Welcome to Room to Read Australia!
Australia has an ever growing groundswell of support for the work of Room to Read. Volunteers, school communities, corporates, foundations, businesses big and small, local media and individual donors are all making Room to Read matter. We welcome everyone’s support, ideas and input and look forward to working with you.
A Bit of History
It was in 1998, aged 35, that John Wood took a holiday from his fast-paced job as Director of Marketing for Microsoft Australia to trek through Nepal. It was the beginning of a life-changing journey, and the beginning of Room to Read. Eleven years later, after growing Room to Read to be a leader in the not-for-profit global education sector, John returned to Sydney for the launch of the first Australian Chapter. Sydneysiders embraced Room to Read, warming to its reputation of ‘combining the heart of Mother Teresa with the scaleability of Starbucks’.
In its first year of operations, the Sydney Chapter rapidly grew its volunteer database, gained the support of a number of corporates and foundations, and attracted some valuable media attention. With interest growing around the country, there is now a network of Chapters and groups to tap into, all with a willingness to contribute to the amazing work of Room to Read. A Development Office was opened in Sydney in August 2010, with office space very generously provided by Credit Suisse.
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Contact Details around Australia
Development Office in Sydney
Development Director, Australasia: Chantal Lewis
Development Associate, Australasia: Katie Kohlbeck
General enquiries - australia@roomtoread.org / 02 8205 4692
Mailing address: Room to Read Australia Foundation, PO Box R1017, Royal Exchange, NSW 1225
Adelaide
Chapter Leader: Angela Giacoumis
adelaide@roomtoread.org
Brisbane
Chapter Leader: Lesley-Anne Houghton
brisbane@roomtoread.org
Canberra
Chapter Leaders: Peter Abbott and Yash Varma
canberra@roomtoread.org
Melbourne
Chapter Leader: Caro Ruttledge
melbourne@roomtoread.org
Perth
Chapter Leader: Sarah Cordina
perth@roomtoread.org
Sydney
Chapter Leaders: Raji Ambikairajah and Colleen Zurowski
sydney@roomtoread.org
For enquiries about Tasmania and Northern Territory, please contact australia@roomtoread.org. For queries about Room to Read in New Zealand, please contact new.zealand@roomtoread.org.
Donate to Room to Read
Room to Read Australia Foundation is endorsed as a DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) under subdivision 30-BA of of the Income Tax Assessment Act of 1997. The ABN is 40 667 977 802. If you are interested in making a donation to Room to Read and would like to receive an Australian tax receipt, please click here. Thank you for your support!