The Catherine Freeman Foundation

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Catherine Freeman Foundation Newsletter
Jan 9, 09:34 AM

NEWSLETTER N0. I! 20/12/07

Message from Cathy.

Hi everyone and best wishes for the festive season. It’s only one year ago I had a vision about establishing the Catherine Freeman Foundation and was planning the first trip to Palm Island for research with my management group. Since thattime, we’ve been back four times, made lots of friends and worked on some very successful projects together.

The Catherine Freeman Foundation now has its DGR status, a fantastic board of directors and some amazing supporters.
I would like to thank all those involved for all their hard work. Also, a big thanks to all the companies and individuals who supported the CFF and who believe in my vision.

Looking ahead to 2008, we are planning for an even more successful year and to really make a difference to the lives of Australians.

Personally, I have gained so much pleasure from witnessing positive change in Palm Island, the first community to partner with the CFF, that this has inspired me to work even harder next year. For those of you who would like to join us or make a donation, please log onto the CFF website for more information. www.catherinefreemanfoundation.com

Truancy Program Palm Island
Community Spirit Awards Palm Island December 07*
The CFF initiated 2 programs at Bwgcolman and St Michael’s schools Palm Island, commencing mid year, with awards presented December 4 2007.

Project 1: a donation of 15 personalised mountain bikes and helmets shared between the schools, for students to reward them for the most committed approach to school attendance,their studies and the school code of conduct. The bikes were most coveted after and assisted the schools in a 20-25% improvement in school attendance for the second half of the year.

Project 2: a donation of 5 computer laptops, shared between the schools to be awarded as an on-load resource to the children with an aptitude for IT.

These encouragement awards, along with a selection of Nike apparel and Gant lifestyle caps were presented by Catherine Freeman and Andrew Cannon. Special thanks to CFF board members Andrew Cannon and Peter Winneke who donated 13 and 2 bikes respectively.

Carnival Australia launch in aid of the Catherine Freeman Foundation
When Catherine Freeman named Australia’s first super liner, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn, in a starstudded ceremony onboard the ship
at Sydney Harbour on 8 November, I was brimming with pride and
excitement. As the newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer of Carnival Australia, the launch of Pacific Dawn was a celebration for the company and the tens of thousands of passengers we carry each year. However, as a Board member of the Foundation, it was a double celebration for me. Catherine was the ship’s official “godmother” and formally named the Pacific Dawn in front of almost 800 politicians, business leaders, celebrities and media. The event generated national media coverage in newspapers, TV, radio and glossy magazines – all of which mentioned the Foundation!

Traditionally, a ship is named by royalty or movie stars so it was fitting that “our” Cathy – a muchloved and wonderful Australian – agreed to fill this role. There are few people in this world who can lay claim to naming a ship let alone Catherine’s other achievements. It was also a special occasion for a group of children from Palm Island who were flown to Sydney for a tour of the 70,000-tonne ship and a chance to meet the Captain. An extra treat for the children was a visit to Darling Harbour’s Aquarium as well as a night spent in a city hotel. The looks on their faces was priceless.

In 2008, the CFF will also become the official charity for the Pacific Dawn with passengers encouraged to make a donation while onboard. Here’s to another successful year for the Foundation as we continue to build on the wonderful work that has already been achieved this year.

Kind regards,

Ann Sherry AO

Catherine Freeman Foundation 2008 Goals

The Catherine Freeman Foundation plans the following activities in Palm Island in 2008.
• Bike truancy program – increase to 20 mountain bikes and helmets
• The creation of an Indigenous Knowledge Centre – Catherine Freeman has donated a $6000 gift
from Carnival Australia to commence the project.
• Collaboration with the charity Cottage by the Sea to provide 12 children from each school a 10 day holiday with activities in Queenscliff, Victoria.
The Catherine Freeman Foundation is also investigating a range of collaborations with other charitable organizations and looking to implement a scholarship program, where some of Australia’s
best educational institutions will offer busaries to children who show aptitude and the desire to reach their potential.

Friends of the CFF
We would like to thank the following supporters for all their assistance in 2007.
Gant – The CFF’ first corporate supporter
Carnival Australia – a major donation, choosing to support the CFF in 2008.
Other friends include: Queensland State Government, Nike Australia ,CBD Cycles, Townsville Bicycle Centre, Allsorts Productions, Getty Images, Andrew Cannon, Peter Winneke