I have truly put off writing this post for a long time. Partly because it saddens me that we are closing the chapter but also because I fear greatly that if I try to thank people individually I will surely miss out someone because there have been so many to thank over the past three years.
Back in early 2016 Celeste Mergens inspired me when I had the opportunity to attend the Days for Girls Ambassador for Womens Health training in Bangladesh. Initially I had thought I could sew some shields and send them off to another team. But after hearing Celeste talk and chatting with the lovely Barbara Mitchell from the Australian Emu Plains Chapter who was in Bangladesh at the time I knew there was something more that myself and a few friends could do back in Muscat. I never dreamed at the time that it would result in well over 3500 shields, 14,000 liners, and 1750 bags.
We had our first volunteer morning on April 17th 2016. I wasn't even sure if anyone would come, but come they did. These amazing women from all over Muscat, such different backgrounds, languages, cultures but all with one thing in common ... big hearts. We have had such wonderful laughs and established lifelong friendships simply through the act of giving a little of our time to help others. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers it has been an honour to serve with you. And thank you to all volunteer Uni mules too, your empty bags have been our saving grace.
I do want to specifically thank two wonderful ladies Niti Hamlai and Radhika Hamlai who opened the doors of the Bahja Hall (and occasionally when needed The Jungle Restaurant) for us complimentary and their team who always looked after us. Without this space there is no way we could have achieved what we did.
Over the years we have many school groups involved, lots of people who have baked and made goods to sell to raise funds to buy fabric. Not to mention the occasional baked treats at meet ups too!
We have had companies around Muscat step forward and pay for our shipping, air fares etc all so that we get these kits to girls and women in need and deliver much needed health education at the same time.
While initially it was my hope that the DFG chapter would be making and supplying girls and women in Muscat it didn't eventuate for many reasons. I still hope that in the future someone else will start DFG or something similar to meet the growing needs in Oman.
How can I possibly sign off for the last time without thanking Nalini Subramamian. I have often very honestly told many of you that without Nalini there is no possible way we could achieved what we did. I have been humbled to work alongside this amazing women who gives and gives and gives. From day one when we met she has been a constant driving force in getting things done. I feel so blessed to have met her through this project and I feel blessed knowing that she will remain a lifelong and very cherished friend. Thank you Nalini!
So that is it folks. To everyone that has anything to do with DFGM over the past three years I thank you from the bottom of my heart, you have ALL made a difference to so many women. So go grab a coffee or a cuppa tea , sit back and enjoy 15 minutes of DFGM memories vis the link below. If you know a past volunteer who has since left Oman please can you forward them this link too. These pictures made me smile and even cry ... thank you and good luck.
Thanks for stopping by ...
