It’s that time of year again, when we take stock of our accomplishments and look towards our goals for 2021.
Despite the challenge of going into lockdown, we eclipsed our target of establishing 285 matches by the end of 2020. A remarkable achievement considering we went 112 days between volunteer training sessions (the last training session prior to the shut down took place on February 19, resuming on June 10).
Likewise, on the pairing front there were 72 days between matches, with the last pairing prior to lockdown taking place on March 18. Things did not get going again until May 29.
And what about those still waiting….?
While we’re all about pairing up buddies, we’re also about increasing social circles and enabling participants the opportunity to meet more people and experience new events. We inform everyone who signs up that they’re part of the Gig Buddies Sydney community and, as such, they’re welcome to attend our social gigs.
And in terms of socials (both face-to-face and online), we facilitated a grand total of 142 in 2020. They took place in the following locations: CBD (11), Inner West (5), Eastern Suburbs (7), North (12), Western Suburbs (4), Sutherland Shire (5), online (98).
Have I got news for you
As for the here and now, buddies are invited to register for our final online social for the year - our ‘big news quiz of 2020’.
From Black Lives Matter to bushfires, the Tiger King to toilet rolls, we’ll be asking 50 questions on what made the news in 2020. To register for either event, click on the links below:
Tuesday 15/12
Thursday 17/12
All online games will take place via Zoom. For information on how to use Zoom, load up the following easy read guide written by Learning Disability Wales. Alternatively, click here to check out our 'how to use Zoom' video.
We’ve also written an easy read guide for Kahoot!, the app used to play the Gig Buddies Sydney online quizzes. Click here to read.
To play the Gig Buddies Sydney online quizzes buddies will need access to two devices, one to run Zoom and the other to enable the Kahoot! app. For example, buddies could access Zoom via a desktop computer/laptop and load up the Kahoot! app on a smartphone or tablet.
Please note, questions for Gig Buddies Sydney's online quizzes will be updated weekly and we encourage participants to only attend one quiz event.
If you have any questions or would like more information, send us an email: info@gigbuddiessydney.org, get in touch on Facebook Messenger or contact us via text or on the phone on either 0422 061 990 or 0412 145 819.
The nine days of Christmas
Last week we concluded our Christmas parties.
Following first week events in Surry Hills, Randwick, Chatswood, Campbelltown and Erskinville, we connected with another 82 buddies as we took the party to Macquarie Park, Castle Hill, Dee Why and Oatley.
In total we caught up with 197 buddies across the nine events - a phenomenal achievement given the current restrictions. Thank you to everyone who joined us, the turn out and enthusiasm bodes well for our face-to-face socials post Covid-19.
To see every photo from our Christmas parties, click here.
Tools down
That’s it in terms of the blog for this year. Thanks to everyone who’s read our weekly newsletter or has connected with us via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
We’re on shut down from this Friday (18/12), reopening on Monday 4 January. During that timeframe we’ll be downing tools and recharging the batteries - all in preparation for the start of our summer gig guide. Be sure to check your inbox on the first Monday (4/1) of the new year to see what we’ll be doing.
And finally….
We want to say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a huge THANK YOU to everyone who’s connected with us in 2020. Without doubt it’s been a challenging year, but we feel our community has only gotten stronger as a result. With a return to “normal” a hopeful possibility in 2021, we look forward to seeing what the year ahead brings.
Matthew, Carol, Tony, Bec and Chelsea
Would you like more information about Gig BuddiesSydney? You’re only a click away. Connect with us via the links below.
Fancy revelling in legendary status? If so, please support us in our cause to get more people out to live events in Sydney.
Donations over $2 are tax deductible and all are gratefully received.
The Gig Buddies Sydney project is an initiative of ACL Disability Services.
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