On Saturday night the Waterfront Function Centre on the Manning River hosted the fundraiser and through the cooperation and kindness of three local Rotary clubs, it attracted an amazing community turn out and support. 

The evening ‘got rolling’ with attendees rolling beads made from strips of recycled paper, the main activity conducted by Little Blue Shed for women in need within villages in Uganda.

Dr Alison McIntosh who is involved with the wider Manning community in a range of capacities, provided master of ceremony duties for the evening, keeping everyone entertained during a superb two course meal put together by a number of local Rotarians.

Guests were spoilt with both classic and contemporary dishes, wintery comfort food - all thanks to a handful of talented local home master-chefs including Mary-Ann Tickle, Dusty Walkom, and Darinka Barnes.

“The three Taree Rotary clubs were delighted to support Tanja’s wonderful fundraising night, a great time was had by all who attended and we will continue our involvement with her Uganda Little Blue Shed project,” David Denning, president of Rotary Club of Taree said. 

To top it off Matt Zarb, talented singer/songwriter/multi instrumentalist entertained the crowd with a swag of stories, songs and a guitar style unique to himself.

It’s been two years since Matt last played in Taree, so it was great to have him perform. He was a real highlight of the night.

The long table dinner also included an entertaining live auction led by Bruce Moy, who auctioned off a range of items contributed by local business and individuals.

The funds raised will seed and put in motion the upcoming plans for Little Blue Shed, which are focussed around creating sustainable micro-businesses for Ugandan women so that they can provide for basics like food, education and medicine for themselves and their children.

“We all agree that charity begins at home, but it if we are true to our values as Australians it shouldn’t end there,” Tanja said.

“So seeing local people doing great things for Uganda has been incredible. We are so grateful to Rotary for their enthusiastic support of the project.

“I’m privileged to be the link between Uganda and Australia (Taree). It’s wonderful to open opportunities for people to get involved and make a huge difference in other parts of the world.”

The event and all that contributed to it has planted the seed for the growth of Little Blue Shed and we look forward to following it’s progress. If you missed the event but would like to contribute, visit: www.littleblueshed.org

Little Blue Shed makes beautiful handmade paper products. It’s a platform developed for empowering vulnerable women living in Uganda Africa through training, skills and employment opportunities.

The project identifies the most vulnerable women in under-served areas of Uganda (single mothers, widows, youth school dropouts and domestic violence victims) empowering them with skills and training in fashion/ handiwork. These young women are the prime target for prostitution and other degrading activities.

Empowering these women with income generating activities means they will be able to live a dignified life and earn an honest income. Little Blue Shed was founded by Australian Tanja Curcic-Olwoch in 2010.

Now, following a great deal of grass-roots experience, we have big plans around the Little Blue Shed, it’s growth and how we can multiply and empower women.