ALWS Action Groups

Why not consider starting up an ALWS Action Group - an awareness and fundraising group that can make a real difference...

Working with ALWS, you can target a specific country program to support, or support our work in general. ALWS can supply photos, stories, PowerPoints to help teach people.

The following gives you ideas and suggestions of how to go about this in your congregation, using examples from HOSTS (Hands of Our Saviour Together in Service), a group set up at Our Saviour Congregation.

Project Going Home

HOSTS, in consultation with ALWS, chose to support the Sudan program, and in particular the returning refugee. The following information outlines the Project Going Home undertaking:

A Dinner for Hope

HOSTS, partnering with Redeemer Lutheran College, planned a formal dinner night at a local hall. The three course, formal dinner was accompanied by wonderful entertainment and the chance to learn about people in Cambodia.

Bush Dance

HOSTS ran a successful bush dance in a local hall. A fabulous band kept the crowd on their toes all night! Remember to host a bush dance in the cooler months!

Medicines Appeal

This was a simple, yet very effective means of teaching people about largely preventable diseases in Sudan, while raising money for the health of the people. HOSTS members collected medicine containers and put labels on them outlining disease and the cost of medication to the people IF it were available. It made Australians realise how blessed we are in Australia to have easy access to medications.

Trivia Night

A wonderful night of fun, bringing people of different ages together. Starting with a bar-b-que dinner, the trivia night was a huge success.

Water Campaign

This is an easy and effective way to teach people about the dangers of dirty water, while fundraising using people’s small change. HOSTS’ members collected water bottles and, using an angle grinder, made a hole near the top so that coins and notes could be put in. They then suck a label (see link below) on the outside to teach people about water in Africa. People could put money in the bottle each time they use water at home, or simply use it as a ‘water bank’ for loose change.

Labels for Water Bottles

Fashions on the Field

(2nd Hand Clothing Sale Day)

HOSTS members collected good quality second hand clothing, and set up a shop at the back of the church. With entertainment, food and a jumping castle for the children, the day was a huge success.

Refugee Camp

Getting the congregation involved in a refugee camp will help to challenge ideas about refugees and where they have come from. See the refugee camp ideas in the schools section.

'Real' Coffee Stall

Does your church serve ‘real’ coffee after service? Your group could do this, either for a donation or for a set price to help people overseas.

Birthday Parties Supporting ALWS

Most people in Australia have so much. Next time you have a special bithday party, you might consider asking your guests not to bring presents, but instead to donate to ALWS. You could use the Gifts of Grace catalogue, or simply have a donation box. All gifts are tax deductible - and they change lives!!

Steps to Consider

If you are thinking of setting up an ALWS Action Group in your congregation, here are some steps to consider.

If you have more ideas, please contact ALWS and we can add them to this page.

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