A woman that I have known since I was an 11 year old kid in year 7, and am still in touch with, sent out this email (below)  this week. A close friend of hers, Linda McRae, aged 26, a volunteer with a small NGO in Kendari (Indonesia) died recently. Her project is to continue in her honour, thanks to her friends and family.

I was so moved by Rose’s email to all of us on her email list (amazing to hear all of Rose’s stories throughout her adult life, I’m sure she has no idea how much it means to me to still be in touch with her), that I asked Rose if she would mind if I shared it. It is important to me that people read it. She agreed.

My thoughts go out not only to Linda’s family, but her close friends, and especially Rose. Hope you guys are all doing ok.

Everyone else – please donate to this most worthwhile project. Rest in Peace, Linda.

***

Three weeks ago, I lost a wonderful friend and housemate.  And the world lost a passionate campaigner for protecting and promoting the health of our planet and the people and culture of Indonesia.  Being only 26 years old, it was well before she had the chance to finish all the inspiring work she started.

Linda was working as a volunteer with a small NGO focused on sustainable community development here in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi.  She helped to make a film to educate and empower a remote community on the possible impacts a proposed mine could have on their landscape and livelihoods.  You can read more about their initiative on the blog she created by clicking here:  Kendari Dreaming.

She had been working very hard to secure donations of a computer to edit the film and funds to continue the project.  A computer has now been provided, and the film should be finished soon.  But there is so much more that Linda wanted to achieve with this project and her NGO.  Her friends and family are determined to continue her work in her honour.

So if you would like to help a small Indonesian NGO protect vulnerable communities and precious natural resources, please make a donation to continue the work that Linda didn’t have time to.  Her friends at the Wilderness Society in Tasmania have set up the fund which will be directed to the work of her NGO in Kendari, the Institute for Coastal and Hinterland Community Development (LePMIL).

Thank you so much,

Rose

Deposits to the Linda McRae Dreaming Fund can be made by EFT to the following bank A/c

BSB: 633-000
A/c no.: 123089153
A/c Name: The Wilderness Society Tas

All cheques to be made out to ‘The Wilderness Society Tas’ and be notated on the back with the words Linda Fund or Linda McRrae Dreaming Fund. Post cheques to 130 Davey Street Hobart Tas 7000 Attention: Dennis Rowberry.