The sale of cards produced at St Judes school in Tanzania was an idea from former local girl Gemma Sisia (nee Rice) who travelled to Africa and started a school for the children there about seven years ago.

Local support from generous Inverell residents contributed to the construction of the school, which has now expanded to include a second campus and a further two boarding schools, constructed after the generous donation of $5million from an American benefactor.

Rosemary has remained in touch with Gemma, who she taught at Holy Trinity High School in Inverell, and regularly reports on how the project is going.

Gemma, who has family in Inverell, still travels home throughout each year to visit family and friends and reaffirm support for the African projects and inform supporters on where and how their help is being utilised.

“I’ve just come back from Africa myself,” said Rosemary.

Rosemary said the packages of cards she bought to resell locally have all “sold like hot cakes”.

“I’ll be ordering some more so there will still be some available for people to send for Christmas.”

The idea for the cards is another in a line of fundraising proposals to help the impoverished people of Africa.

“I’ve spent time in Zambia trying to kick start a new project buying alternative Christmas presents for those in need overseas,” Rosemary said.

“My next project involves getting people to buy maybe a goat for $10 (which are highly valued in Africa), or spend $10 on hunger help which will support a family with food for a week, or spend $12 for a child’s education for a month.”

Rosemary said the funds would go to a community centre called Tikondani in Zambia where it would be distributed to the areas specified.

Anyone wishing to help in any way or purchase Christmas cards can contact Rosemary on 67221537.