December 2020 Newsletter - Christmas Edition
Christmas Card by the artist Tampidaro and provided by Chan Floyd, art lover
I am glad to report that our organization is growing stronger and more members have joined our community in the last month. The main event that was a major encouragement and just sheer joy to be a part of was the Meet and Greet at the Sokhamon Hotel. I can confidently say the purpose of the event was fulfilled, the DWG’S Networking Group has been revived. Over the 30 members were in attendance and 25 members renewed their membership! Whoever wants to be part of this networking group will be glad to know that this group will now meet every second Thursday of every month for socializing, fundraising and update regarding DWG matters. More members have signed during various classes including Afrofit Workout and Root to Rise sessions. These classes will now be a constant feature in the next year. Look out for details on our Facebook page and your emails and JOIN in the fun! The work towards our fundraising and charity projects is continuing without a hitch. Members are enthusiastic, amazingly positive and ready to engage. The charity committee has taken a decision to use our existing database of applicants to find worthy projects in need of our support and a few have responded by re-submitting their applications.
MiMi Dioman and Tampidaro at Galerie Lamp Fall, Mammelles
The DWG Art Committee has gotten off to a good start! They had their first meeting on December 2nd via Zoom and there were at least 15 women in attendance. Since the 1st meeting, the committee members have been visiting art exhibit openings as part of this year’s 9th edition of Partcours which started on 27 November 2020. The purpose of these visits is to engage with artists and gallery owners wherever possible in order to gain a better understanding on which artists are part of the art scene, and the various forms of artistic expressions to be discovered in the capital. These visits included an organized special trip to the Village des Arts on December 11th. The next art committee meeting will be held on January 7th at 6:30 PM via Zoom. Topics for discussion include: defining five artists to showcase at the January 29th’s DWG Cocktail and Art Sale Event; creating an artists list for the annual Art Show in MAY 2021 and and define the theme for annual art show. If you still want to be part of this committee contact them using their email address.
The Bandia Reserve Visit
Other members had fun discovering the Reserve de Bandia. Even though we don not have a visits coordinator this year, it has not stopped the Executive Committee from planning a short getaway out of Dakar for members who are so inclined. So, on Tuesday, 8 December, a small band of DWG members committed themselves to a half day trip to the Reserve de Bandia, about 90 minutes out of Dakar. The main goal was to go on the mini safari, but then we received word that Africa Ranch across the road from Bandia had rare lion cubs. So, they decided to go to both (adding a welcome special surprise to the trip) and still come back to Dakar in time for high tea. The visit was fully funded by the ladies who went, with Haidee and Aishah stepping in to offer transport. It was a wonderful short trip out to see the wildlife. For DWG’s successful White Christmas we owe gratitude to our member Jannet RENAULT who offered to host the event at her residence, as well as all the members who volunteered to help with setting up and be part of the gathering. It was a beautiful day and such a lovely energy and ambience. Thank you Jannet!!
Treasury Matters
A lot of our member s have been requesting some report regarding DWG’s finances. The handover from the previous team to the new treasury team has not yet been concluded. There are still matters pending. The new team has been operating without access to DWG’s finances. But be reassured that solutions are at hand. A full report on DWG’s finances will be given at the General Meeting scheduled for 19 January 2021 with collaboration from both teams. The good news is that the new team has been able to raise a total of 1 107 000 CFA in cash which is membership fees, so far, this figure includes all expenses incurred during the November month. We have other membership fees that have been paid through Wari, however we are still waiting to receive those payments. Members, remember that monies raised this club year is for the next year’s expenses. This figure needs to grow. Your support in all our fundraising events would be greatly appreciated.
“Have a wonderful holiday season and happy new year 2021! May 2021 bring much health to all humans and to our planet.”
