25VS25 is a project led by two creative humans, Shirley and Vanessa.
Both are passionate about giving back to the Deaf community by creating fun, engaging experiences while also supporting the organisation that helped shape their journey as Deaf youth.
As they grew older, they felt a deep desire to contribute to the World Federation of the Deaf Youth Section (WFDYS), an organisation that has played a signifcant part in their lives. It is also important to acknowledge, that if it wasn’t for Deaf Youth Australia (DYA), their participation in WFDYS camps + Youth General Assembly would have not been possible.
As WFDYS celebrated their 25th birthday in 2020 during the pandemic, an idea between Shirley and Vanessa evolved into a HUGE project: to complete 25 different projects before their 26th birthday and to ensure the organization, production, completion, or whatever, in total of 25 or 250 - for example, whether it be to raise $250, sell 25 tickets, or produce 250 stickers, etc.
Of course, this project has taken them way longer than just a year. Life got so busy [work + volunteering + raising kids + you name it] but they managed to complete 21 activities together, just short of 4 more! Now, as we all get ready to celebrate WFDYS' 30th birthday, it feels like the perfect moment to wrap this up.
Together we've raised AU$12,846.94!
75% portion of that is for WFDYS (AU$9635.20) and 25% portion to DYA ($3211.74).
They have kindly requested WFDYS to reserve 25% of donated funds for participants from developing countries to receive presentations, workshops, attend WFDYS camps and educate them to be aware of their own human rights as Deaf citizens.
Shirley and Vanessa are truly proud of this project and wrapped it up with lots of love and joy, knowing the impact this project has on many. Together, we all have raised awareness about the many wonderful things WFDYS and DYA do.
They really hope this sparks some creative ideas for promoting our community organisations, offering support, and celebrating our amazing Deaf community! If each of us contributes just a little, we can truly make the world a better place together!
Thanks for your support + love!