On Saturday, March 22, Albury Wodonga's own international humanitarian aid agency, Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS), will celebrate its 75th Anniversary with a commemorative event and 10 km charity walk at Bonegilla Migrant Experience.
The service of ALWS started at Bonegilla Migrant Centre after WWII, providing practical care and support to Lutheran refugees seeking a new life in Australia.
Today, ALWS is an accredited humanitarian agency with the Australian Government, working from its head office in Albury to provide emergency assistance and development support in fourteen of the poorest countries in the world.
Last year alone ALWS support to 412,847 people impacted by poverty and war.
To celebrate this milestone, ALWS is returning to Bonegilla to host a celebration event that includes food stalls, kids' activities, live performances, guided tours of Bonegilla Migrant Experience, and a 10 km Walk My Way charity walk to the old Bonegilla Rail Station.
Donations made through the event will support ALWS’ ambitious 2025 target of supporting 75,000 vulnerable children to receive the essentials of a happy, healthy life: food, schooling and safety.
Early registrations at www.alws75.org.au are encouraged with a limited early-bird discount still available.
Wodonga residents who can’t attend the main celebration on Saturday 22 March might consider attending the launch of Brian Neldner’s memoirs, Table of Eight, on Friday 21 March at St Luke’s Lutheran Church, Albury or the Thanksgiving Service, also at St Luke’s, on Sunday 22 March at 10:30am. Event Details are outlined on the Bonegilla event page at www.alws75.org.au