The Asian Aid Ambassador Program brings together a network of ordinary people who want to do something extraordinary through helping children and their communities by:

1. Promoting the work of Asian Aid to others
2. Partnering with Asian Aid through creative fundraising activities, and/or
3. Using their skills and experience to assist Asian Aid fulfil its mission.

The program empowers people who have a desire to help and provide hope to others in need.

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Who can be an Ambassador?

Asian Aid sponsors, supporters and/or donors over the age of 16 can apply to become Asian Aid Ambassadors.

Ambassadors are volunteers.

What do Ambassadors do?

The Asian Aid Ambassador Program includes three partnership categories:

• Promotional Ambassadors
• Fundraising Ambassadors, and
• Asian Aid Partners

Promotional ambassadors are current Asian Aid sponsors/supporters with a desire to tell the Asian Aid hope story to others.

Promotional ambassadors may:

• Organise and present short promotional items, such as public talks, PowerPoint presentations and/or screening of Asian Aid materials at places of interests such as churches, schools and/or retirement villages in the vicinity of their residence.
• Distribute and/or display Asian Aid promotional materials in such places of interest.
• Find sponsors for disadvantaged children within their area or circle of influence.
• Set up and operate Asian Aid displays/booths at locations in the vicinity of their residence.
• Help to identify promotional possibilities for Asian Aid in the vicinity of their residence and working with the agency to take advantage of such opportunities etc.

Fundraising Ambassadors are Asian Aid sponsors, supporters and donors with a desire to use their own talents, skills, expertise and time to raise funds for projects and sponsorship initiatives.

Fundraising Ambassadors may:

• Organise fundraising activities and events such as concerts, garage sales, dinners, sponsored bike rides, walks, fun-runs and camping trips, with proceeds supporting Asian Aid projects and initiatives.
• Donate all, or a percentage of, proceeds from items they have produced themselves such as the sale of music CDs, artwork pieces, books and photographs, arts and crafts, embroidery, clothing and accessories, stamp collections, catering etc. to help support Asian Aid projects and initiatives.
• Represent Asian Aid at organised events such as community fairs, open days, camp meetings and Easter and Christmas events by setting up and operating displays or through other fundraising activities.

Asian Aid Partners are selected Asian Aid sponsors, supporters and/or donors with a desire to either act as spokespersons for Asian Aid, or to offer their services and skills to Asian Aid free of charge.

Asian Aid Partners may:

• Be a guest speaker at church or community events and programs on issues that are relevant to the Asian Aid mission, such as social justice, Christianity and stewardship, best practice international development, child sponsorship, value of education etc.
• Write about such issues for Asian Aid publications, websites and social media sites.
• Endorse Asian Aid as an agency, its mission, projects and initiatives by agreeing to feature on the Asian Aid website, or in advertising, promotional and communication materials produced by the agency, and by promoting Asian Aid through existing networks.

We are looking for people to invite to become Asian Aid Partners. If you would like to be considered, or if you know of someone who should be considered for this category of Ambassadors, contact Sonja Larsen at: [email protected] or Contact Us.

What kind of support do Ambassadors receive?

Promotional and Fundraising Ambassadors will receive the following support from Asian Aid:

• Free training seminar
• Display materials
• Promotional kits
• Merchandise, and
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What qualifications or skills do I need to apply for these volunteer positions?

To become an Asian Aid Promotional or Fundraising Ambassador you need to:

• Be an Asian Aid sponsor, supporter or donor over the age of 16
• Be committed to the mission, vision and values of Asian Aid
• Be passionate about social justice, child sponsorship and international development best practice
• Be able to work with children – you will need to fill in the Working with Children Check form included in this pack and return it to the Asian Aid office. The online process can be found through the following link specifically for volunteers: CLICK HERE.
• Enjoy making public presentations and interacting with people
• Be people-friendly
• Be able to drive – we will need a copy of your driver’s licence for our records.
• Own a computer and a printer

How and when do I apply?

You can apply to become an Asian Aid Promotional or Fundraising Ambassador by completing this application form.

How are ambassadors selected?

Due to lack of staffing and limited promotional resources, we need to keep the Ambassador Program small this year. We have every intention to grow the program over the next few years.

The criteria used in selecting Ambassadors is:

• Geographic location of applicant. We are looking have Ambassadors who live in different states of Australia, and in New Zealand, if possible.
• Gender and age of applicant. It’s important to have people from different genders and age brackets involved in our Ambassador Program to connect and engage with a variety of people.
• Skill set and current needs. New projects and initiatives, improved procedures and a bigger sponsorship program bring new challenges to Asian Aid every year. Our needs change every year too. Ambassadors will be able to match the skill sets, interests and/or expertise of current Asian Aid needs.
• Time and equipment availability. Asian Aid is blessed by the help we receive – regularly – by so many people who are generous not only with their money, but also with their time. But we would like to be mindful of how much of an expectation is placed on your time. If we feel that you are already contributing significantly in other areas of our work, we might select others to serve as Ambassadors, so that we can look after you. The availability of equipment, such as computer, printer and/or camera, would also be taken into consideration.

If you apply to become an Ambassador and are not selected this year, please do not see this as a reflection on your abilities, commitment to and passion for the mission of Asian Aid. The number of Ambassadors is only limited to ensure the viability and effectiveness of the program.

Thank you in advance for your continued and appreciated support of Asian Aid.[/wptab]

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Frequently asked questions about Asian Aid Ambassador Program

• Who can become an Asian Aid Ambassador?
• How do I apply to become a Promotional or Fundraising Ambassador?
• How do I become an Asian Aid Partner?
• Who should I contact for more information about the Ambassador Program?
• How come there are only six Ambassador (volunteer) positions available in each category this year?
• Can I become an Asian Aid Ambassador if I am younger than 16 years of age?
• Do I have to live in Australia to become an Ambassador?
• What help will Asian Aid give me once I become an Ambassador?
• What should I do if I have applied but wasn’t selected this time?
• What should I do if I can’t serve as an Ambassador any longer?
• What kind of training would I receive as an Asian Aid Ambassador?
• How do I report the exciting things that have happened since I became an Asian Aid Ambassador?

Who can become an Asian Aid Ambassador?

Asian Aid sponsors, supporters and donors over the age of 16 can apply to become Asian Aid Promotional or Fundraising Ambassadors.

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How do I apply to become a Promotional or Fundraising Ambassador?

You can apply by filling in this simple application form

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How do I become an Asian Aid Partner?

Becoming an Asian Aid Partner is by invitation only so that we can better match supporters’ skills to the evolving needs of the agency. But that’s not to say that we would not like to hear from you if you would like to become an Asian Aid Partner. Email or call us on (+61) 02 6586 4250.

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Who should I contact for more information about the Ambassador Program?

You can contact Sonja Larsen, the Ambassador Program coordinator, at [email protected] or on (+61) 02 6586 4250.

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Why are only six new Ambassador (volunteer) positions available in each category this year?

Although we would love to be able to have as many Promotional and Fundraising Ambassadors as possible, due to lack of staffing and limited promotional resources we need to keep the Ambassador Program small this year. We have every intention to grow the program over the next few years.

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Can I become an Asian Aid Ambassador if I am younger than 16 years of age?

You can support Asian Aid at any age. But because Ambassadors need to be able to work with children and drive a car, people under 16 are currently unable to apply to become Ambassadors. But there are other ways you can partner with us. Call Sonja on (+61) 2 6586 4250 to talk about other ways you can support our work.

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Do I have to live in Australia to become an Ambassador?

Although the Ambassador Program has been created with Australian Ambassadors in mind, interested supporters in other developed countries, especially in New Zealand, are encouraged to apply to become Ambassadors.

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What help will Asian Aid give me once I become an Ambassador?

Promotional and Fundraising Ambassadors will receive training, promotional resources and travel allowances through the submission of a reimbursement form.

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What should I do if I applied but wasn’t selected this year?

Thank you for applying and we are sorry we are not able to run a bigger Ambassador Program this year. Due to lack of staffing and limited promotional resources, we need to keep the Ambassador Program small. We have every intention to grow the program over the next few years.

The fact that you were not selected as an Ambassador this year is not a reflection on your abilities, commitment to and passion for the mission of Asian Aid. The limited number of Ambassadors is only to ensure the viability and effectiveness of the program. We will keep your application on file and consider it in the future. If you would not like us to do so, please let us know.

Thank you again for your continued and appreciated support of Asian Aid.

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What should I do if I can’t serve as an Ambassador any longer?

Thank you for the support you have given to us as an Ambassador. Although we are sorry to hear that your circumstances have changed, we understand and are grateful for the support you have already given. Please contact Sonja Larasen at [email protected] or on (+61) 02 6586 4250.

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What kind of training would I receive as an Asian Aid Ambassador?

Should there be a sufficient increase in the number of new Ambassadors each year, ambassadors will be invited to attend a free training day organised by Asian Aid at a city near you. Alternatively, you will receive relevant material and information to help you in this role.

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How do I report the exciting things that have happened since I became an Asian Aid Ambassador?

We would love to hear ‘Hope’ stories from our Ambassadors. Other friends of Asian Aid would too. You can share any exciting things that have happened in your service as an Ambassador on the Asian Aid Australia Facebook page. You can also let Sonja Larsen know by emailing [email protected] or calling on (+61) 02 6586 4250, and your stories may feature in the Response newsletter and in the news section of this website.

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Colin Raymond Ryde, NSW – outskirts of Sydney Master of Business Administration Currently employed in International Finance Married, father of three Download Profile

For Colin and his family, hope means “to have a vision of a better future, an improvement on a current situation.” The Raymond family has been sponsoring children and giving hope through Asian Aid for over 20 years. “Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow, for me is a progression of hope. No matter what yesterday has been like, or what today is like, tomorrow holds hope.” Colin is busy with work travelling to Asia at least once a month. But regardless of his active employment, he still finds time to organise mission trips and fundraise. Colin says that God has blessed him and his family, and would like to give back. He wants to help others get to know God through the use of his skills and experience. “I have personally seen the impact of Asian Aid sponsorship on a number of children’s lives. It makes a huge difference to every single person who can be helped.”

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Deneese Greenwell Alstonville, NSW – Far North Coast of NSW Semi-retired registered nurse/mid-wife Mother of four and grandmother of eleven Download Profile

For Deneese and her husband Eric, hope is “what gets you out of bed in the morning because you have something to live and reach for.” And they have played a part in giving this gift of hope to others since 1988 when they first started sponsoring children with Asian Aid. “Once I stopped full-time work, I wanted to find a way to do more to support the mission of Asian Aid,” says Deneese. “A trip to India and Nepal in 2010 helped me to see firsthand the life-changing work of Asian Aid. I saw that the support we give in Australia really does make a difference in the lives of children and disadvantaged people.” The trip inspired Deneese to tell more people about the agency and she has been faithfully promoting the work of Asian Aid in over six towns in the Far North Coast of NSW. Her advice to other Asian Aid supporters who may want to do more to help is simple. “Let Matthew 25:40 – ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ – be your inspiration.”

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Dr Andrew Matthes Cooranbong, NSW Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Education, Master of Education, PhD, 18 years teaching and leadership experience in Seventh-day Adventist Education Download Profile

“I believe hope is about having opportunities to provide education,” says Dr Andrew Matthes, a senior lecturer in education at Avondale College of Higher Education and an Asian Aid friend. Andrew, who enjoys building relationships with others, takes God-given moments to make a positive difference in people’s lives. His partnership with Asian Aid is an expression of his Christian faith and his passion for quality education. During his career as a teacher, a school principal, a lecturer and a public speaker, Andrew has inspired many young and not-so-young lives to serve. “Taking pre-service teachers on practice teaching projects in India has been one of the best experiences I have had as a teacher,” says Andrew. “Seeing firsthand the positive impact that the Asian Aid work has in India motivates me to be involved as well.”He and his wife, Robyn, have four children, Jeremy, Dylan, Ethan and Amy.

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Dr John Hammond Cooranbong, NSW Diploma in Teaching, BA (Hons), PhD 41 years in Seventh-day Adventist Education Married and proud grandparent Download Profile

“Hope is allied with faith,” says John Hammond, supporter of Asian Aid since 1974. John has travelled to many places around the world and instilled hope into individuals through his teaching and ministering. But despite his many years of service and travel, John says, “I’ve still got plenty of energy.” John is using his energy and knowledge to expand the awareness of Asian Aid. “Asian Aid reaches the needy in a unique way. I have been so blessed in life and I feel a passion to reach out and help people who might never otherwise be reached.” He loves working with people, specifically from an educational outlook. If he could tell a child one thing, it would be, “If you could only know how much value Jesus places in your committed life, it would transform your existence.” And John is fully committed, as he has felt God’s call and care since he was 14 years old.

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Katherine Ramsy Ningi, QLD – On the coast north of Brisbane Retired TAFE and Metropolitan Business College teacher PA senior partner in medium firm of accountants Download Profile

To Katherine, hope is in the “eyes of the children. Hope for a better future – not just an existence.” Katherine and her husband currently sponsor two children in India. One of those children, 15, said he wants to be a teacher. “That is what Asian Aid is all about: training them so they can train others, so that they too can have that hope,” she says. Retired, serving at her church and at a local op shop, Katherine strives to do more. “When I receive letters from my sponsored children, I am concerned that we are only just scraping the tip of the iceberg.” She also has a passion for raising awareness and donations towards the ‘Uterine Prolapse’ project in Nepal. By being an Ambassador, she hopes to “encourage others to sponsor children with education so that they have a better future.”

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Pat Timmins Palmerston North, New Zealand – North Island Worked for 17 years as an early childhood teacher Currently working for the NZPUC to support Adventist preschools Download Profile

“Hope is being able to provide others less fortunate with something that will encourage and surprise them and allow them to meet their full potential,” says Pat Timmins. Having served as an Asian Aid Ambassador for the past two years, Pat is directly involved in instilling hope in children’s lives all over Asia. Pat sponsors two children in India and has spent time living and working in an orphanage in West Bengal. “Having been to India and seen the conditions in the villages and comparing that with the orphanages I visited has made me aware of the need,” says Pat. As her passion runs deep for children, she hopes to visit more orphanages and schools. “God has given me courage to travel alone to places that are not necessarily safe, and protected me in the process,” says Pat, who eagerly awaits her next visit to India. Until then, she wants to continue to spread the Asian Aid story in New Zealand.

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Paul Bennetts Tenambit, NSW ? Hunter Valley region Currently self-employed in the building industry. Married to Megan Download Profile

For Paul, hope is witnessing disadvantaged children, young adults and their families and communities receive opportunities to improve their overall health and lifestyle.“Education is vital in providing more choices and a brighter future for children young adults and their families,” says Paul. Also the director of Asian Aid’s Health and Education Lifestyle Project in Indonesia, Paul is passionate about humanitarian work and uses his skills to “contribute and help the good work that Asian Aid is already doing.”He hopes to visit other Asian Aid projects to gain a broader understanding and knowledge of Asian Aid’s work, in order to better advocate for those who don’t have a voice. Paul and his wife Megan have been involved with Asian Aid since the mid-1990s, and enjoy educating and informing others about existing needs in Asia.

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Peter Sandy Varsity Lakes, QLD – South of Surfer’s Paradise Nuclear Medicine and MRI Technologist Married to wife Fiona, and father of two, Josh and Nicole. Long time sponsor of Rajendra Gautam Download Profile

For Peter and his family, hope is “knowing there is a God who cares. Hope is also the realisation that everyone deserves to have an opportunity to live life to the fullest. Hope is the love that prompts someone to sponsor a child they may never meet in person.” Peter did just this through his sponsorship of Rajendra Gautam from 1986 until 1998 with Asian Aid, and with further sponsorship of other children since. “I’m passionate about the projects that Asian Aid funds because they offer children particularly an opportunity to get an education and have a chance of improving their own lives.” Peter’s sponsorship of Rajendra began when he was just 22. Now, Rajendra has started his own aid organisation in Nepal (Three Angels Nepal), thus revealing to sponsors that even the smallest steps make a big difference. Rajendra recently baptised Peter’s daughter Nicole, in Pokhara, Nepal. Peter loves visiting new places and meeting new people and this is reflected in his service for Asian Aid. “I’m just an everyday Aussie who wants to see kids get a chance in life like I have had,” says Peter.

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Vilma Golstajn Alstonville, NSW – West of Ballina Married mother of two Certificate in aged care Download Profile

“Giving ‘life’ to people who do not have anything and giving Jesus for eternal life,” is what hope means to Vilma, who with her husband recently served seven months in Maranatha, India. Advertising of the Asian Aid Ambassador Program in March led to a strong conviction, which Vilma answered in her application to be an Ambassador. When asked what strengths she thought she could bring to Asian Aid, her response was humble. “Those strengths that God will supply and give me. I love God and being in His employment.” Vilma first heard of Asian Aid many years ago when she began sponsoring a child in Bangladesh. As an Ambassador, she has high hopes for what she and others can do. “We need to get more sponsors and funds for Asian Aid, so more children and those in need can be helped.” Since joining the Ambassador program, Vilma has helped find sponsors for children in Bangladesh, India and Nepal.

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