NOOSA TODAY
Wishes from Moy still coming true JIM FAGAN
7
Share with mum this Mother’s Day
Frangipani Dreams’ gift of Smart Pup Charlie to the Tardent family of Sunrise Beach is the latest in a series of wishes granted by the group since founder Moy Sweetman died 12 months ago.
Moy Sweetman, a true inspiration
where it wanted to “wrap up the charity by June 30 after nearly 10 years. We’ve had some wonderful, hard-working volunteers who have helped pack and deliver thousands of Christmas hampers over the last decade. “We also want to thank all those who have supported Frangipani Dreams with donations, goods and fundraising. Their ongoing support made Moy’s dreams come true. “One of Moy’s favourite
sayings was ‘Making a difference’ and whatever she did was to make a difference in people’s lives. Whatever we’ve done since Moy passed away that little phrase is still ringing in our ears. “Moy touched the lives of so many people in so many ways. She was just an amazing bundle of energy and enthusiasm who seemed to find inspiration in adversity. Through that she was an inspiration for a lot of people.�
When Jonathon met Charlie FROM PAGE 1 It is a charity and, according to Patricia McAlister, the dogs are donated to selected families. “They help reduce stress levels and relieve the social isolation special needs children often feel. We do all our own fundraising and we ask the families to also help raise money. We have three families in Noosa waiting to get their dogs.� Ruth and Glenda first heard about Smart Pups through a Frangipani Dreams’ member who knew of a family who wanted to acquire a dog. They went to Buderim to see a training session with Smart Pups and “it was so inspiring we wanted to help a family. “Patricia had a look through their list of families, who were desperately in need of a dog,
and that’s how we came up with Rebecca and Jonathon. “As it turns out Moy did know about Rebecca and her circumstances back when Jonathon was in primary school. We only found this out last week, actually on Thursday, the day of the anniversary of Moy’s death. When we made the decision to help Rebecca, we didn’t know she knew about Moy or Frangipani Dreams.� Charlie needs further training and it will be another six weeks before he comes back to Rebecca and Jonathon. “I can’t wait,� said Jonathon. “He’s just the most perfect dog.� Is he looking forward to taking him for walks? He grinned, “Oh yes, and I’m going to teach him snakes and ladders.� “Better watch the dice,� said trainer Clare. “He’ll chew it.�
xwell & Williams ...with a free Ma Sprinkle teapot* Simply spend $40 or more at any specialty store (not including Big W or Woolworths) and present your receipt to the Customer Service desk in Centre. Choose from two gorgeous colours to spoil mum! Free parking including undercover. Open 7 days. *Terms and conditions apply. See the Customer Service desk or visit www.nooscivicshopping.com.au noosacivicshopping.com.au
%LJ : á :RROZRUWKV á VSHFLDOW\ VWRUHV (HQLH &UHHN 5G &QU :DOWHU +D\ 'ULYH 1RRVDYLOOH 3K
7032-118
The committee has not been idle in the months since Moy passed away. It has granted close to $56,000 in wishes, including $10,000 to Frankee Lee, the little girl with a rare hearing defect, for an operation, as well as gifts to cancer sufferers, people with rare medical conditions, funeral costs on two occasions, holidays on the Gold Coast and assistance with medical travel for the terminally ill. A local dance company has also been given funds to purchase musical/dance equipment and travel expenses for competitors. “In late 2009 Frangipani Dreams got in touch with the Ian Thorpe Foundation and started a project at Yarrabah, an aboriginal community in North Queensland. This year, when school started, we donated $20,000 to Ian Thorpe’s Fountain for Youth to provide school books and materials for a remote indigenous township, 350km north east of Alice Springs, called Utopia,� committee member Ruth Betts said. She said the management committee was at the stage
1 MAY 2014