Walking for children

Colourful characters on fundraising walk for FOTCF, but not many sarees

on Sunday, February 24, Jells Park regulars witnessed an unusual sight as they shared their daily walk, run and bike path with people dressed up as Star Wars characters, girls in sparkly disco outfits and hundreds of people sporting neon green. It was 9am, the weather was promising and nearly 200 people were ready and rearing to go on the inaugural walk for Monash’s Children organised by Friends of the Children Foundation (FOTCF) and Monash Health Foundation.

Monash Council Mayor Cr Micaela Drieberg flagged off the event as enthusiastic supporters set off on their choice of a 5, 10 or 15km run, or walk. The first official walk was held to raise funds for the purchase of a special vest needed to help treat young patients with cystic fibrosis. The vest assists in the treatment by loosening the fluid around the lungs when strapped around a patient. The vests costs $12,000 and can help in reducing the time spent in the hospital, and result in fewer admissions to the hospital.

It was an eclectic group of people who came to support the Monash Children’s walk, including staff from Monash Children’s Hospital. Braving the heat and flies, the supporters finished their chosen course and a sausage sizzle awaited them at the finish line. Monash community is a multicultural one including many nationalities and a sizable population of Indian migrants.

Said Shashi Kochhar from The Friends Of The Children Foundation, “It was a wonderful sight to see the green brigade staGE sPirit of india – cElEbration of indian mUsic and dancE heading for their walk/run in unison. Their willingness to support us was very encouraging and we are hoping to turn this into an annual event”.

It was, however, disappointing to see the lack of Indian presence at the walk. We may not come from a ‘sporting nation’ but we are definitely people who can be

Tuesday, 12th March 2013 at 7.30 p.m. at elisabeth Murdoch hall, Melbourne Recital centre. organised by nataraj cultural centre Inc., will feature the renowned carnatic singer Sudha Ragunathan and Manjiri kelkar, with her melodious voice and fine sense of intonation. Visit www. melbournerecital.com.au Tickets: adult $50; concession $40 Phone: 9699 3333 sahitya sandhya saturday 16th march, at kew library (corner of cotham Road and civic Dr kew 3101, Melway reference 45 D6). Apane log, apani baatein in anticipation of holi. kavita (poetry), short stories and jokes. All are welcome to attend. sporty, generous and supportive, especially when it comes to children. Hopefully there will be better participation from Indians to this worthwhile event next year. Till then “keep giving that they may grow”.

Sahitya sandhya dates for 2013: 25 May, 20 Jul, 21 Sep, 23 nov.

A ‘young at heart’ themed dinner dance was also organised by FOTCF at Richmond Town

What’s on

lehrein -theatre and dance extravaganza saturday 16th march from 5pm to 7pm at the chandler community centre, 28 Issac Road, keysborough. Presented by kalavishkar Innovative Art Academy. Tickets: $10, children under 5 are free. call Manasi on 0419815323 or visit www. kalavishkar.com.au ka kanji no ka saturday, 16th march from 7pm onwards at The national Theatre, St kilda. Gujarati and Bollywood comedy king Tiku Talsania live in his successful and popular Gujarati play ‘ka kanji no ka’, a new comedy play from kanji Series. Tickets: $29, $39, $49 $59. contact kaushal Modi on 0424700226; Dipendrasinh Gohil (Bapu) 0433976697. Gujarati food available at venue. fEstival holi fair sunday 24th march, 11am to 5pm at Bundoora hsv holi mela saturday 30th march, 10am onwards at the Shiva Vishnu Temple, 52 Boundary Road, carrum Downs VIc. Free event organised by hindu Society of Victoria. aiii holifair monday 1st april, 10am onwards at the Sandown Race course, Springvale, VIc. Mika Singh live and lots of entertainment. entry tickets available at venue. For sponsorship call Yogen on 0403 337 142. sPIRITUAL yoga interactive session sunday march 17, 2:30pm – 4pm at Fregon hall.

Hall earlier this month to raise funds to assist the Monash Children’s Hospital.

FOTCF was founded in 1988 to raise funds and work with organisations that are involved in providing better health and education for children. It is a notfor-profit organisation focused on creating a better future for children.

Park, 1069 Plenty Road, Bundoora, VIc organised by Fusion entertainment. Ticket: $5 entry. For stalls and sponsorship, call Gaurav Verma on 0422 655 710.

Yoga benefits and advantages interactive session

Over the years the FOTCF has raised substantial funds for the Royal Children Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal, Monash Children Hospital and Disability Sports and Recreation. Their aim is to raise $75,000 this year with the help of supporters, sponsors and fundraising events.

Preeti Jabbal

will be held. organised by the Melbourne kannada Sangha. light snacks, coffee/tea shall be provided. For more details visit www.mks.org.au misc australian sikh Games 2013 29-31 march at Monash university, South east Melbourne. Teams from Malaysia, new Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, hong kong, uk and canada will participate. organised by VSA, the event will have around 200 participants, competing in 8 events – hockey, soccer, cricket, badminton, volleyball, netball, tennis and athletics. fUndraisinG

Good friday Walk friday 29th march, 8.30am for 9.00am start from clayton Railway station. Annual 28km Good Friday walk to etihad Stadium to raise funds for the Royal children’s hospital projects with Good Friday appeal.