After the isolation and traumas of 2020, the EMC is slowly returning to normal operations, though breakfast continues to be takeaway only.
In the last couple of months we have been pleased to welcome back many of our regular service providers such as Pets in the Park, the Primary Health Care Clinic, the team from Vinnies Canberra/Goulburn, the Naloxone Overdose response workshops, ADACAS and Canberra Community Law.
As well, the EMC has celebrated International Women's Day and Harmony Week and marked the start of the footy season with the traditional BBQ supported by players from the Canberra Raiders.
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Yes, the ACT Budget in February allocated extra funding to the EMC to trial opening for seven days a week.
We are hoping to begin this trial in July and it will run for a year. The hours will probably be 9am to 1pm and a meal will be provided. Some activities will be trialled but these will be decided after consulting with our guests.
This is a very exciting development for the EMC, especially with the opportunity to experience more casual activities with our guests.
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Rotary award for our Director
The EMC hosted the Rotary Club of Canberra in February and we were delighted to receive a Vocational Service Award.
We were also very proud of our director, Nicole, who received the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow award for her tireless work supporting those in need and making our community a better place.
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Inaugural EMC Non-Event fundraiser
Do something fun or do nothing at all! This was the catch cry for our first EMC 'Non-Event' fundraiser in March.
Supporters received a Golden Ticket that allowed them to do whatever they wanted. Some people said they would spend time with their grandchildren, others spoke of having a quiet evening at home with no pressure to dress up and go out.
In these Covid-sensitive times, when we have had to cancel other fundraising events, this seemed the perfect solution.
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Hands up for Canberra Giving Day
Thanks to everyone who supported the EMC on Giving Day as we reached our goal of $10,000. We also received some lovely messages from our donors,
"The Early Morning Centre is a special group of people making a real difference in the Canberra community"
"Proud to support the amazing work of the Early Morning Centre".
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Easter lunch
Our Easter lunch was held on the Wednesday before Easter and was generously provided by the Egyptian Coptic Church.
It was a feast of good food complete with traditional deserts and all guests were warmly welcomed. Easter hampers were also available. We thank our friends at the Coptic Church for their continuing support of the EMC.
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Donations - from beanies to guitars
Our thanks to the knitters of Tuggeranong - particularly Enid and Eva - who have spent the summer knitting a wonderful array of beanies and scarves and even dog coats for the cold days ahead. The temperature will drop soon so these are very welcome.
We have also received guitars from Soldier On. Our guests love music and these guitars are being well used. The preloved guitars have been carefully restored and as we have many guests with musical talents they make us all very happy.
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Finally, our thoughts have been with our staff member John who is receiving medical attention in Sydney but is looking forward to being back with us soon. Best wishes for your recovery, John. You have been missed.
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