Welcome everyone,
Writing newsletters is always an enjoyable experience because it enables us to reflect on where we have been, and what we can look forward to in the future. It is all wonderful news and we are thrilled by the ongoing support that we have in our community by our funders, our supporters and by you: our valued clients and friends. Thank you all for your support!
In March of this year our second children’s book, “Ariana and Jack”, was launched by His Worship the Mayor, Andrew King, and we were kindly hosted by Stu Robinson of Fresca Café. Sharon Holt was once again our author and Claudia Gadotti, who is an internationally acclaimed artist from Italy now living in Auckland, illustrated the story. Dr Ray Harlow translated both of our books (“Ben’s Buddies” in 2014 and now “Ariana and Jack”) into te reo Maori, and we are delighted to say that the ANZ Bank staff foundation once again generously funded the project. Maria Lowe was instrumental in developing our two children’s books and she also provided the epilepsy information found inside the back covers of each book. Both books have represented New Zealand at the prestigious book fair in Bologna (Italy) and they will appear at the Frankfurt (Germany) book fair in October this year. A lot of interest has been shown internationally. If you would like to purchase your own copies of “Ben’s Buddies” or “Ariana and Jack”, please go to our shop page.
Last year we instigated our Epilepsy Hero Award as part of our mid-winter celebration, and it will become a yearly tradition. This year we recognised two special people as epilepsy heroes: Sharon Holt, the wonderful author of our two books, “Ben’s Buddies” and “Ariana and Jack”, and Stu Robinson of Fresca Café, who has shown such kindness and support of EWCT over these past six years.
EWCT continues to offer many social opportunities for anyone wishing to have support around epilepsy. We have social groups in Hamilton, Tokoroa and Tauranga and a Bloke’s group that is run by Thomas. Please feel free to attend any of our events − we would love to hear from you with your ideas and ways to improve our service.
Meeting people is an important part of what we do.
Maria is our busy epilepsy adviser but she is always there to help people in need. Apart from travelling considerable distances throughout the Waikato/Coromandel region visiting people, Maria has given epilepsy awareness talks and attended expos with Harry, our puppet, and new recruit! Harry proved a real winner with children, in particular. (Photos below show Harry with Roma.)
Earlier this year, EWCT ran a ten-week “Living Confidently” course with the Methodist City Action, which was very worthwhile for those who attended. Our webpage and Facebook page continues to be a popular resource and we regularly update our articles.
Please watch out for our regular ‘news alerts’ too. We send these out via email.
Epilepsy is still very much a hidden condition and so we are pleased to announce that EWCT has become an “official friend” of a national initiative called “Access Alliance”. Our status will provide national exposure to our organisation and lend support to a very worthy campaign that will ultimately help our members and clients, and others all around New Zealand with disabilities of some sort.
Finally, our AGM is coming up September. Please feel welcome to attend.
AGM 2017
Our AGM will be held at St Peters Cathedral Hall, 51 Victoria Street, Hamilton, on Wednesday, 13 September 2017, commencing at 6.30 pm. If you need transport to the AGM, please contact secretary Ai-Ee Teo at info@ewct.org.nz or epilepsy adviser Maria Lowe at maria@ewct.org.nz or ph 021 888 293. Light refreshments will be available after the meeting. Please RSVP for catering and seating purposes to info@ewct.org.nz.
The EWCT Trust Board members in 2017.
Seated left to right in front: Faith Gibbs, Stephanie Hetaraka, Jill Davies, Maria Lowe (epilepsy adviser), David Lowe. Standing at back L to R: Ai Ee Teo, Bryce Hopkins (adviser to board), and Cyril Markham.