TESTIMONIALS
Get Involved Donate Today!
Louise Harper R.N.
It was my absolute privilege to be part of the A4WH camp in Solukhumbu, Nepal.
The conditions we endured were very harsh with near freezing conditions, very basic accommodation and food. We worked in a hospital where we would face enormous challenges with cleanliness, limited surgical equipment and sterility. We would come to know just how creative we could be in stretching our resources, where ‘recycling’ came to take on a meaning that the developed world would simply not comprehend.
Our patients walk for up to a week to reach our camp for treatment; there is no other way for them. Their genital damage is so horribly disfiguring it could almost make you cry. But after their surgery it is simply sensational to see their gorgeous faces light up. Their dignity is restored and they can return to a productive life. These women express their gratitude in such moving ways: they hug you so earnestly; some even do a little dance and play happy music for us in the post op ward!
I feel so proud to be part of a team that can create such profound changes to a woman’s life. Just as these women can’t express their thanks in words because they speak no English, I can’t express my absolute joy in helping them because there are no words that can really describe this magical feeling.
Since that first camp our director, Ray Hodgson has broadened the scope of the foundation. He saw there were other major problems in women’s health – particularly maternal health – and we needed to make a big difference here too. ‘Australians for Women’s Health’ is now the major foundation holding ‘Prolapse Down Under’ under its umbrella.
In 2011 I turned 50. I decided that I would celebrate this milestone by giving to others – I knew that by giving one also receive. I guess I didn’t realise that this experience – working with Dr Ray and his foundation – would give me such a deep sense of worth, such a warm lasting feeling, an experience that has left me with a feeling of intense humility. This all leaves me no other course but to join him in his tireless fight for these women, raising awareness and funds to enable this incredible, life-changing work to continue.
So, Dr Ray: from the bottom of my heart – thank you!
Louise Harper
Jayne Rogers (that’s me in the striped hat).
I am a Registered Nurse working in the Operating Theatres of Tweed Heads Hospital. I am also a devoted supporter of the organisation AUSTRALIANS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH and its inspiring Director Dr Ray Hodgson.
I was privileged to be a volunteer member of the A4WH surgical camp to Eastern Nepal in March 2011.
This camp proved to be a life-changing experience not only for the amazing women and their families in Nepal, but for myself and the generous people who donated their time and funds to this very worthwhile cause.
Ray is an extremely energetic and inspirational man and as part of his team, I found an ability to rise to challenges and help develop innovative solutions to problems as they arose. This proved to be a wonderful personal development opportunity which I hope to repeat many times over. A4WH provided a safe environment in a remote area which allowed our team to work efficiently and gave us the wonderful opportunity to be part of the community in this region of Nepal.
A4WH is determined to continue this work and I will continue to assist in any capacity I can.
Many thanks to you Ray for giving me this amazing experience!
Jayne Rogers
AUSTRALIANS FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH
The health of families and communities is strongly tied to the health of women—the illness or death of a woman has serious consequences for the health of her children, her family and the community.
NEW MOTHERS AND BABIES HOSPITAL DOLAKHA
HISTORY & ORIGINS
A4WH is an Australian charitable trust. It was founded in 2010 by Gynaecologist Obstetrician, Dr Ray Hodgson. The objective of A4WH is to improve the appalling state of women’s health in Nepal.
Thank You to Our Partners and Sponsors
Get In Touch With Us
Contact Infomation
Please see our Contact information below.
Australians For Women’s Health
57 Lake Road
Port Macquarie, NSW 2444,
email admin@a4wh.org
Phone: (+612) 6584 5857
Fax: (+612) 6584 7211
Hours of Operation
M – F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Send Cheques to:
Atten: Australians for Women’s Health
PO Box 536
Port Macquarie
NSW 2444
Media Enquiries
Keith Wikinson
e:prorec@optusnet.com.au
atten: Media Enquiries
Phone Mobile: +61 0412 856 569
FAQ
Q: If I make a donation to A4WH, where does my money go?
A: The full value of your donation will be used to provide critical medical services to women in developing countries, including:
- training and building capacity of local doctors, nurses and midwives;
- provision of equipment; and
- construction of infrastructure projects such as hospitals, clinics and operating theatres.
The use of donated funds exclusively for patients in need and the building of capacity in their countries is a fundamental principle of the A4WH foundation.
Q: How is this possible? And how can I be sure my donation does go to where you say it does?
A: Some donors elect to have their donation cover the administrative and organisational costs and an Australian company transfers all of its annual profits to A4WH. This company (Port Macquarie Ultrasound) is owned and operated by the founder of A4WH, Dr Ray Hodgson. These funds and personal donations by Dr Hodgson and contributions from other than donors eg merchandise sales, cover all administrative and organisational costs. A4WH is strongly committed to complete transparency of all finances within charitable organisations.
Q: There are so many charitable organisations asking for my money. Why should I choose to donate to A4WH?
A: There is no doubt that Australians are extremely privileged to receive very high standards of medical care. Our access to a world class health system can so easily be taken for granted. There is a massive imbalance in the availability of medical treatment between countries like Australia and those of the developing world, and among the populations of these countries this imbalance is most blatant among women. If you agree with A4WH’s Mission Statement that every woman, regardless of race, wealth or status should have equal access to the highest standards of medical care, a donation to A4WH is an effective and efficient ways of redressing this shameful imbalance.
Q: Is a donation I make to A4WH tax deductible?
A: Yes. All donations to A4WH are fully tax deductible.
Q: I want to become a volunteer. What do I do?
A: Download the Volunteer Application form.
Q: Is there an age limit for volunteers?
A: As working in overseas countries involves a certain element of risk, the insurance policies of A4WH specify a lower age limit of 18 years.
Q: What types of insurance cover will I need?
A: A4WH will cover all travel and medical insurance, including, if necessary, medical evacuation.
Q: Will I be safe at my overseas placement?
A: There are security issues of some kind in every country. A4WH monitors security through our official and local contacts. Understanding the culture, observing local social behaviours, establishing friendships and seeking advice from the local community will improve your everyday personal security, as will being sensitive and sensible.
More Information
Go to the “How You Can Help” tab in the menu above for full particulars.
Send a Message
If you have an enquiry
Please complete the form below.
Donate Today or Get Involved
Help By Donating Today!
