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Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! New year, new beginnings! Sadly, it is time for me to say Goodbye to Seoul and Hello to Ottawa, Canada, where I will be headed at the end of this month. This move comes as quite a surprise, and I'm excited and sad in equal measure!
I joined Open Arms in 2019, just as the Early Years program was starting at CW. Since then, OA has grown and developed, and I am so proud of all the volunteers who so enthusiastically, lovingly and loyally give their time to help the children - now at 3 - soon to be 4 - different homes!
Looking back, I remember how difficult it was during the pandemic to keep going, when every time we turned around there were new restrictions that stopped us seeing the children. But I learnt that we could overcome disappointment, defeat and despondency because we knew that the children would miss us if we didn't. That is what I think motivates every volunteer to keep going even in hard times.
Sometimes, week to week, it can be difficult to see the connections we make, or that what we are doing matters. But whatever you are doing for Open Arms, don't ever think it is too small! Perspective shows us we are making a difference! OA needs each and every one of you, but most of all, so do the kids. Without our volunteers, we could not exist and the children would miss so much!
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With warmest regards,
Sally
Volunteer Director
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잘 가, 친구야
Thank you & Goodbye Friend
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Sally
Nationality: UK
Volunteer Director
2019-2024
It seems unimaginable that ever present Sally, wearer of all hats, is actually leaving Seoul at the end of January. She gave so much of her time and heart to the children and developing OA behind the scenes for over 4 years. It was especially lonely during the pandemic years when in person programs were closed. However, knowing the kids were waiting for us to return gave her hope and the motivation needed to carry on. Sally took it upon herself to tackle developing onboarding procedures, volunteer forms, job descriptions, website updates, Child Protection Policy, replying to emails, collecting volunteer dues, etc. etc. etc. As Sanjini said on many occasions, Sally is OA’s secret weapon. As a volunteer at CW, DTV and MJ, she understood the needs of the children and organization. As Volunteer Director, she has personally welcomed us all and became a precious friend to us. Sally is so loved and loved so much. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You will be terribly missed but please go in peace knowing that you leave OA in such good shape because of your efforts. Blessings to you and your family. We will welcome you back anytime with Open Arms!
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Barbara
Nationality: Canada
Volunteer since 2017
I first met Sally at the Open Arms booth at the SFS Fall Fair in 2019. She signed up as a potential volunteer on a clipboard attached with a pen. Little did we know the huge impact she would make through her unwavering dedication and love for OA, our volunteers and the children we serve. We certainly won the jackpot. It’s an ongoing joke of ours, battling who is the sweetest. But hands down, Sally is the sweetest. Her car and house are always full and open for OA volunteers. She is more than a Volunteer Director. She is an aunt and beautiful friend to us all. I am sad for OA that she’s leaving Korea but thrilled that we will be on same frozen Canadian soil. See you soon!
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Miyong
Nationality: US
Volunteer since 2017
Sally, Open Arms will truly miss your leadership and your commitment. You, Barbara, Katy and Sanjini helped so much in taking our volunteer group into an established organization where it can continue to support various children’s groups. What a blessing it was to have you as a friend and support. Leaving Korea doesn’t seem to be a final goodbye LOL. See you again.
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Inger
Nationality: Denmark
Volunteer since 2023
Being relatively new to the organization your help and advice has been crucial. You have worked tiredly for Open Arms creating a solid foundation from which the organization can grow and keep developing. Working back office many people might not realize all your hard work, but the importance of your scaffolding of the organization, cannot be underestimated. You will be greatly missed in Open Arms and by me personally for administrative coffee and status of the world.
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Erika
Nationality: Hungary and US
Volunteer since 2023
I am very excited for your new adventure and wish you and your family the best of luck! I wish we had more time to spend together. You’re leaving big big shoes behind to fill and I’m afraid it’ll take 4 of us to do half the job. Thank you very much for your selfless dedication and commitment to the kids, constant help to all of us and your cheerful positive attitude to keep us all on the right track. You will be missed here and we hope you’ll come back for a visit. Safe travels!
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Justin
Nationality: Canada
Volunteer since 2020
Thank you for your unrelenting service for others, your kindness, and compassion. You will be greatly missed!
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Sanjini
Nationality: Sri Lanka
Volunteer since 2019
You have been a pillar of strength and an invaluable part of our initial development. While I'm sure you will always stay connected to our work, to many of us and the kids, you will be leaving a huge void. Your attention to detail and keeping track of a myriad of tasks will be sorely missed I'm sure. You're one of the few people who has been able to consistently volunteer at all the different sessions with the children, this is also very special. Thank you so much for everything you have done for OA. I wish you and your family much happiness in this new adventure and hope to see you virtually soon. With love and hugs.
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Maya
Nationality: UK
Volunteer since 2019
As an early member of OA, you have seen us grow from a small group of dedicated volunteers, to now an organization with spreadsheets, socials and AGMs! It is undeniable that a large part of our growth is all thanks to you, and your efforts. I remember when we first started at CWWC, you were always eager to be involved and led the class in song even if you had to sing alone, and that effort and joy has continued into your work with all our new children and the growth of OA. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities you and the organization have given me, and the grace and patience you have shown me while I try to learn just a portion of the amazing work you do for OA. Both the children and our OA members will all miss you dearly but we wish you the best of luck in Canada and know you will always be a part of OA.
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Dee Dee
Nationality: US
Volunteer since 2017
Sally, you will be missed tremendously. As has been expressed, it was your professional expertise — and tenacity — that helped Open Arms survive a worldwide pandemic and several structural transitions. Many children have felt extra love because of your efforts. Thank you and best wishes in your onward adventures.
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Katy
Nationality: UK
Volunteer since 2019
There are not enough words to say how grateful we are for your dedication and passion for Open Arms. It is thanks to you that Open Arms is where it is today. The time and personal attention you give when welcoming our volunteers is something that many of us will cherish forever making us feel welcomed and with a sense of belonging. You are going to be missed so much but thanks to the technology of the world today I know you will not be that far away! Looking forward to hearing about all of your new adventures in Canada where I know you will be meeting up with some of our OA friends there too!
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OA/Dulwich 6th Annual
Christmas Present Drive
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Thank you Dulwich College Seoul for supporting Open Arms, heart and arms wide open for over 6 years! All 218 children from CW, MJ, DTV Blue House and SMW were thrilled to receive exactly what they wanted. One of our core values is INDIVIDUALITY by empowering the children through choice. We are privileged to partner with Dulwich College Seoul who support our values with equal passion. Working together with our children, their caregivers, Dulwich Primary Global Warriors, staff and parent community makes our joint Christmas Present Drive extra time consuming but also extra special. Thank you everyone who worked so hard to make the children’s Christmas wishes come true.
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6 Month Calendar
Save the Dates
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We would like to share with you the calendar for this coming semester with many good events installed. We will send out more information and invitations as we get closer, but for now, mark the calendar.
Take special notice of 2 events:
March 10th we have a volunteer training session - a great way to meet your volunteer-colleagues and learn even more on how to make the best programs for the kids
April 20th we have our Annual General Meeting - this is a day of celebrating your good work and set your mark on the future development for Open Arms
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Volunteers wIll now sign up for up to 6 months in advance. We hope it won't be too onerous to commit a bit further in advance - and we have tried to build flexibility into the system, knowing that you all have other important commitments and sometimes have to cancel. But we also need to be able to see our volunteer needs as we try to stay with the growing children and reach out to others. So please sign up to your usual program, and consider adding another if you have time.
For those who are not members and wish to apply to volunteer, there is a handy link to our new, improved, application form! Do pass it on to your friends who are interested! Get in touch by email if you need further details on which locations are close to you.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE BUTTON BELOW TO APPLY TO VOLUNTEER. Thank you!
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CW Early Years and Primary
2 concurrent groups
Tuesday/weekly
5:30-7:00 pm
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DT Primary
Thursday/weekly
5:30-7:00 pm
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MMJ Primary and Pre-Teens
2 concurrent groups
1 Saturday/monthly
10:00 am. -12:00 pm
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NEW!
Pre-Teens
2 Saturdays/month
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
1/month @ SMW & 1/month @ Dulwich College
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I always love the energy and the feeling of new beginnings the first week back in the new year. It's a time to reflect on the previous year and a time to think ahead of possibilities and desires for the year ahead. We began our primary programs in January thinking about what we had enjoyed from 2023. What we would like to do again. and also what we would like to try new. The highlights included food, music and animals! Some wanted to study harder some wanted to play harder! It is so uplifting and inspiring to hear from the children what they wanted their year ahead to look like. I know with the dedication of our amazing volunteers here at OA we will help to fulfill some of these dreams and wishes for 2024 by giving them our time, love and commitment to make them feel special, listened to and empowered. My thanks go to all our volunteers at OA who make these programs possible and I am very excited to see what 2024 will bring our way.
Katy
Education Director
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The Open Arms toddlers continue to grow and develop. The little ones clearly enjoy the time with our volunteers and greet us with bouncy smiles and hugs. By now, our class routine is well-known and the children anticipate each new activity, making connections and following the weekly theme. A favorite activity this month was building snowmen — inside the warm comfort of their cozy room.
Yet, Open Arms offers these children more than educational activities. Our program and volunteers provide consistent attention and engagement with each child, recalling back to the original Open Arms’ mission of ‘one-lap-per-child.’ Thank you to all those ‘laps’ that turn up on the cold winter mornings, helping to set a foundation of support in the lives of these precious children.
Dee Dee - CWWC Toddler Co-ordinator
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Thank you to all the dedicated and loving volunteers: Dee Dee, Judy, Jean, Jenna, Johanna, Malin and Colleen
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Our thanks to our lovely CW team: Katy, Mihwa, Sunny, Ingrid, Louisa, Lauren, Kathrine, Miyong, Julie, Sally, Junhwan, Chiara, Minwoon, Sanjana and Amethyst | |
Our thanks go to our Thursday volunteers; Katy, Marta, Ash, Emma, Elena, Maya, Sunny, Lauren, Munazza, Julie, Sally, Malin, Amethyst and Nancy | |
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The last few months at our MJ sessions have been hands on and very food based! December's session saw us having festive fun with our Christmas party! The children built andu decorated their own gingerbread houses, some more structurally sound than others, but all eaten with delight nevertheless. In our latest session, we made fruit smoothies together with the children practicing their cutting skills as well as being introduced to instructions. A big thank you to Anna for running this session and to all the volunteers who have given their time over the last few months.
James - MJ Primary Co-ordinator
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Thanks goes to our dedicated MJ team: Sally, Anna Z, James, Cate, Darine, Katy, Brian, Anna B, Alice, Ash and Zahra
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COMMUNITY ADVOCACY AND FUNDRAISING | |
Thank You For Your Generous Donations | | |
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Dulwich College Seoul
Dulwich College Seoul Senior students raised 338,000₩ for Open Arms at their Winter Bazaar by selling food from different cultures. Thank you to all the participating students and staff who continue to advocate and support Open Arms throughout the years.
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American Women's Club Korea
New Year's Gala
January 13, 2024
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Members of Open Arms attended the AWC Annual Charity Winter Gala. People from all over the world gathered to support their Korean community and celebrate a new year. Open Arms is one of the recipients of this year’s gala donations. The awareness of our organization and the financial support makes a world of difference to our work. We shared the honour with 3 other organizations: Korea Legacy, Planting Love and Haesim Welfare home. Thank you AWC! You make it possible to dream bigger!
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All our members are volunteers!
Thank you for your time and commitment to Open Arms as we continue to learn and grow with the children!
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Munazza
Nationality: Pakistan
Volunteer since 2023
Open Arms is an incredible platform to give voice to the children who have the right to demand an equal place in our world. In a year with Open Arms, I have received an immeasurable amount of love and support from both the Open Arms team and the children. It is a community of warm hearted, inclusive members and loving children. Though a lot more needs to be done on multiple fronts to provide a safe and sustainable future to these brilliant young minds who are capable of creating a whole new world, Open Arms is doing a great job despite all the challenges. I hope that the dream of making a change will be realized soon.
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MANAGEMENT TEAM
Behind the Scenes
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Milee
Nationality: Canada
Volunteer since 2021
Milee is our unofficial ‘go to person’ that helps us with everything! From liaising in Korean with the welfare homes, ensuring the Christmas and birthday present drives run smoothly, ordering custom lanyards…etc. etc. There is never a job too big or small. She has such a friendly and sweet disposition, ending each ‘favour’ we ask her to do, with ‘My pleasure~^^'. 2 Christmases ago, she even drove in the delivery truck with the driver to each welfare home to ensure there were no mixups with presents! Her home is in Vancouver, Canada where she started a support group for Korean single mothers. She is also an avid world traveller and loves to explore places off the beaten track.
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Erika
Nationality: Hungary and US
Role: I am responsible for keeping an eye on the books and finances
I am a wife and mother of two teenage boys. I used to be a fraud examiner and financial consultant in my professional career. We are excited and happy to be in Seoul. I love to explore the city and its art. I read a lot and enjoy cooking. I love to be outside and spend time with my friends.
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Amethyst
Nationality: Canada
Volunteer Intern
I'm in Korea with my husband, while I study sociology with a focus on at-risk-youth, abroad. My career background is in disability employment and recruitment. I am a fitness fanatic!
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Thank you to all the volunteers for contributing photos and reports. If you have any questions or ideas for upcoming newsletters, please DM or email Barbara at info@theopenarms.org. It's a joy to bring you the latest news! Barbara, Newsletter Editor | | |
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#2173, 20th Fl, 149, Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03186 South Korea
ph. +82 10 5917 3214 (krn)
ph. +82 10 2716 5644 (eng)
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