On Tuesday evening Eastwoods Dining in Airlie Beach hosted a lively fundraising event, during which local author Sandy Clark launched her latest book titled ‘Anyone Can Become a Princess’, donating all proceeds to charity.
Sandy has lived in Airlie Beach for eight years, but her ties to Zambia run deep. Her latest book is a memoir about her life in Zambia. She lived there as a young woman, her husband grew up in the region, and in 2019 she helped open a hospital in one of the country’s poorest and most remote areas. Since its opening, the hospital has safely delivered more than 3,500 babies, a remarkable achievement in a place that once had no roads, electricity or running water.
The evening’s event combined a fundraising auction with the launch of her memoir, which every attendee received as a gift. The book reflects on more than 20 years of volunteering, both abroad and at home in Australia, including local work with the Whitsunday Housing Company to support older homeless women.
“The book is all about volunteering,” Sandy said.
“The story behind the book is about when I started out, the direction I went in, and why I became a volunteer, and the book's been written to encourage other people to take on volunteering.
“I think it's a very humbling thing to do, and it brings all sorts of rewards.”
Her dedication to Zambia has been recognised in a very personal way, Sandy was named a princess by the tribal chief of the village where the hospital was built, a gesture that inspired the book’s title.
Now approaching her 78th birthday, Sandy says this will be her final fundraiser but not the end of her mission.
“I'll continue on, but I won’t be running events anymore,” she said.
“I'll apply for grants, I'll knock on doors, and I'll ask people to help provide support in future.
“I have to do things in a different way, it’s been the busiest year of my life. I've just done a fundraiser in Africa, a big one in Adelaide, and now here with this book launch and my husband says it’s time to slow down.”
Co-owner of Eastwoods Jack Mason, Author Sandy Clark, and Co-owner of Eastwoods Kirsty Mason. Photo credit: Daniel Heggie
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