Community Fundraisers – Raising funds, restoring lives - Catherine Hamlin Fistula Foundation

‘The Hospital by the River’, Dr Catherine Hamlin’s fascinating book, serves as the inspiration for so many people to support the work of Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia.

Catherine’s devotion to obstetric fistula patients and her determination to cure them and give them back their lives is truly heartwarming.

Our incredible community fundraisers amaze us every day with the creative ways they raise funds to support women in Ethiopia! From high teas and barefoot walks to knitting chickens and bingo nights – there is nothing they won’t consider doing!

Karen Stuart went on the Hamlin Ethiopian Adventure in November 2024. To fulfil her fundraising commitment for the trip, Karen spoke at many community groups to raise funds and awareness of Hamlin’s work. She shared her motivations for fundraising and visiting the country Catherine called home.

“I read the book, The Hospital by the River, many years ago and was very inspired by the Hamlins’ work in Ethiopia. As a nurse and midwife working in Australia, the women I care for never have to worry about having such horrific birth injuries and trauma because they have access to timely and appropriate health care.

It breaks my heart what some of the women in Ethiopia go through. I really wanted to help raise money so the women with obstetric fistulas could receive the treatment they so desperately need.

I absolutely loved my time there [in Ethiopia] and spending time with the patients, staff and midwives. I would go again without any hesitation.”

Community fundraising is a great way to do something meaningful while doing something you love. If you’re an avid runner, ask friends and family to sponsor you in a marathon. If you love baking, then a high tea is the perfect event for you!

Every dollar you raise makes a difference and helps transform women’s lives after the trauma of obstetric fistula.

When we asked Karen what advice she would give to others wanting to make a difference through fundraising, she told us:

“Just give it a go! If it is a cause you feel really strongly about you can make it happen. The feedback I got after my speech was how passionately I came across.

Every little bit helps. Having now been to Ethiopia and seen firsthand how the contributions have truly helped the amazing, brave women makes me happy that I have been able to help.”