A Legacy of Giving Back
The AWC has been actively involved in philanthropic activities, both local and global through its involvement with FAWCO, since as early as 1932. That year, HRH Queen Wilhelmina opened the AWC Holiday Bazaar that was held for the benefit of a hospital in The Hague. Other funds raised over the years were donated to the Sophia Institute in Scheveningen for children with tuberculosis, the Juliana Children"s Hospital, Bronovo Hospital, and others.
In more recent years, since 2002 the AWC has raised over €1 million to
benefit local breast cancer research, education and advocacy and was
instrumental in the formation of the Pink Ribbon Foundation in the
Netherlands. In 2011, the AWC held its first annual Hearts & Minds
Gala to support children and families affected by autism. Since then,
we have donated a total of € 50,000 to two local autism organizations:
Lighthouse Special Education and Stichting Papageno. In 2012, the
gala was held again, raising an additional € 40,000 for
Lighthouse and Papageno. (For details,
visit our Hearts & Minds Gala page).
Help Us Help Others
This rich history of generosity would not be possible without the
support of our Member volunteers. If you are interested in joining our efforts and making lifelong friends in the process, please contact awcthehague.philanthropy@gmail.com
Likewise, if there is a particular cause or organization close to your
heart that you would like the AWC to support in some capacity, please
let us know. We are grateful for your input.
Fun Projects To-Date
In the spring of 2011, the AWC had an Easter candy drive to assemble Easter baskets for all the children residing at "Vliet en Burgh", the Leger des Heils (Salvation Army) foster home in Voorburg. Chocolate bunnies, eggs and chickens, Easter grass, and candy of all colors and flavors came pouring in, including toddler-safe treats and plush toys for the babies. Members and their children gathered at the Clubhouse for cupcakes and camaraderie as we assembled and decorated enough Easter baskets for every child at the home.
In fact, so much candy was left over we were also able to donate 20 colorful Easter goodie bags to the Leger des Heils Women & Children's shelter in Centrum.
A fun, meaningful way for AWC Members to get into the Christmas spirit
was to make authentic German gingerbread houses from scratch in a
class led by Member Sylvia Mahaffey, and then donate them to local
organizations. Over the course of three afternoons, we joyfully mixed
and baked dough, made icing, and constructed the houses and
yards. Then we decorated them with (and nibbled on"&41; a ton of colorful hard candy, peppermints, and chocolate, including stained glass windows made with red gelatin. At the end of the class, participants received the recipe and detailed instructions for making them on their own, along with a lebkuchen-gewürz spice packet imported from Germany.
With this rich legacy of philanthropy behind us, the AWC of The Hague is proud to honor what women do best: help people in need.
PLEASE support us in continuing to do so by participating!
For more information, please contact the Philanthropy Committee using our online form. Subject line should include Attn: Philanthropy.
The Philanthropy Application for Charity Funding
We have developed a form for any charitable organization requesting
AWC funding. For consideration, applications can be sent to
AWC The Hague
Philanthropy Committee
c/o Postbus 416
2240AK Wassenaar
Click to download the charity funding application and instructions.
