Community
Harvest Art Australia was set up to fulfill two main criteria. Firstly to bring a totally Australian Art based product range to the corporate marketplace. Being totally handcrafted it would utilise the unique talents of Australian craftsmen. And secondly to help fund Jan and Ian McKays humanitarian work in Asia and in particular The Philippines.
My wife and I have been very involved in working in the Philippines for the past 11 years. We always have focused on working with National groups and in particular churches and business leaders.
For the past 2 years we have been working predominantly on the island of Mindanao where over many decades poverty and religious violence have been major issues.
Ian and Jan focus mainly on working with key leaders to inspire and encourage them to increase in their ability to impact there region and their nation. We take teams of people and run leadership conferences and speak at national youth conferences. Our purpose is to encourage and empower key leaders to think ouside the square and rise to new levels in their communities and business endeavours. Many of these leaders run orphanages ,schools, feeding programs and businesses set up to fund humanitarian work in their nation.
As we run up to Christmas time we have helped coordinate with Living Waters Hope Centre Terrigal Christmas lunch for 500 street children ind orphans in Ozamis City ,Mindanao in the Philippines. For a donation of $10.00 we help provide hot Christmas lunch, gift, Christmas card and a bible for 500 special children.
Ian and Jan McKay are members of Living Waters Hope Centre Terrigal and believe that no matter what the circumstances or problems we are facing there is always Hope.
Over the past 11 years they have been part of a group who helped source and send over 1million dollars in medical equipment to the Philippines. Since June this year they have coordinated the establishment of 25 small businesses raising goats in isolated tribal areas of Mindanao. All monies were donated by We make a donation of A $150.00 to purchase 2 female and 1 male goat . At the end of 12 months that small business owner gives back 3 goats from the increase of his flock and these goats go to someone else for the beginning of another small business. So it is the gift that goes on giving.
At present they are working to partner with Filippinos to create other businesses that can help fund the creation of schools and clinics in poor mountain regions of the Philippines.
Strategically Mindanao is very important to the peace of our region and we know that small initiatives can have huge ramifications for the peace and prosperity of that region. I would appreciate any help in resourcing these key leaders in the nation. If you wish to know more about this side of our life please contact us.
As promised here are some details about my wife and I and charity work in the Philippines: Ian and Janice McKay head up the Missions program for Living Waters Hope Centre at Terrigal. Living Waters Hope Centre is a member of the Hillsong Network.
Thank you for allowing us the time to share our passion with you.
Jan and Ian McKay