December News
Thank you for another successful year
‘2022 has been another successful year for the work of the Abhayaratna Trust in responding to Order members in need of financial assistance, which is only possible due to the continuing generosity of our donors.
Taradakini and I thought we would take the opportunity to thank you for the tremendous support given by the many donors to our appeals, and those who donate regularly to the work of the Abhayaratna Trust.
In this short video we review some of the work you have made it possible for the Trust to do over the last year, and ways that your donations are benefiting Order members worldwide. Thank you.’ Jinavamsa, Abhayaratna Trust Donor Communications.
Support Order members’ Health - today and tomorrow
Did you miss the launch of the Abhayaratna Trust fund to support Order members anywhere in the world in health hardship?
With free health services faltering in some countries, and limited or unavailable in others, the Abhayaratna Trust launched the Order Health Fund at the UK & Ireland Convention in August.
What’s the point of this fund? To help Order members worldwide when a health difficulty arises that needs funding - which is happening more often - and the Order member has limited savings (by which we mean typically less than £10,000/ equivalent amount in other currencies) and other funding is not available.
Examples of health needs we have already funded around the world are: hearing aids, dentures, osteopathy, life-saving operations, post-accident support, hospital treatment bills and mental wellbeing therapies.
With ageing comes the suffering of all sorts of physical and sometimes mental health difficulties. Let’s create a fund to alleviate some of this suffering - the Order Health Fund. If everyone reading this (apart from those who have already joined us in creating this fund - big thank you) contributes a little something each month, then collectively we will be able to support the health and wellbeing of Order members throughout the world who have insufficient means to pay for acute or chronic, physical or mental health care when the need arises.
Please join us. Sign up to our Fund, and contribute just 1% or 2% of your monthly income here: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/21428 or email jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org for other ways to securely give. Watch the launch video to hear more about how a little contribution from you today can relieve a deal of health suffering in the Order now and tomorrow.
Samacitta, one of our Order Health Fund supporters says:
‘The Abhayaratna Trust is kindness in action. It is incredibly effective in easing the practical difficulties that many Order Members find themselves facing. It provides a much needed safety net. When I think of what the Abhayaratna Trust does, I am filled with gratitude that it exists. I have great faith and trust in the good work of the Abhayaratna Trust.’
Rejoicing in Utpalavajri
Utpalavajri, our Abhayaratna Trust bookkeeper, is leaving us at the end of this year. We very much rejoice in her good work and the skills she has brought to the post these past 2.5 years. Here is some rejoicing in her time with the Trust:
Mahasraddha, our Director; 'As the Trust's Bookkeeper, Utpalavajri brought to the job a considerable skill set, experience, clarity and a sharp mind; she also brought courage in communication and a dedication to the dharma. She will be missed!'
Dharmashura, chair of the Trust; ‘We've been so fortunate in having Utpalavajri to look after the Trust's finances for the past few years - a time of significant challenge and, in particular, expansion. It's a great reassurance to the Trustees to have had the support of such a capable, reliable, experienced and qualified Finance Officer. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her every success in her onward journey.’
Best wishes in your new ventures, Utpalavajri.
Problems paying bills?
Did you know that you can apply to The Abhayaratna Trust for help with paying household bills? For example the cost of gas and electricity is a real concern for people across Europe, including many in our Order. Triratna Order members can request up to £1500 / €1700 support with their personal fuel costs; Email taradakini@abhayaratnatrust.org or text her on +44 0 7857 351818 if you need financial assistance.
Only if you bank outside the UK chose option 3 direct PayPal, or email jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org for other ways to give.
Communications Support: jinavamsa@abhayaratnatrust.org - Send your ideas, reflections and feedback - we love to hear from you.