A message from our Managing Director
Message from the Managing Director
This year has been challenging and eye-opening since July 2023 when I travelled to Ukraine, an active warzone, and witnessed firsthand the situation there and the incredible ‘Matthew 24 #loveinaction’ response during this difficult time. I also gained a deeper understanding of the global impact of their fight against this invasion and its effects on others we try to help around the world. In December, I stated my strong belief that this is a defining moment in history where we should support peace and freedom-loving people who have been invaded by a regime that has broken international law and committed war crimes and atrocities on a scale not seen since World War 2. My conviction in this has only grown as the situation continues. Therefore, partnering with the impressive NGOs I encountered in Ukraine has become a major focus of our work. While the work of our other partners is important, we hope and pray that more of you will join us in this journey and contribute however you can, and also encourage others to learn about this cause.
The year at a glance
Executive summary
This year has been one of growth and expansion of activities to meet needs as they arise. We are proud to report that our efforts have resulted in a total donation and fundraising revenue of $158,383.61. This significant milestone demonstrates the impact we have been able to make thanks to the support of our donors and partners. Throughout the year, we have witnessed the transformative power of our NGO partnerships, connecting individuals from different backgrounds and fostering positive change in communities worldwide. We have also been able to raise awareness around the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its effect on the global poor. As we reflect on the past year, we find hopeful conclusions and inspiring stories that propel us forward. To delve deeper into our accomplishments, we invite you to explore the main data points of the year.
Why we exist
Our mission
At Only Passing Thru (OPT), we believe that even small actions can make a big difference. Whether it’s a small donation, a few hours of volunteer work, or simply spreading awareness, every little bit helps to create a better world. We are a small charity, but our impact is rooted in the power of relationships and the integrity of our partnerships with grassroots NGOs. By working with organisations that prioritise relationships and sustainable change, we can make a real difference, one step at a time.
Our mission is driven by the belief that everyone has something valuable to contribute. Together, we can build a more inclusive and sustainable future, bridging cultural divides and empowering individuals to become agents of change in their own communities. Whether it’s supporting war-torn Ukraine, advocating for the landless and disempowered in Bangladesh, or uplifting remote communities in Australia, we are committed to making a tangible impact. We believe that supporting Ukrainians during this invasion is one of the most critical issues of our time, and our mission is not just a lofty ideal—it is a call to action that inspires everything we do. You can be a part of this.
Where we have come from
Our background and history
OPT was established by the founders of the Australian-based charity Out There Kowanyama (www.otk.org.au) to form an umbrella organisation that could broaden its scope globally and provide support through fundraising and social enterprises. We have partnered with NGOs whose work we have seen firsthand and who have demonstrated above-standard transparency, accountability and effectiveness in addressing the pressing needs in their area. Our journey began with working locally to empower disadvantaged youth in remote areas of Australia. Over the years, we have adapted to support effective non-profit work that we have seen as vital across the globe where we have a personal connection with the work. Our focus has remained steadfast: empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and promoting sustainable development while providing aid. Through our partnerships with NGOs in war-torn Ukraine, our support for initiatives in Bangladesh, and our commitment to empowering Indigenous youth in remote Australia, we have been able to touch the lives of countless individuals and create lasting change.
What we support
Our programs
Support CMA Ukraine
Christian Medical Association of Ukraine (CMA Ukraine) is a trusted humanitarian organisation. For over 20 years, CMA has made significant contributions by equipping healthcare professionals with essential tools. They focus on values like humanity, trust, and professionalism to strengthen the medical system in Ukraine. Their activities and focus have rapidly expanded to meet the pressing needs after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. CMA has been instrumental in supporting civilians and the military during the ongoing war with medical and humanitarian aid. All aid they provide is accountable, transparent and sustainable with an eye to the future. Their efforts include:
- Providing vital medical supplies to hospitals and military units
- Conducting training sessions
- Hosting foreign doctors to enhance medical services and share knowledge
- Volunteer mobile clinics
- Affordable medical care
- Educational seminars
- First aid training for civilians and military
- Burns treatment projects
- Patient rehabilitation
Their impact extends to hospitals, military units, charity foundations, churches, and social institutions, providing critical support during the challenging times of war.
Awareness raising: Ukraine
At Only Passing Thru (OPT), we believe it is crucial not only to provide direct support but also to raise awareness of the realities on the ground in Ukraine. In the midst of the ongoing conflict, it is vital that the world understands the true scope of the challenges faced by Ukrainians every day. By sharing these stories and bringing attention to the hardships endured, we aim to foster a deeper sense of empathy and urgency within the global community. We know that increased awareness can lead to greater support, whether through donations, advocacy, or volunteer efforts. Our goal is to ensure that the plight of Ukrainians remains in the forefront of people’s minds, inspiring continued and meaningful action to help those affected by this devastating conflict.
Support ‘Fortress of Good’ Ukraine
The “Banner of Love” church in Kryvyi Rih has a small but dedicated team of volunteers and chaplains who provide support, humanitarian aid, visiting and children’s programs to the frontlines, bombed de-occupied villages and others in need during this war. They have now registered as NGO “Fortress of Good” and carry out their work effectively and transparently.
Some of the programs we support through them include aid distribution, children’s programs, support for de-occupied villages, and army chaplains distributing aid to the frontlines.
Out There Kowanyama: remote Indigenous community support
Out There Kowanyama is an organisation focused on creating hope and empowering the youth of a remote Indigenous community. Their goal is to enable these young individuals to have the capability to choose lives that they value. This mission is particularly significant given the unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities in remote areas.
This year we have been able to build on our remote community VC project and continue to support our boarders. We have completed another community project repairing and rebuilding the family picnic area ablution block in Kowanyama.
In addition we have been able to provide support to two high school students who are doing particularly well including one who received a scholarship for tech school and is doing a carpentry apprenticeship. We have also been pleased to see the achievements this year of one of the previous recipients of our support.
Support Symbiosis International: empowering the landless poor in Bangladesh
Symbiosis International transforms the lives of Bangladesh’s poorest through education, health, and economic development, focusing on marginalised groups like women, ethnic minorities, and disabled individuals in rural areas. They build self-help groups and community organisations to promote self-reliance and empowerment. By providing education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, they alleviate poverty and enhance quality of life. The organisation measures success by tangible improvements in individuals’ lives and community impact, achieved through collaborative efforts and stakeholder support. Symbiosis International aims to eradicate poverty and create positive change in Bangladesh.
If you want to donate, you can donate directly with a tax deduction in Australia at www.symbiosis-int.org or you can purchase some of our goods at our online store that raise funds for Symbiosis.
Looking ahead
Challenges for the coming year
Establishing regular donor base & followers
Our NGO partners really need our support to be consistent and reliable. That’s why regular giving is so important. But we also understand that many are doing it tough right now, and that the cost of living is having an effect on people’s ability to donate. That’s why we are encouraging people to look at what small item they could possibly forgo each week, and commit that small amount as regular giving for those even more unfortunate than them. Even small amounts given regularly can make a massive difference so we don’t want people to be too embarrassed to sign up to give small amounts. Check out our #SwapSipsForSupport campaign and please encourage your contacts to sign up. We’d also love you to follow us on Instagram @onlypassingthru and Facebook www.facebook.com/OPTOnlyPassingThru and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Looking ahead
Goals for 2024–25
Expanding partnerships with regular donors
We are aiming for 200 people to be our ‘Heroes of Change’ through our #swapsipsforsupport campaign. Please encourage your friends and contacts to check this out and sign up.
A historical novel for Ukraine
Our managing director’s grandfather wrote a very important true historical novel based on the fight for the independence of Ukraine in 1917–1922, which has only been able to be transcribed and translated recently. This is an important time for publishing it and we hope to have both the Ukrainian and English versions published around October 2024 with all proceeds going to Ukraine. Anyone wishing to assist in promoting this can contact us on opt@passingthrough.net or sign up to be notified of its launch.
Increase awareness raising
Increase our awareness raising activities for 2024 through the blog, social media, the documentary and speaking engagements. Any offers of assistance can be directed to opt@passingthrough.net as well as requests for speaking engagements. Please follow where you can if you haven’t already.
Raise awareness through a YouTube documentary
We have hundreds of hours of video interviews from across war-torn Ukraine from August 2023. We are working to put together a YouTube documentary to raise awareness. Any offers of assistance with this are welcome. Contact opt@passingthrough.net.
The people behind OPT
Our team
Lara Wieland (Gillespie)
Lara is a rural doctor who has worked most of her career in remote Aboriginal communities and volunteer charity work. She is passionate about accountability and efficacy in charity and showing #loveinaction. Growing up with a Ukrainian activist grandfather has helped her understanding of the challenges Ukraine continues to face.
Ronald Gillespie
Ron has around 20 years of involvement with remote Indigenous people. He is passionate about volunteering and serving people in need. Through his wife Lara, Ron has developed a deep connection with Ukraine’s history and current situation.
Melanie Foulkes
Melanie supports OPT’s mission to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Ukraine and empower historically marginalised communities. She works part-time as a lived experience counsellor.
Elizabeth Elliott
When not exploring with her husband and 3 kids, Liz works full time for The Salvos in the homelessness sector. She has a heart for helping those who are disadvantaged or persecuted and she believes the heart of OPT beats the same.
Ukrainian social media & IT team
Our small Ukrainian part-time team who came on board in the last few months does an amazing job of helping with social media, promotions, website etc. whilst often going without power from Russian missile attacks and sustaining explosions, with most of them living in some very dangerous areas under frequent attack. One of our volunteers pays for their time to help OPT and provide support to Ukrainians trying to live and work through war.
Interested in being part of our team? Contact us at opt@passingthrough.net
Accountability
Where our donations went
Please note that our third largest source of donations comes from those of you who contribute regularly, including those who donate smaller amounts. Witness how these contributions accumulate to create a significant impact! Thank you!!
Financial reports
Income & expenses 2023–24
The charts below show where our income came from and where it went in 2023–24, by program area and in total.
Whole organisation
By program area
Program area reports
Ukraine donations
Ukraine fundraising projects
Donations for general costs
General fundraising for Bangladesh
Donations for OTK (remote Indigenous community work)
In detail
Income by source
Expenses by category
Final thoughts
Final thoughts
As we conclude this annual report, it’s crucial to emphasise the importance of supporting aid for Ukraine during this challenging time where they are taking a stand for freedom. The country is enduring terrible suffering, and every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected. Our #SwapSipsForSupport campaign is a testament to the power of collective action. By choosing to donate small amounts regularly, you can make a substantial impact. This campaign, accessible at www.passingthrough.net/swapsips, is not just about giving; it’s about being part of a community of support and solidarity. Your contributions help provide essential aid and hope to those bravely facing adversity in Ukraine. Let’s stand together in this effort, demonstrating that even the smallest acts of kindness can ripple out to create waves of positive change. #loveinaction
#SwapSipsForSupport: join us at www.passingthrough.net/swapsips