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Current Campaign
I am writing to seek your support so that we may continue providing NSW public school children in need of a break from their current circumstance with a place to go.
Relying completely on the charity $ to provide our services, last year, we weathered the storms of the GFC and the well deserved community support given to victims of bushfires and tsunamis. Six years in deficit, has depleted our cash reserves and left us contemplating the level of service we can afford to provide into the next decade all at Stewart House do not take this responsibility lightly. I am well aware of the numbers of children from across the state on waiting and emergency placement lists for a stay at Stewart House. |
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Financial Challenge
As you are no doubt aware, Stewart House is not in the best of financial positions. We are projecting at least a $270,000 shortfall for 2010. Without a steady income of around $2.5million annually, Stewart House cannot operate at capacity.
We have pared back expenditure at Stewart House on supervisory, cleaning, kitchen and laundry staff, food, transport, maintenance, utilities, health care and entertainment to minimum safe operating levels. The sum total of these costs equates to just over $98 per child per day.
In 2010, we must commit funds to the replacement of guttering and painting of the lower building - what is left of the copper guttering has survived for 70+ years but replacement will come at a substantial cost. You might also be aware that both the school and residential facility did not attract Commonwealth BER funding in 2009 as we were deemed to have a transient student population even though the 1,800 students we look after each year probably create more 'wear and tear' than the ordinary school population . We will also need to find funds to support the school in replacing shade structures in the playground.
In recent times, we have endeavored to attract public education staff to support Stewart House using the catch cry "would you miss $4 per pay".
In real terms, a $4 per fortnight (annualised) deduction pays for one day of each child's visit!
Education Support
Our most reliable source of income is fortnightly salary contributions from NSW Department of Education and Training staff. We have around 7,000 staff on our books many of whom are reaching retirement. Our goal, as a minimum, is to triple this number.
Teachers and support personnel on your staff have a unique first hand opportunity to see what happens to children who participate in a Stewart House experience.
As part of our Survival Plan we are gearing up for Stewart House Day on Friday 14 May 2009. This package contains our marketing materials, specifically targeting your student population. These will also be introduced into schools via the Fed. Rep.
A tangible way to acknowledge Stewart House Day would be to ensure that all your staff has the opportunity to consider our current situation. I ask that you bring this letter to the attention of your school staff, using Stewart House Day as a focal point, in the hope that those who have not yet considered the salary contribution scheme may do so or may be convinced by members of your staff who have already signed up.
Stewart House Day - 14 May 2010
Once again, this day coincides with our Annual Presentation Ceremony. We ask all schools and their communities to organize fundraising activities in the lead up to this day.
Our donation drive envelopes and merchandise for sale will be available during Term 1 so that schools can gear up to 'an event' on May 14. As an aside, focusing fundraising activity in Term 1 and early Term 2 is integral in providing sufficient cash flow for Stewart House at a time when significant annual expenses fall due. Last year we raised an unprecedented $200,000 from these activities at a time when schools had diverted fundraising efforts to assisting Victorian bushfire relief efforts. This year we expect great support.
I also ask that principals note when ordering merchandise on invoice that stock purchased is not returnable and that the account falls due when goods are received. We are still chasing up outstanding invoices from 2009.
The big change to our promotions this year is a 'Stewie the Dolphin keyring' for the 21st century complete with nose LED. For the traditionalists, Stewie is still around albeit in his birthday suit ready for budding designers to make him a jacket. - a perfect in-school activity for Stewart House Day.
More information about Stewart House Day 2010 »
Corporate Events
n 2010, we will hold two corporate golf days in the school holidays, a gala ball in the middle of the year and a now annual Melbourne Cup luncheon. Please watch out for promotional materials relating to these events in DET mailouts or in the NSWTF's Education journal.
Our goal this year if for these events to clear over $175,000 profit.
dditional information may be obtained from our website www.stewarthouse.org.au, from your school's Teachers Federation representative or call me directly on 02 9938 3100.
Please bring this letter to the attention of your staff and wish them, from all at Stewart House, a successful and rewarding 2010. I have included overleaf a letter received last year that sums up what we do, why we do it and justifies the efforts that school staff and their communities put in to ensure our programs continue.
Yours sincerely,
Graeme Philpotts
General Manager
Telephone: 02 9938 3100
graeme@stewarthouse.org.au
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