Taking a New Road

November 24, 2013
by Rodney Olsen
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change

I have a massive week coming up. It’s a week I face with mixed emotion but one I’m very excited about.

After nine and a half years hosting the morning program and a connection that goes back to before the station began broadcasting, I’ll announce on-air tomorrow that I’m leaving 98five.

My final on-air shift will be on Tuesday and I’ll start work with Compassion Australia as a Relationship Manager on Wednesday.

My new role will involve meeting with donors, church leaders, advocates and others about the work Compassion is doing to release children from poverty. While I’m still passionate about the vision of 98five, I’ve felt a growing desire to be part of the solution for those facing a life without hope.

Over a number of years I have felt a growing burden to serve those who are trapped by poverty. This burden has developed significantly since travelling with Compassion Australia to Haiti and Dominican Republic in 2008. I’ve really enjoyed the variety the Morning Café has allowed me. I’ve been able to interview a range of people including authors, actors, musicians and a range of average people making a difference in our community.

I’ve worked full time at 98five for almost twenty of the nearly 26 years the radio station has been broadcasting. I’ve done part time work on-air during the other 6 years.

I’ve been thrilled by the support I’ve received from those at 98five since announcing the move. General Manager Bevan Jones said: “Rodney goes with our blessing. He’s given his all to 98five over 25 years and is perfect for the role at Compassion. We couldn’t begrudge him the chance to take on a new challenge that helps change lives of those trapped in poverty.”



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Typhoon Haiyan and Compassion Australia

November 12, 2013
by Rodney Olsen
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As most of us know, one of the strongest tropical cyclones on record hit the Philippines on Friday. Typhoon Haiyan has pounded the central areas of the Philippines with heavy rains, flooding, and strong winds.

Electricity and communications are out across several major cities making rescue and aid efforts even more difficult.

One of the agencies already working in the affected area is Compassion.

I spoke on the phone to Compassion Australia Communications Manager, Amy Lanham this morning about what’s happening. While it’s difficult for them to get a full picture of the situation they have had some promising preliminary reports about those involved in the hundreds of Compassion projects in the affected areas..

You can hear my chat with Amy by clicking on the play button on the audio player at the bottom of this post.

Compassion is taking donations to help those in the Philippines. Donations will make a difference across a number of areas.

Donating to the Disaster Relief Fund will provide urgent relief for typhoon victims. Any money raised above the need will bring immediate aid to Compassion assisted children affected by future disasters.

When you donate to the Disaster Relief Fund, you help Compassion provide vital assistance that helps restore families of Compassion-assisted children decimated by disaster. Your support helps to provide:

* Emergency food and water
* Temporary shelters (tarps, tents etc)
* Child-safe zones/reunion areas
* Emergency medical care
* Personal items (toiletries, nappies, clothes, bedding, stoves etc)
* Basic sanitation
* Cooking utensils
* Trauma counselling
* Spiritual support
* School supplies

Please pray for the children, families, staff and churches that are suffering at this time.

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
— Acts 20:35 (NIV)



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What Can I Do?

March 12, 2013
by Rodney Olsen
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Compassion

Anyone that knows me should know that I’m a passionate supporter of a number of organisations that seek to deliver justice and hope to those in desperate situations.

I’ve got to admit that when I see what others are doing to help I feel so very inadequate. I’ve been overseas and seen courageous people working for change in ways that I never could. They have skills that I not only don’t have but could never learn. I’m just not wired like they are.

The good news is that if that’s not how God has put me together, then that’s not what he’s asking me to do. That’s why I use my cycling to raise funds and awareness as well as being an advocate for organisations that are doing great work in various places around the world.

One of the organisations that I strongly support is Compassion Australia, an international Christian holistic child development and child advocacy ministry working to release children from poverty.

Yesterday I learned that the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) has announced 89-year-old Wyn Finlayson from Perth as Volunteer of the Year for 2013. For the past 24 years, Wyn has been a supporter and volunteer with Compassion Australia. Check out the video below to find out a bit more about Wyn’s passion to see children released from poverty.

I reckon if Wyn can keep finding new ways to release children from poverty then we can all find ways to be part of the bigger solution. If you see injustice and then throw your hands up saying, “What can I do?”, let me encourage you to look to Wyn for inspiration. If you have a will to make change you’ll find a way.

Melissa French, Compassion’s Child Advocate Network Coordinator, says Wyn has become an inspiration to all 120 staff and over 2500 volunteers of Compassion Australia and doesn’t let age stand in the way of her passion for volunteering.

“When age began making it difficult for Wyn to be as active as she once was, she decided to start selling homemade jam—made from a recipe passed down from her mother—to raise money for Compassion’s work.

“Wyn uses every opportunity to speak to people in her sphere of influence including her butcher, hairdresser and her doctor! Younger volunteers are often overheard saying ‘my aim is to be like Wyn Finlayson’.”



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Great Ocean Road 2013

February 18, 2013
by Rodney Olsen
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A week ago I was in the middle of the amazing experience of cycling the 25000Spins Great Ocean Road Challenge. The ride raised money for ADRA, Compassion andBotswana Orphan Project.

My chosen charity was Compassion and I’m extremely grateful for everyone who donated and helped me release children from poverty. We had about 60 riders who each cycled around 290 kilometres and battled some serious hills over three days.

It’s not too late to contribute. You can still donate online right now by going to my fundraising page. By sponsoring my efforts on the challenge you’ll be releasing children from poverty. You’ll be giving children a real chance at life.

Last Tuesday, once the three days of riding were over, I spoke by phone to Kieran Johnson who was hosting my radio program while I was away. Have a listen to our conversation by clicking the play button on the audio player below and find out more about the ride and difference it’ll make.



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A Good News Cycling Story

January 17, 2013
by Rodney Olsen
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As more and more ‘leaks’ start to spill out in the lead up to Oprah’s interview with fallen hero Lance Armstrong, people are becoming increasingly cynical about cycling. And while I can’t see it happening, there’s even the suggestion that cycling could be removed from the Olympic Games for a while.

Thankfully, cycling as a sport, as a pass-time, mode of transport, recreation or whatever else it is to the millions worldwide who take part in two wheeled transportation in some way, does not revolve around Lance or the other professional cyclists who have doped.

Yes, they’ve cast a shadow over cycling but it’s bigger than that and there will always be good news stories about cycling.

From the feeling of freedom a child experiences on their first bike, through to the rush enjoyed by dedicated racing cyclists who build their performance on hard work and sweat, there’s a magical quality to the humble bicycle. Cycling is great for health and for our planet. It can be enjoyed alone or be incredibly social. Bicycles are also an essential tool in building income for many around the world.

I also wonder how many millions of dollars have been raised for great causes over the years by people who have pushed pedals.

Bikes are constantly being used as a means of highlighting a cause and raising sponsorship. I’ve used bikes to raise money for at least half a dozen causes, including riding many thousands of kilometres for literacy projects in developing countries through Bike for Bibles.

In less than a month I’m saddling up again for a good cause.

I’m hoping you’ll support me and help me save some lives through Compassion.

Having seen first hand, both in Haiti and Dominican Republic, how effective Compassion’s work is, I am determined to do what I can to help. That’s why from the 10th to the 12th of February I’ll once again be taking part in the 25000 Spins Great Ocean Road Challenge.

I’ll be riding 290 kilometres and battling some serious hills over three days and I need your support. By sponsoring my efforts on the challenge you’ll be releasing children from poverty. You’ll be giving children a real chance at life. Please visit my fundraising page and make a contribution. Maybe you can afford to sponsor me for a dollar a kilometre, maybe 50 cents a kilometre, or perhaps you’d just like to donate $10, $20, $50 or any other amount. My overall target is $2500 so I have a long way to go.

Please help me save some lives. Please make your donation, large or small, and then share this post in as many ways as you can so that more people will get on board and more lives will be saved.

No matter what Lance, or any other cyclist may or may not have done, cycling is still a good news story.



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