Man. What a year.
On a global scale, it’s pretty well unanimous that 2016 has been hectic. Closer to home things have been pretty busy too, and this year has been a big one for the AAAF Team. So for the last post of 2016, we thought we’d look back on what we’ve achieved this year.
The Numbers Are In
This year, AAAF has provided 67 families with Wigs for Kids Grants to help them cover the costs of purchasing a wig. This program has been made possible by more than 2000 amazing hair donors who have supported the program in 2o16.
We’ve hosted well over 20 “official” events, with even more casual catch ups happening thanks to our amazing Support Groups (Find your local group here if you aren’t already hanging with this fantastic crew). We’re hoping to host event more events in 2017 and we’d love for you to be involved. Got an event idea? Email us at info@aaaf.org.au and we’ll help make it happen.
We reached a fantastic milestone during Alopecia Areata Awareness Week – our Facebook community has grown to over 3000! Our Facebook is one of the major channels we use to communicate the amazing things we have going on, so if you’re not already a friend, you’re missing out!
The Bald Canvas Initiative
This twelve month art project set out to raise spirits and awareness by creating beautiful artworks on the heads of people with Alopecia Areata. Over the course of this project we’ve held several events across the country. Check out some of the fantastic images below or check out the albums online.
Gaining Ground on Unfair GST
AAAF has been lobbying federal and state governments for over five years to discuss GST exemptions on wigs worn for medical purposes. In 2016, we took the campaign public with a peaceful demonstration in Melbourne’s Fed Square. Chel Campbell, AAAF President, shaved her hair in solidarity with those affected by this unfair taxation.
Sad Goodbyes, Warm Welcomes
In 2016 we also saw some changes to AAAF’s core Committee. Early in the year our long time Treasurer, Tracy left our group. More recently we have also said farewell to Vesna, who has stepped aside to spend more time with her growing family. Both of these extraordinary women have been part of AAAF’s journey since we took our first steps, and their contribution cannot be understated. Though they are no longer on our Committee, they will always be a part of the AAAF family.
This year also brought us our newest Committee Member, fantastic NSW Branch Manager Sarah.
If you’re looking to volunteer a few hours a week with a rewarding cause and amazing team, send us an email at info@aaaf.org.au . AAAF is always ready to welcome new additions to our group.
Big Plans
As fantastic as the last twelve months have been, we’re pumped and ready for what 2017 has in store. A number of big projects are already underway. For those adventurers out there, we have a team training hard to tackle the Kokoda Trail in August (Spots still available to join them! Email greg@aaaf.org.au for more details). We’re super keen to be joining our friends in the US of A for the National Alopecia Areata Conference in Miami, Florida! 2017 will be AAAF’s first year attending the conference and we cannot wait to bring back everything we learn and share it with you. Our tech team has also been hard at work this year polishing the insides of our screens, and we’ll have some very exciting web announcements coming in 2017, so stay tuned.
2016 has been a huge and amazing year and we are so grateful to have shared our joy and successes with all of you. All of this and more was only possible because of our AAAF team of donors, supporters, volunteers and families – so thank you! We hope you all have wonderful holidays and are rested and ready for the fantastic New Year ahead.
Love, Alopecia
Love, Alopecia 