The do-gooder from Oz
In addition to being a fun and social organization, ANZA Manila is committed to giving back to the Philippines to better the lives of Filipino men, women and children.”
MOST expatriate communities often plan activities connected with their home countries and not for the places they are in.
The Australian and New Zealand Association Manila (ANZA) showcases not only the power of diverse expatriate communities, but also their dedication to make a lasting impact. ANZA prides itself on its diverse membership, representing individuals from various corners of the globe. This rich tapestry of cultures, backgrounds and experiences allows the organization to bring a unique perspective to charitable endeavors.
By uniting under a shared mission of giving back to their host country, ANZA members transcend geographical boundaries, collaborating seamlessly to make a difference. ANZA’s latest community engagement is “Expats Giving Back: Building Bridges Through Community Support,” as the organization rallies behind a local charity, it simultaneously reinforces the importance of integration with the broader community.
ANZA actively participates in supporting local businesses, forging connections and contributing to the overall well-being of the community they now call home.
With 200 active members, the organization integrates business, charity and the local community.
As a primarily expatriate-based group, ANZA supports members by creating a feeling of family across their community and through their partnerships with local charities and businesses.
“In addition to being a fun and social organization, ANZA Manila is committed to giving back to the Philippines to better the lives of Filipino men, women and children,” said Daisy Pope-Brien, co-president of the Australian and New Zealand Association Manila.
“One of the important ways we do this is through a wide variety of charity work focused specifically on supporting the impoverished and underprivileged in the Philippines.
“ANZA offers a diverse range of volunteer opportunities as well as hosting regular social functions to raise funds to support worthy charities. We focus on charities that provide education, social enterprise projects, medical care for women and children, and assistance for disaster relief.”
Every year, ANZA aligns with one charitable organization in the Philippines to be its primary beneficiary. The event undoubtedly becomes memorable for ANZA as it chronicles its notable achievements annually.
“We provide a range of support for the organizations we work with,” Pope-Brien offered. “From monetary donations to hands-on charity work with our members.
“In 2018, 190 children received lifechanging cleft lip and palate operations at two surgical missions when ANZA partnered with Operation Smile.
“The succeeding year, ANZA built a boarding house, drop-in center and sustainable café to provide homeless youth a safe place to grow and learn in Payatas, Quezon City, in conjunction with Fairplay for All Foundation.
“Even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic [in 2020 and 2021], ANZA worked with Roots of Health who are focused on improving the reproductive, maternal and sexual health of women, girls and their communities in Palawan, Philippines,” added Pope-Brien.
“Despite Covid and not able to have any in person events, ANZA was able to provide them with over P800,000 in funding to put towards their reproductive health workshops in local schools, providing prenatal care for local women, HIV testing, youth mentor training and many other health initiatives.”
Last year, ANZA raised over P1.7 million for Childreamers Daycare Center in Tondo, Manila, completing major renovation works, isolation, waterproofing, repainting, toilet and kitchen renovation, restarted their feeding program for 50 children, electrical rewiring, a Christmas party celebration and many other projects.
This 2024, ANZA is proud to mark a milestone as the organization celebrates its 10th anniversary. “Moonshine in Manila” is a grand charity ball on March 2 at the New World Makati Hotel.
“We are fortunate to be supported by many amazing local and multinational organizations in the Philippines for our Ball,” said Pope-Brien. “The Ball is attended by many heads of organizations and Philippine-based dignitaries and diplomats, especially those connected to the Australian and New Zealand communities.
“In recent years, the ambassadors of Australia and New Zealand have attended our Balls and many executives from both local and international organizations.”
ANZA’s annual Grand Charity Ball is always a much-awaited, sell-out event with over 300 guests attending. Annually, the event raises over P1 million.
“The guests are coming from our membership and broader expatriate communities,” Pope-Brien said. “This year, ‘Moonshine in Manila’ expects to raise funds from sponsorship, auctions and a special draw going toward our chosen beneficiary of 2024, ‘Tiny Blessings.’
“As a nonprofit organization, entirely run by volunteers, ANZA takes pride in its major event which is a big undertaking. It requires an amazing amount of organization and support from the ANZA community and support from local businesses through their sponsorship.
“We have a social committee and Ball committee that work tirelessly to make our events happen, all to help support ANZA and the charities we partner with.”
In March 2020, while one week shy from ANZA’s annual Charity Ball, the pandemic hit and the world shut down.
“That hit us hard as all tickets were sold, vendors paid and commitments made to our charity, which ANZA wanted to
uphold,” Pope-Brien shared. “For the following two years of Covid, we got creative and converted to online social fundraising events for example quiz nights, cooking classes, workouts and an online charity auction.
“Despite our major event for the year being canceled, we still managed to raise over P800,000 to give [to] our beneficiary Root of Health in Palawan.”
The commitment to give back extends beyond the glitz of the charity ball. ANZA organizes various community outreach programs, fostering connections and ensuring a sustained impact.
By focusing over the years on educational initiatives, health care support and environmental projects, the organization seeks to leave a positive legacy in the local community.
ANZA hosts smaller events throughout the year that empower the local community and keep it connected — all to raise funds and awareness for its supported charities.
“Some of our regular events include a monthly coffee morning, wine and cheese nights, family Christmas party and Sundowners social events, which we host at a diverse range of local businesses,” Pope-Brien maintained.
ANZA has bases all around the world. “Australian-New Zealand social associations are operated globally,” Pope-Brien informed. “However, all countries operate independently.”
ANZA Manila is a registered not for profit organization, 100-percent run and managed by a group of volunteers. “We have a membership of around 200 made up of both expatriates and Filipinos,” said Pope-Brien.
Pope-Brien is a registered nurse in Australia, specializing in cardiology. “However, gaining recognition for my registration in the Philippines sadly wasn’t possible,” she said. “I feel so grateful and fortunate that ANZA has provided me the opportunity to put my nursing training and passion for helping people to good use.
Being a co-president of ANZA gives her fulfillment, no matter how hard or challenging her job turns out at times.
“I’m passionate about ANZA and the support it provides to expats looking for a community and to local charities in need of monetary support and volunteers,” said Pope-Brien. “I’ve been on the executive committee and Board for seven years holding both the charities and co-president roles.
“Relocating from Australia to Manila was very daunting, but after attending a coffee morning on my second day in the country, I instantly felt welcomed and connected with a community, meeting like-minded people.”
Pope-Brien’s role with ANZA is volunteer. “However, we operate allyear round for our members putting on events, charity donation drives, a monthly e-newsletter and many more offerings,” she explained.
“Therefore, it can be hard to find time to take a break and switch off. I’ve been so lucky to do the President role with my dear friend and fellow Aussie expatriate, Shakira Snowdon.
“We both bring our own strengths to the role and work so well together.
Working with Shakira and I is a wonderful Executive Committee and Board of Directors who support us with everything the organization offers.”
Pope-Brien and her husband have been in the Philippines for nearly eight years now.
“During our time here, we’ve loved exploring all this country has to offer and also enjoying its proximity to other parts of Asia. Allowing long weekend trips to Hong Kong, Japan, Cambodia, Taipei, and many more.
“When Covid hit, we made the decision early on that we would stay in Manila and not try and get back to Australia given the risk of getting stuck or separated.
“Once domestic travel resumed, we had some magical trips to Boracay, with very few other tourists around. The white beach was empty and pristine. It was devastating for those that survive on tourism, but magical to see it without the crowds.”
Pope-Brien enjoys spending time together with her family on weekends. “We take trips to the many beautiful islands and beaches the Philippines has to offer,” she said.
Her “Mum,” who passed away when Pope-Brien was only 15, is undoubtedly her role model. “She taught me to show everyone love, compassion and kindness, never give up and always believe in yourself,” she said.
“She would always tell me, ‘Don’t let the turkeys get you down,’ ‘try, try and try again,’ and ‘stick and stones.’ These are Australian sayings meaning — be strong and don’t let people bring you down.”