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Archive for January, 2011

AUD36,116.06* remitted to Queensland Flood Appeal

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 31, 2011

Swannies National President, Phil Johns and JASPAS' BJ at the HCMC fundraiser

*Update 9 Feb 2011. Swannies National Treasurer Danny Armstrong has just confirmed that an additional AUD1,100 has been donated to the Appeal lifting our total contribution from AUD35,106.06 to AUD36,116.06.

Vietnam Swans National President, Phil Johns, sends out an email on behalf of Co-organisers of the recent Queensland Floods Fundraisers, JASPAS, Auscham, Commonwealth Bank, VINO, Ulysses Club and the Vietnam Swans.

Dear Contributors to the recent Queensland Flood Appeal

We can now confirm that the final amount raised in HCMC, Hanoi and Vung Tau for the Queensland Flood Appeal was AUD35,016.06. Danny Armstrong, General Director of the Commonwealth Bank and National Treasurer of the Vietnam Swans has just confirmed remittance of AUD20,016.16 to the fund. The balance of $15,000 has been independently remitted according to Boomerang Bar & Restaurant ($10,000) and Meinhardt Engineering ($5,000).

This is an outstanding confirmed amount (adjustments were required to the provisional totals; eg in HCMC on the fundraising night, an extra zero was mistakenly placed on a $500 pledge to incorrectly read as $5,000. Additionally, the different currencies needed to be converted into Australian Dollars).

Special thanks to Danny Armstrong, the Commonwealth Bank, Auscham and the State Bank of Vietnam. Not only was cash collected in Vietnamese Dong, US Dollars and Australian Dollars from a variety of locations, it also had to be converted into AUD and then transferred to Australia. This required a special approval from the State Bank of Vietnam. The Commonwealth Bank transferred the money free of charges and at zero exchange rate margin.

The final amount raised was much more than any of us had expected. However, in terms of property, it was only enough to replace one car. Against the scale of the disaster, we always knew our financial clout would be hopelessly inadequate. But our response was also a response to the personal tragedy. We were offering a gesture of support and solidarity to our fellow Queenslanders at a critical time. And that’s why it was so important that our gesture of support came from a well represented cross section of the community in Vietnam. Co-organisers JASPAS, AUSCHAM (Australian Chamber of Commerce), Commonwealth Bank, VINO Wines (HCMC) and the Ulysses Club (Vung Tau) were magnificent. Then there was the never ending list of sponsors who donated raffle prizes and items for auction (see below). And finally, it was the ordinary people who produced the cash. One very proud father told me how his daughters had each volunteered to donate $50 each to the appeal.

Derrin Limbrick (interviewed on Melbourne's 1377MTR) and Peter Elton auction off the Buckley/O'Donnell ANZAC footy at the HCMC fundraiser

Our message of support was received back in Australia. A number of people emailed me to say that Channel 7’s Sunrise program had mentioned our fundraiser. Last week, Melbourne talk back radio station 1377MTR contacted the Vietnam Swans and requested an interview after a caller had contacted them about our jointly organised fundraiser in Vietnam. Our Saigon President, Derrin Limbrick, was interviewed by Martin King. Rick Trewavas, a Queenslander and Swannie, posted updates onto his Broad Beach Cats’ website. On the Vietnam Swans website, 37 comments were recorded (click here to read comments).

We could have done something or we could have done nothing. Collectively, we realised we had a choice. And we chose the former.

Thank you to all who contributed.

  • See below for a list of our very generous sponsors.
  • Click here to read a copy of the Commonwealth Bank’s email re confirmation of the money raised and transferred as well as other related matters, including a pdf copy of the Bank Transfer Form.

Regards

Phil
On behalf of the Co-Organisers: Vietnam Swans, JASPAS, AUSCHAM, VINO, Commonwealth Bank, Ulysses Club

Donations and prizes (Please note that significant companies not listed below may already have donated substantial sums directly to the Flood Appeal from their head offices back in Australia.)

  • USD 3,300 – Jessica, Natasha & Louis Young (both girls did their schooling in Toowoomba)
  • USD1,000 – Vinausteel and SSESTEAL (to be donated in Hanoi)
  • USD 500 – Commonwealth Bank (in Australia, already donated nearly $2 million and “will provide over $57 million to those who need it most”. It has also opened entire branch network for donations, free of charge)
  • USD 500 – RMIT University Staff and friends
  • USD250 – Odyssey Accountants

Raffle prizes and items for auction:

  • Montgomerie Links, Hoi An – 4×18 holes, caddie, cart ($500)
  • Flight Travel – One travel package of 2 nights stay at 4 star hotel in Phu Quoc, Mui Ne or Nha Trang with daily breakfast. Return airport transfers are offered where applicable. Excludes airfares.
  • Caravelle Hotel – One weekend night stay, Deluxe Room, inc breakfast
  • Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau – 2 Nights in a Deluxe room including breakfast full retail value is $500
  • La Residence Hotel, Hue – 2 nights stay including breakfast
  • Tommys 3 Restaurant, Vung Tau – Dinner for two
  • Park Hyatt, Saigon – Dinner for 4 with one bottle of wine, Hyatt Square ($300)
  • Soham Yoga Studio and Boutique at 84T/4 Tran Dinh Xu, Dist 1 – 5 Aromatherapy Eye Pillows ($75)
  • Vietnam Swans – Swans footy kit: jumper, polo shirt, bag,hat, stubby holder
  • Saigon Shooters Netball Team – 6 months membership, bag and shirt.
  • Boomerang Bar & Restaurant – One 20 liter keg (Singapore office has already donated USD10,000 directly to appeal)
  • Australian Consulate and Trade Commission – One return airfare to Australia (from Vietnam) excl. taxes
  • Thai Business Association of Vietnam – 3 “Thai Cooking” coffee table books
  • Jasper Waale – Thailand trip. La Meridian, Chang Mai
  • Sailing Club Resort, Mui Ne – 2 nights accommodation (Superior Bungalow)
  • Orchid Hotelier, Mui Ne – 1 night stay including breakfast  at L’Anmien
  • VINO – Wine
  • Sheraton Hotel – Sheraton/Starwood accommodation. Details tba
  • Kangaroo Indochine Wines – Gift Packs
  • Hilton Hotel, Hanoi – Accommodation
  • Jim Beam – 2 x 4.5litre bottles
  • Stockman’s whip and tube of vegemite.
  • Indochina Capital – Six Senses Con Dao Resort – Three Night stay in a ocean view pool villa inclusive of daily breakfast and airport transfers.
  • Indochina Capital – The Nam Hai, Hoi An – Three Night stay in a hotel ocean view villa inclusive of daily breakfast.
  • Indochina Capital – Novotel, Phan Thiet – Two Night Stay in a beach view room inclusive of daily breakfast and golf at Ocean Dunes Golf Club.
  • Renaissance Riverside Hotel – Dinner for 4
  • VATC English College, HCMC – Voucher for Englisgh course ($1,119)
  • Don’s Bistro – 2 vouchers
  • Ginger Bar and Restaurant – 1 dinner voucher
  • Wild Lotus Restaurant – 1 dinner voucher
  • The Warehouse – 1 bottle of wine
  • Press Club – 2 vouchers
  • Sherrin footy signed by Nathan Buckley (Collingwood) and Gary O’Donnell (Essendon) on their 2010 ANZAC trip to Saigon – Donated by Rowan Luke

Posted in Fundraiser | 17 Comments »

Vietnam Community contribution to Queensland Flood Appeal

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 31, 2011

Danny Armstrong confirms the amount raised for the QLD flood appeal

*Update 9 Feb 2011. Swannies National Treasurer Danny Armstrong has just confirmed that an additional AUD1,100 has been donated to the Appeal lifting our total contribution to AUD36,116.06.

The Vietnam Swans National Treasurer and General Director of the Commonwealth Bank, Danny Armstrong, confirms that AUD35, 016.06 has been raised for the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Account. Below is a copy of Danny’s email.

After amazing contributions from right across the Vietnam Australian and broader community including funds raised in functions in HCMC, Hanoi and Vung Tau, I have finally rounded up all of the money and remitted same to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal Account.  There may be some small amounts yet to come in, which of course we will remit when received.  Funds received to date were remitted in two parts:

  1. Some contributors found it easier to send money to my personal account in Australia (see receipt from );
  2. The balance of contributions were received in cash in VND, AUD and USD in Vietnam (international money transfer confirmation attached).

For the funds remitted from Vietnam, the Commonwealth Bank – HCMC branch sought a specific approval from our regulator, the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), to remit the funds in compliance with Vietnam’s foreign exchange regulations.  We were assisted greatly by the Australian Chamber of Commerce – HCMC in this regard, as the SBV advised us that we would need AusCham to remit the money and that they would need to open a specific foreign currency bank account with our Bank for this purpose, credit the funds to it (obviously after conversion to AUD), remit them and then close the account and report back to the SBV what we had done.  I would like to acknowledge the great assistance received from AusCham in this pursuit, particularly Rachael Thompson the National Executive Director and Wayne Bannon the Chairman.  Nothing was too much trouble and their help was fantastic.  I would also like to pay tribute to the SBV who fully appreciated the humanitarian need of our cause and were extremely efficient in rapidly approving our request – again, nothing was too much trouble.  My compliance team were pretty good in this process too.

Receipts for the funds remitted are attached and set out below.  Separately, I understand that Boomarang Restaurant remitted AUD10,000 direct and Meinhardt remitted AUD5,000 direct.

Including these contributions the total amount raised by the Vietnam community was AUD35,016.06.  While a small drop in the ocean in the context of what will be required for the reconstruction effort, I’m sure you would agree that we can all be proud of how the local community came together to support our Queensland friends, family and colleagues as best we could in their hour of need.  I’m sure that our efforts will be appreciated.

As promised, the Commonwealth Bank has remitted all funds free of any fees or foreign exchange margin and we have also ensured that the funds remained fee free on receipt at the Australian end.  i.e. the net amount raised will go directly to assisting the cause.  Huge thanks must also go to Jaspas both in HCMC and Hanoi and Vino for providing their premises to aid the cause and effectively giving up their regular business takings for the evenings of the functions.  Of course, the biggest thanks must go to the amazing supporters in the community who contributed so generously.

  • Receipt number:  N012919689126
  • From account:  Danny xxxx xxxxxxxx
  • Your transaction description:  Qld Flood Appeal
  • To account:  064-013 10006800 Premiers Disaster Relief Appeal
  • To account description: Vietnam Swans
  • Amount:  $4,400.00
  • When:  29/01/2011 5:27:46 pm Sydney time

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Swannies watch Socceroos go down in Asia Cup, Doha. DOH!

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 30, 2011

Colin Mitchell, in Swannies gear, at last night's 2011 Aisian Cup, Doha, Qatar.

Last night, Swannies Colin and Kay Mittchell, who now live in Doha, Qatar, watched .

Colin, photographed above was there dressed to impress wearing his Swannies hat and shirt from our first Asian Champs appearance back in Bangkok, 2007.

Kay writes,

Well, it was an interesting night! It was a good game – just lacking in some decent finishing by the Socceroos. You can’t win a game without scoring shots, and there weren’t any. Some very good chances but they just couldn’t net any of them. They did play very well, but that’s soccer for you.

Luckily, I took some photos of Colin in his Swans gear – before he lost his smile!

We went to the Asian Cup in Bangkok 4 years ago, and I guess we’ll try to get to the next one in Australia. Not sure what time of year it will be though.

To the Swannies, enjoy your Tet break!

Do you have an interesting story with a photo of you wearing your Swannies gear?

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Saigon Prez says, “Chuc Mung Nam Moi!”

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 29, 2011

The Prez Dez, at the recent floods fundraiser, with Fleur, wishes us all "Chuc Mung Nam Moi!"

The unanimously re-elected 2011 Saigon Prez, Dez, gives us a Saigon update prior to the holidays.

Gents, firstly I would like to say thanks to the people who have put their hand up to act on our committee for 2011 and I am looking forward to introducing some new committee members to you all at our first training session for 2011.

It has already been a big start to the year with the Fund-raiser for the Queensland Flood Appeal, and the Australia Celebrates Event at RMIT University last weekend. It was also good to see plenty of guys turn up to make sure that Skipper Dukesy was well looked after at his Bucks Bash on the Friday night last week. Needless to say, by the end of the night he wasn’t the only one who needed looking after.

All of this bodes well for another huge year for the Swannies and I am delighted to be at the helm for Saigon again this year – even if some of you are not!  And just to be clear, at this stage I cannot rule out “push ups” at training for 2011.

Training starts 12 February, 2011

On that note, and I am sure that there are many of you champing at the bit for this, I am happy to announce that we will commence training for 2011 on the 12th February.  Training will be held at RMIT Sports Field, at  our usual time of 2 30 pm.  For those who have note made it down before, the Club will provide water and a cold beer after training.  All you need to do is turn up with your sunscreen on.

Trip to Nha Trang: North-South Match

At this stage there are preliminary discussions regarding a weekend trip to Nha Trang for a practice match against the Hanoi Swannies.  This trip would be important to try and make sure we get a match under our belt before the big ANZAC clash against Hong Kong on 23 April.  We will be sending out some more information about this as things develop.

ANZAC Friendship Match – Vung Tau

Don’t forget to lock away the ANZAC weekend 23 – 25th April.  This year the event is going to be huge.  The Hong Kong Dragons are already booked in to travel to Vung Tau for the match which will be held the Dog Track. For those of you who don’t know, this is where the boys who were stationed in Vung Tau all those years ago played footy as well.   The weekend will involve tours to the battle grounds and of course there will be the Dawn Service held at the Long Tan Memorial Cross on ANZAC Day.

This was an amazing weekend last year and I would encourage everyone to make it a part of your calendar.  We will be sending out more information as soon as possible.

  • Click here for details of last year’s mega ANZAC Friendship Match and weekend.
  • Email the Vietnam Swans now to in attending the 2011 ANZAC Friendship Weekend.)

For those who are travelling over TET, I hope you have a safe and happy trip. I am looking forward to seeing some old and new faces at training on the Saturday, 12th February.

Chuc Mung Nam Moi.

Ya Hearin Me!

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Swannie starts Aussie rules in Bangladesh

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 28, 2011

Bossink goes for a mark at the Asian Champs in Bangkok, 2007

Pieter Bossink was there in 2007 when the Swannies made our first appearance at the Asian Champs in Bangkok. He’s now in Bangladesh and is playing a leading role in establishing a presence for footy in that country. The article below is from the Bangladesh newspaper.

Aussie Rules Football comes to Bangladesh.

The big men flew in Bangladesh on Friday 21 January (2011) as Australia’s national game, Australian Rules Football was played at the International School Dhaka (ISD) in Bashundhara. “Aussie Rules”, a fast, physical and exciting game is like nothing else, but has some similarities with Gaelic football, rugby and caveman fighting.

Students from ISD and members of the Australian expatriate communities took part in the match, divided into two teams representing the Australian State of Victoria and the Rest of the World. The match coincided with the Australian community’s celebration of Australia Day this week.

The footy article in Bangladeh's newspaper

Victoria started the match strongly with the bald behemoth Pieter Bossink kicking goals from all over the park, only to be well held by ROW Captain Mark Favre in the second half as the World slowly exerted its authority…

Talented Bangladeshi students including Tawsif “the bulldozer” Wahid and Parimal Aryal were among best afield. Jaideep Salil, two goals and Ahmad Ferdous, one goal also starred showing Aussie Rules might have a bright future in Bangladesh…

To read the original article, click onto .

Back on 5 July 2008, when Pete was playing footy in France, he said, Eat a baguette if you love footy. You can’t help but get the feeling that if you were in Bangladesh and you loved the footy, you’d probably eat a curry.

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Hanoi raises $6,400 in Queensland floods fundraiser

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 22, 2011

Another happy winner at Hanoi's Queensland Floods fundraiser last night

Last night in Hanoi, the Vietnam Swans, Auscham and JASPAS organised a fundraiser for those who have suffered in the recent floods in Queensland. A very impressive USD6,400 was raised! Below, Hanoi President, Mark “Willy” Williams gives us an update.

Given less than a week to organise such an event, the Vietnam Swans and JASPAS crew, supported by Auscham, managed to put together an amazing fund raiser to help support the Queensland Flood victims.

Chris did an awesome job as auctioneer, Stanno as the MC and ticket master and Jamie and Peter for entertaining the crowd handing out a huge variety of prizes!

There are too many other people to thank here but a very special thanks must go to every single person who attended the evening and donated prizes to help raise $6,400 USD for an excellent cause.

A brilliant night was had by all.

Go you Swannies!!

Next week, the Vietnam Swans Treasurer will announce the total figure raised across the country before remitting the total amount to the Queensland Premier’s Relief Appeal. It shall be transferred via the Commonwealth Bank free of bank charges and at zero foreign exchange rate.

To see more photos of Hanoi’s fund raiser last night, click onto the .

Posted in Fundraiser | 5 Comments »

2011 Saigon Committee Elections

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 22, 2011

Swannie's banner for today's Australia Day Celebration forms the backdrop to Thursday's Committee elections

Last Thursday, Saigon’s 2011 Committee Elections were held at the Spotted Cow. National President shares the results.

It is my great pleasure to announce the results of the 2011 Saigon Committee elections which were held on Thursday evening at the Swannies’ Spotted Cow.

Firstly, congratulations to Derrin for being unanimously re-elected for the third year in a row.

I’m also very pleased to advise that as Danny transitions out of the Treasurer’s position (yes, he was re elected even tho’ he’s leaving), Luke Rowan, also from the Commonwealth Bank, will take over. For those of you who have been close enough to the action to see Danny juggling VND, USD and AUD in Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Australia etc, you will be very pleased that Rowan, with his skill set and banking credentials, will take over. Many thanks Rowan – and welcome to the Swannies!!

Sam, the Glove, Ross and Matt Nat will continue their sensational work in the same roles as last year of Secretary, Planning, IT/Design and Auskick. The work of each has really elevated the professionalism and status of the Swannies.

Nick, Josh, Timmay and Scott also join the Committee. Nick, our No. 1 Marketer in Australia makes a very welcome return after a 12 month sabbatical. During his sabbatical, he was continually chewing off my ear with insightful and well though out perspectives about the Club so it is great to see him back.  Last year, Josh didn’t have a formal position on the committee but is now officially recognised for his mega efforts. Timmay is on board because of his energy, passion and enthusiasm. His appointment also recognises the growing importance of Vung Tau in the growth of the Vietnam Swans. Scott Levin is younger than the combined age of Danny n Dez and therefore brings some much needed youth to the committee… Not only is he smart, as an American he brings a non Aussie Rules perspective to the Committee which is really important for us given we live in a non Aussie Rules environment.

Coaching Committee sees the return of Dukes, Dez, Josh and new recruit, Nick. Each year, the quality of our coaching improves. As a footy club, the footy needs to be the core of our being. Well thought out training drills, game plans etc are critical to building our numbers, skills, results and levels of satisfaction and fun.

Recognising that the Swannies have many people who want to contribute, but can’t do it 24/7, we have introduced the idea of “Special Projects/Assignments”. Nat Payne, Kev Hornblower, Mark Long, Steph Boag (media) and Stewart Davies all fit into that category.

For the National Committee, it was also proposed that positions for Michael Johnston (Hoi An and Tri Bob Swimming Program)) and Glenn Nolan (Vung Tau and ANZAC Friendship Match) be created to reflect the significance of our charity program and ANZAC match as well as the geographical locations of Hoi An and Vung Tau. Hanoi’s ratification of this proposal will be required.

The Swannies have an enormously exciting 2011 coming up. However, stalwarts Danny Armstrong, Matt Townsend and Mat Natalotto are all moving on. Others, including our Saigon President have increasing demands on their time and therefore can’t be expected to do as much as they have done previously. We need more people to chip in at different times. Sharing the load will also hopefully lead to a sense of greater responsibility and ownership – without burning out individuals.

Thank you to each of you for accepting these positions (detailed below). 2011 has the potential to dwarf our previous years.

The Results:

  • Saigon President : Derrin Limbrick
  • Saigon Treasurer : Danny Armstrong transitioning to Rowan Luke
  • Secretary : Sam Conroy
  • Planning  : Matt Townsend ( to include Tour Planning, Tour Brief, Swans Census, Sponsor and player contact file)
  • IT/Design : Ross McRae ( non full time committee requirement)
  • AusKick : Matt Natalotto ( not required to attend committee meetings)

General Committee Members

  • Nick Shiells
  • Josh Little
  • Tim Clements
  • Scott Levin

Coaching Committee

  • Josh Little
  • Luke Creamer
  • Derrin Limbrick
  • Nick Shiells

Special Projects/Assignments

  • Nat Payne
  • Stewart Davies
  • Kevin Hornblower
  • Mark Long
  • Stephanie Boag

Proposed new positions for National Committee (to be ratified)

  • Glenn Nolan (Vung Tau and ANZAC Friendship Match)
  • Michael Johnston (Hoi An and TriBob Swimming Program)

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Hanoi: Floods fundraiser, Friday at JASPAS

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 19, 2011

Hanoi's Queensland Floods fund raiser, Friday

Last Monday, a fund raiser was held in Saigon for those who have suffered so much in the Queensland floods (which are now happening in Victoria).

On Friday 21 January, the fund raising is on again – this time in Hanoi – when JASPAS and the Vietnam Swans, supported by Auscham and the Australian Embassy, make it happen again.

It will be held from 6.30-8.30pm at JASPAS, 4th Floor, Hanoi Towers, 49 Hai Ba Trung Street. Donation is 300,000VND for free flow draught beer, red and white wine, basic spirits and snacks. See the poster below for full details.

There will be loads of prizes again. If you would like to donate a raffle prize, please confirm with JASPAS or email the Vietnam Swans.

To get the latest information on what is happening with our appeals, check out this website.

Don’t forget: Auscham’s Australia Day celebrations in Saigon on Saturday 21 January 2011. Click here for full details.

Posted in Fundraiser | 1 Comment »

Photos & comments re QLD Fundraiser, Saigon

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 19, 2011

JASPAS - 250 people, generous sponsors and USD33,000!

Thanks to Auscham, we now have a selection of photos from Monday night’s fundraiser for the victims of Queensland’s recent floods. The event was organised by JASPAS, VINO, the Vietnam Swans, Auscham and the Commonwealth Bank.

To see 40 photos in the Vietnam Swans web album, that are all courtesy of Auscham, .

To see the complete set of 500 photos in the Auscham web album, .

Also, many people have written into the Vietnam Swans regarding the fundraiser. We have decided to share these comments, anonymously, beneath the previous story under “Comments“.

Congratulations to everyone again for such a magnificent effort on Monday night. Donations are still being deposited in a donation box left at JASPAS.

Don’t forget, on Friday night, there will be another fundraiser in Hanoi. It will be held at JASPAS, Hanoi Towers. More details to follow.

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Saigon raises $33,000 for QLD flood victims

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 17, 2011

Tonight's fundraiser draws to a close after 250 people came together in HCMC to raise $33,000 for the flood victims.

Tonight in Saigon, the community managed to raise a whopping USD33,000. USD9,000 was raised in cash and $24,000 was pledged.

It was an absolutely extraordinary response to an extraordinary tragedy in Queensland.

Amazing sponsors were led by Meinhardt Engineering ($5,000) and Indochina Capital (Nam Hai Resort, Hoi An; Six Senses, Con Dao Island and Novotel, Phan Thiet). Jessica, Natasha & Louis Young (both girls did their schooling in Toowoomba) chipped in $3,300. So many sponsors. So many people giving generously.

Meanwhile, the Vietnam Swans in Hanoi will jointly host a fundraiser with JASPAS and Auscham at Hanoi Towers on Friday 21 January. Fund raisers will also be held in Hoi An and Vung Tau this week.

All money raised will be transferred to Australia next week via the Commonwealth Bank free of bank charges and at zero margin on the forex rate. Details will be published by the Vietnam Swans and Auscham.

Thank you to all for your super generous contributions. High quality photos will follow.

Against the inland sea of devastation, it is still just a drop. But the ripples of goodwill from Vietnam will be well received by those who need it most back in Australia.

Posted in Fundraiser | 37 Comments »

Queensland floods fundraiser in SGN tonight

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 17, 2011

Tonight's Queensland floods fundraiser is a token but real gesture of support

Please see below a list of donations and prizes for tonight!

Other cash donations include:

  • USD 5,000 – Meinhardt Group
  • USD 3,300 – Jessica, Natasha & Louis Young (both girls did their schooling in Toowoomba)
  • USD1,000 – Vinausteel and SSESTEAL (to be donated in Hanoi)
  • USD 500 – Commonwealth Bank (in Australia, already donated $1.35million and opened entire branch network for donations, free of charge)
  • USD 4-500 – RMIT University Staff and friends
  • USD250 – Odyssey Accountants

Raffle prizes and items for auction:

  • Montgomerie Links, Hoi An – 4×18 holes, caddie, cart ($500)
  • Flight Travel – One travel package of 2 nights stay at 4 star hotel in Phu Quoc, Mui Ne or Nha Trang with daily breakfast. Return airport transfers are offered where applicable. Excludes airfares.
  • Caravelle Hotel – One weekend night stay, Deluxe Room, inc breakfast
  • Imperial Hotel, Vung Tau – 2 Nights in a Deluxe room including breakfast full retail value is $500
  • La Residence Hotel, Hue – 2 nights stay including breakfast
  • Tommys 3 Restaurant, Vung Tau – Dinner for two
  • Park Hyatt, Saigon – Dinner for 4 with one bottle of wine, Hyatt Square ($300)
  • Soham Yoga Studio and Boutique at 84T/4 Tran Dinh Xu, Dist 1 – 5 Aromatherapy Eye Pillows ($75)
  • Vietnam Swans – Swans footy kit: jumper, polo shirt, bag,hat, stubby holder
  • Saigon Shooters Netball Team – 6 months membership, bag and shirt.
  • Boomerang Bar & Restaurant – One 20 liter keg (Singapore office has already donated USD10,000 directly to appeal)
  • Australian Consulate and Trade Commission – One return airfare to Australia (from Vietnam) excl. taxes
  • Thai Business Association of Vietnam – 3 “Thai Cooking” coffee table books
  • Jasper Waale – Thailand trip. La Meridian, Chang Mai
  • Sailing Club Resort, Mui Ne – 2 nights accommodation (Superior Bungalow)
  • Orchid Hotelier, Mui Ne – 1 night stay including breakfast  at L’Anmien
  • VINO – Wine
  • Sheraton Hotel – Sheraton/Starwood accommodation. Details tba
  • Kangaroo Indochine Wines – Gift Packs
  • Jim Beam – 2 x 4.5litre bottles
  • Stockman’s whip and tube of vegemite.
  • Indochina Capital – Six Senses Con Dao Resort – Three Night stay in a ocean view pool villa inclusive of daily breakfast and airport transfers.
  • Indochina Capital – The Nam Hai, Hoi An – Three Night stay in a hotel ocean view villa inclusive of daily breakfast.
  • Indochina Capital – Novotel, Phan Thiet – Two Night Stay in a beach view room inclusive of daily breakfast and golf at Ocean Dunes Golf Club.
  • Renaissance Riverside Hotel – Dinner for 4
  • VATC English College, HCMC – Voucher for Englisgh course ($1,119)
  • Sherrin footy signed by Nathan Buckley (Collingwood) and Gary O’Donnell (Essendon) on their 2010 ANZAC trip to Saigon – Donated by Rowan Luke

This is an amazing list of donations and prizes. Please understand that due to the rushed nature of this fundraiser, the details above should be taken as a guide only. Please refer to our generous sponsors for full details of terms and conditions attached to prizes/auction items.

Please also note that many organisations and individuals have already donated separately in Australia.

Also, a fundraiser will be held in Hanoi on Friday 21 January. We hope to have fundraisers in Hoi An/Danang and Vung Tau.

Thank you again to our sponsors! And hope to see you tonight at JASPAS, Hai Ba Trung Street, Saigon from 6.30 – 8.30pm.

The Saigon Times has run a supporting article in today’s paper, .

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QLD Flood Appeal, Mon 17 Jan, Saigon

Posted by Vietnam Swans on January 14, 2011

Today's Auscham Bulletin has details of Monday night's fundraiser in Saigon for the Queensland Floods Appeal.

An Auscham Bulletin has been sent out to the database inviting people in HCMC to a fundraiser to support the Queensland Floods Appeal. It will be held on Monday, 17 January, 6.30pm, JASPAS, Hai Ba Trung St, Saigon. The bulletin, written by Vietnam Swans National President Phil Johns is reproduced below.

[UPDATE: 15 Jan 2011. The Vietnam Swans have been receiving emails from Queenslanders responding to the Bulletin below. Please click onto the “Comments” link at the bottom of this post.]

Flood water is supposed to rise gradually. It’s supposed to have the surface of a peaceful dam. It’s not supposed to act with the ferocity of a Black Saturday Bushfire. But that’s exactly what has happened in Queensland. The Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh says that “people are living in what I call a post war zone”.

An area the size of Victoria has flooded Queensland between Rockhampton and Brisbane. A ferocious “inland tsunami” has crashed through lives and businesses. In the confusion and terror of the moment, we grasp at statistics in an attempt to bring back a sense of order and control. Depending upon the source, there are 15 dead and 61 missing. 15,000 residential and commercial properties have been “affected by significant flooding”. Many will not move back into homes for literally months. The risk of disease and infection is high with a lack of medicine, safe drinking water and food. Then, there are the mental and psychological illnesses that will develop as people struggle to cope with the loss of loved ones and livelihoods.

The mother and child survived. The father is missing.

We, the people of Saigon, now have an amazing opportunity to extend a collective and caring hand of support. Yes we will raise some money which will seem like a drop in a Queensland flood. But, perhaps more importantly, as a community from half way across the world, we will come together to raise that money in a gesture of solidarity. When some individuals in Queensland inevitably find out about people coming together in our city called Ho Chi Minh, they will be shocked. They will say, “That’s amazing. I can’t believe they did that for us”.

For some precious moments, it will ease the pain of their journey to recovery.

JASPAS and Vino, which organised the 2009 Black Saturday fundraiser in Saigon have, again, very generously offered to host a fundraiser. This time, it will be in Queensland’s hour of need.

Date: Monday, 17 January 2010
Time: 6.30-8.30pm,
Where: JASPAS/VINO, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung St, District 1
Price: 300,000VND – draught beer, house red and white wine, basic spirits and snacks
Bookings: Not required. Just turn up with friends and colleagues

Auctions & Raffle Prizes: If you would like to donate a raffle prize or item for auction, please deliver to JASPAS or contact one of the people below.
Contact people: Fiona Terry (Ph 0907 613 947), Derrin Limbrick (Ph 0907 944 8799) and Phil Johns (0933 032 296)

The Queensland floods

Where will the money go?

The Queensland Government has set up the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal. All money raised* on Monday evening will be donated to the Appeal (see ). (* JASPAS and VINO will heavily subsidise this event. 100,000VND from each ticket will be used to defray their hard costs in hosting this fundraiser. This means that 200,000VND of the entry price will go directly to the Premier’s Appeal.)

How will the money get there?

The Commonwealth Bank here in HCMC will transfer the money directly to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal free of transaction charges and at zero foreign exchange margin.

Making a difference

It’s not often we get to make a real difference. But we will on Monday night.

Please forward this email to friends and colleagues and we look forward to seeing you at 6.30pm on Monday evening.

Footnote:

The death toll associated with the floods in Australia reminds us of the dangers of water. In Vietnam, more children die from drowning than road accidents. Many of these drownings also occur during floods. The Vietnam Swans are supporters of the TriBob Swimming Program in Hoi An, Central Vietnam. Last December, as part of this program, 31 Vietnamese Physical Education teachers became the first to be qualified in Vietnam with Austswim Certificates.

On 14 May 2011, together with Montgomerie Links in Hoi An, the Vietnam Swans will be involved in a charity golf day that will raise money for various swimming initiatives in Vietnam. The golf day will follow on from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s global conference on Drowning Prevention which will be held in Hoi An from 10-13 May.

Posted in Fundraiser, Swim | 9 Comments »

 
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