Having raised a total of $129,040 for the 2008 Green Left Weekly Fighting Fund, we are now more than half-way to our $250,000 target. Our supporters raised $5440 over the last week through donations and several successful fundraising events around the country.
While we are also more that half-way to the end of the year, going on the pattern of previous years, we are well positioned to reach our target.
I've been asked by many people: How does GLW raise this sort of financial support, year after year? And the answer lies in the loyalty and commitment of our regular readers, the subscribers and regular buyers of the GLW.
There are many people out there who deeply appreciate a publication that champions progressive struggles all around the world, consistently argues the case for a just and sustainable future, and, most importantly, actively builds the movements that are trying to change the world. Every week they demonstrate their commitment to the GLW project.
One such loyal subscriber is Jean Hale, who recently turned 96! Jean is a bit of a legend in the progressive movements in Sydney. She's in a nursing home these days, but until a couple of years ago was a regular face at many rallies and political meetings. Many of us have an image of Jean with the Free East Timor badge proudly on permanent display. In later years she'd prevail upon one of her daughters — one of whom is the Greens member of the NSW Legislative Council, Sylvia Hale — to bring her to a rally.
Last week, another daughter, Lesley, sent in a cheque for $50 to GLW for a book of raffle tickets and a small donation. "She wishes she could do more to assist in the struggles against injustices", wrote Lesley, adding, "and she wishes you every success".
Thankyou Jean, and thankyou to all the other supporters who have made it possible for us to get past the halfway mark in our appeal.
This week we are making a special appeal to the thousands of people from around the world who read GLW online to pitch in with a serious donation to the project.
The web monitoring company Hitwise has just advised us that we have improved our ranking in its assessment of Australian websites dealing with political issues. Last month they
ranked us as number four in that category.
We have another $120,960 to raise between now and the end of this year. If you can help us get closer to our target this week please deposit a donation to our Fighting Fund at: Greenleft, Commonwealth Bank, BSB 062-006, Account No. 901992. Alternatively, ring in your donation by credit card on the toll-free line at 1800 634 206 (within Australia
only), send us a cheque or money order to PO Box 515, Broadway NSW 2007, or donate online at <http://www.greenleft.org.au/donate.php>.