War Child is an international relief and development agency, dedicated to providing immediate, effective and sustainable aid to children affected by war. War Child Australia's major objectives are to raise awareness of War Child's work around the world and to raise funds for War Child's field projects.
Children don’t start wars. But their homes, schools, families and communities are torn apart by war. These are the very things children rely on for protection and the chance to build a life free from poverty. War Child is a small international charity that protects children from the brutal effects of war and its consequences. Currently working in Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and Uganda they provide a number of services for children including:
- Separating children from adult detainees in prison and providing legal aid
- Reintegrating child soldiers with their families
- Getting children off the streets after war has forced them to leave home
- Counseling to help children cope with the effects of war
- Vocational and professional training which gives them future opportunities
- Ensuring children get access to food
- Changing harmful attitudes in the community towards children
There are an estimated 13,877 children living on the streets of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Girls living and working on the streets of Tshangu District in Kinshasa face multiple protection threats. With few choices to earn a livelihood, most have turned to sex work and are at risk of sexual violence from street boys, the public, police and the military.
A QUARTET of musical talent, hailing from suburban Sydney, have made the finals of The Emergenza Festival and are set to play The Metro Theatre on December 18, 2010 in the lead up to the release of their first music video and debut album.
The combined talents of lead vocalist Will Maher, guitarist Joe de la Hoyde, bass player John de la Hoyde, and backing vocalist and drummer Josh Baissari make for a dynamic four piece act producing a wonderful brand of retro inspired rock and a lively and atmospheric live show.
While they may be relatively new to the music scene, the Monks of Mellonwah have made their mark by performing to live audiences and forging a solid fan base around Sydney.
The boys have played shows at the Factory, the Metro Lair the Annandale and Lansdowne hotels, as well as World Bar and the Gaelic Club.
They have even been invited to support the likes of Thirsty Merc on their Mousetrap Heart Tour at Hornsby RSL on December 23.
John de la Hoyde said the band – who last year released a six track EP entitled Stars Are Out, are soon to release their first music video for Swamp Groove, and plan to record and release a full album in mid-2011 – have set themselves some lofty ambitions.
“We want to be the next big thing,” he said.
“We want to bring back what was so familiar in the 1960s and 1970s with our own distinctive sound. We want to be that band that’s playing sell outs (crowds) all around the world at all the biggest stadiums. We want to be that band that is played simultaneously on thousands of stereos every minute.”
But it’s not all about fame and fortune, as John points out.
“Most of all we want to make a difference and impact on people’s lives.”
As a result of their world vision, the Monks of Mellonwah have organised their own charity event at the Metro Lair on February 19 to raise money for War Child. Proceeds will help the organisation protect children living in some of the world’s most dangerous war zones.
“Music brings people together,” John said.
For more information on the band please visit the Monks of Mellonwah website: www.monksofmellonwah.com
MEDIA ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: Christopher de la Hoyde at cdelahoyde@yahoo.com or on his mobile 04406889832
