANT TO LEAVE A GIFT IN MY WILL TO ASIAN AID BUT NEED MORE INFORMATION.
For more information, visit asianaid.org.au call (+61) 02 6586 4250 or email contact@asianaid.org.au
