Brisbane
 Chapter

About Room to Read Chapters

Room to Read depends on our chapter leaders and chapter members to help us achieve our annual fundraising goal and to represent Room to Read. Our chapters are comprised of groups of individuals who have made a long-term volunteer commitment to promoting Room to Read within their networks and communities. The chapters organize annual fundraising events, introduce us to potential corporate, foundation and individual supporters and act as representatives for Room to Read within their area.

About the 
Brisbane
 Chapter

Welcome to the Brisbane chapter of Room to Read! This Brisbane Chapter was started in 2009 by Jenny Geale, and in a relatively short time we have built strong awareness and fundraising capacity. We are continuing to build momentum through events and awareness raising activities. We would love to hear from you if you want to get involved with the Chapter or run your own events in Queensland!

Meet the 
Brisbane
 Chapter Leaders

Lesley-Anne Houghton
Lesley-Anne became co-chapter leader of the Brisbane Chapter in August 2011, and then Chapter Leader in July 2012. Her passion and commitment to Room to Read was entrenched when she traveled to Cambodia in 2010 and experienced first hand the difference that Room to Read makes in these communities.

Upcoming Events


Brisbane Chapter Meeting

If you would like to learn more about our chapter and how you can become involved, we would love to see you at our next Chapter Meeting. 

Tuesday 6th August, 2012 
6.30 - 8.00pm

Please email 
brisbane@roomtoread.org for further information



Event Photos

Past Events

June 2012 - Cambodia Dinner

Another sold out dinner event raised more than $5,500 to help fund a school library in Cambodia. We heard amazing stories of courage and survival from our two speakers who had lived through and managed to escape the Pol Pot regime. 

June 2012 - Namaste India

With the support of two great yoga partners, the Brisbane Chapter participated in Room to Read's global Namaste India event which raised more than $35,000 around the world for girls' education in India.  Thanks to the generosity of the Australian School of Meditation & Yoga, and the Fusion Hot Yoga Centre, Brisbane contributed over $1,000 to the overall total raised.

5 December 2011 - Chapter End of Year Celebration

On International Volunteers Day, Brisbane celebrated the achievements of Room to Read in 2011.  Our Guest Speaker was Teresa Dyson, 2011 Qld Woman Lawyer of the Year.  We enjoyed the hospitality of Blake Dawson and the opportunity to reconnect with our fellow Room to Read supporters and volunteers, and raised funds with our Christmas Wishlist Challenge.

September 2011- Brisbane Writers Festival

Tristan Banks, fabulous Room to Read Ambassador, hosted a session at the Brisbane Writers Festival. Students from the Qld Academy of Creative Industries shared folk stories from a number of countries in which Room to Read operates as part of the session, and spoke about why they are inspired by the work of Room to Read. A great example of students sharing the Room to Read story with other students.

August 2011 - Australian & NZ Chapter Leaders Conference
LA & Lawry attended the Australian conference in August. A great opportunity to share ideas, gain inspiration and learn from other Chapter Leaders across Australia and NZ.  And drink red wine. 

August 2011 - Sydney City to Surf
A small group of committed Brisbane chapter members and their supporters joined the Zak Pack for the Sydney City to Surf. 14 kilometres, and a few sore muscles later, they helped put Room to Read in the top 10 fundraisers for the day! 

August 2011 - Visit from Erin Ganju
Brisbane was pleased to host Room to Read CEO, Erin Gangu, for two fabulous events during August.

A public presentation at the State Library of Queensland, where Erin shared the Room to Read story to an audience of around 70. Thanks to SLQ for sponsoring the session, with food and drink to share after.

Lunch at Blake Dawson Waldron the following day, Erin's inspiring presentation engaged a large group of corporate individuals, keen to hear and support the Room to Read story. 

June 2011 - A successful fundraiser held at the Bulimba Ceylon Inn, for the Girl's Education Program. 

March 2011 - John Wood visits Brisbane! Three very successful events during John's 2 day visit to Brisbane, contributed to him leaving with over $100,000 in donations. 

September 2010 - Tristan Banks launches Zak the Yak at Coaldrakes Bookshop, Paddington. 

 


 

   

Get Involved with the Chapter!

Volunteer with your local chapter: We're thrilled to hear of your interest in getting involved with the chapter! Volunteering with a Room to Read chapter is not only a great way to help further Room to Read's mission, but also to meet new people! Volunteer opportunities include helping to plan events, giving small presentations about Room to Read's work, and introducing Room to Read to new supporters! If you would like to learn more, please update your profile by filling out the Volunteer Form.

 

Organize your own fundraiser or start an online campaign: Whether you’re running a race, encouraging wedding guests to donate in lieu of gifts, hosting a party at your home, or raising money just because you believe in our mission, the personalized fundraising tool will allow you share the Room to Read story with your friends and family through your own web pages and email messages. You can also track the success of your email campaigns and your progress towards your fundraising goal. Check out our Friends Asking Friends section!

 

Chapters

Our chapters raise 1/3 of our budget so more dollars fund our programs.  Help them, help us!

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