Mercy Monday in May will be celebrated on Monday, May 9, a date to coincide with three important international and national events that are closely related to the aim of Mercy Ships in bringing hope and healing to people living in the world's poorest nations.
Gary Regazzoli, CEO of Mercy Australia, says one event is National Volunteers Week, running from May 9 to 15 this year, celebrating the amazing contribution and work of all volunteers. That event is followed by International Nurses Day on Thursday, May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth, and acknowledging the dedication, compassion and care provided by nurses. Since Mercy Ships operates the world's largest charity hospital ship Africa Mercy with volunteers providing a range of health-related programs free of charge, Mercy Monday is a way of recognizing the service of volunteer nurses who join with several thousand people providing a wide range of skills onboard each year."
"It is also significant that Mother's Day is being celebrated on Sunday, May 8. For some years, we have emphasised the work being done by surgeons to restore the lives of women, some of whom have suffered for many years as a result of obstetric fistula injuries following obstructed or prolonged childbirth. An estimated two million women in Africa live with the problem, while as many as 80,000 new cases develop each year. Most live in shame, ostracised by their families and communities. Corrective surgery is the only option. Volunteers again help to mend the bodies and heal the hearts of such women."
For over 30 years, Mercy Ships has been providing medical, dental and community development aid to the poorest nations of the earth. A primary objective of Mercy Ships is to be a catalyst for transformational development. Mercy Ships Australia is one of 15 national offices promoting the work of Mercy Ships. The office aims to raise funds and recruit the volunteer medical, dental, marine and support staff needed to keep a hospital ship operating.
"Now you can help Mercy Ships highlight the incredible work of the volunteers - teams of doctors, nurses and support staff - by hosting a Mercy Meal on Monday, May 9," says Mr Regazzoli. "You can make a difference and get involved. Register as a host for a morning tea, lunch or dinner on that day to raise funds."
'There are several ways of doing this. A 'bring and share' meal works really well with small or larger groups; you can simply host this mercy meal at home, outdoors, at your
workplace or a local club. Book a meal at your favourite restaurant, with a pre-set menu and a set cost per person. Guests pay for their meal and additionally donate their gift. Receipts will be issued for individual gifts."
"Once you register, you will receive an information kit, including receipt books for a range of gifts. The gifts raised at the event are tax deductible, and receipts will be issued by the host. Banking is reconciled with the direct deposit form and number of receipts issued for your event. Meal costs may not be associated with the donation in any manner. All meal and beverage costs incurred remain the responsibility of each individual guest. This ensures that 100% of the donation is received by Mercy Ships for vital surgical projects," he says.
More about Mercy Ships on www.mercyships.org.au
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