Local harpist, musician, teacher, speaker, mother of eight and founder of the LOVE 40 Foundation, Leah O’Rourke is on a mission.
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A number of missions in fact.
When Leah turned 40 she launched the LOVE 40 Foundation at her birthday party.
“I decided I was going to rock n' roll into my 40s!” she said.
The LOVE 40 Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to create, collect and distribute funds to various charitable organisations, to be a voice and empower other people to do the same.
“The most urgent needs now are the displacement of people, the refugee crisis, human slavery and sex trafficking,” Leah said.
“Globally there are 65.5 million people who are displaced and more than half of them are children which makes them extremely vulnerable.
“It’s the biggest humanitarian crisis of our time. These people have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety.”
World Vision recently held a 40 hour backpack challenge and the LOVE 40 Foundation raised over $440 which included Leah’s children selling boxes of silk worms.
“They love being involved,” Leah said.
“I'm teaching them to do good, be good and go make a difference in their world. God is love and the heartbeat of LOVE 40 is to love others as you love yourself.”
Leah is also an ambassador for Destiny Rescue, an organisation dedicated to rescuing children from the sex slave industry.
“It’s something that strikes at the core of all women,” Leah said.
“Slavery is bigger now than at any other time in our history. Destiny Rescue restores children who have been trapped in the sex trade industry.
After the children are rescued they are given medical attention and time to heal.
The LOVE 40 Foundation sponsors one of the rescue homes.
“We teach them skills other than selling their bodies, such as making beautiful handmade jewellery and you are able to buy their stunning pieces to support them,” Leah said.
“Thanks to the big hearts at Anglicare, there is a full cabinet display for sale of Destiny Rescue jewellery in Georgie’s Boutique.
Nangar Gems very generously donated the display cabinet.
“Now we are looking at duplicating this model throughout Australia and Nangar Gems have kindly donated another 15 display cabinets,” Leah said.
Leah has also started a #loveheartoftheday initiative.
“The idea is to find a love heart, take a photo and post it on social media using the hashtags #loveheartoftheday #LOVE40Foundation #LOVEfoundME ...and say where it found you!” she said.
“When you post your photo, you can donate $1 to the Love40 Foundation’s mycause page at www.mycause.com.au/page/153359/loveheartoftheday.”
Leah is one of three Parkes musicians participating in the Arts OutWest’s Musicians in Hospitals program.
“My dad bought me a King David style lap harp for my 40th to do this,” she said.
“I love giving back to the community.
“I have a paypal account where people can support me, donate to LOVE 40 and help me bring hope at www.paypal.me/LOVE40.”
You can also download “Harp for Hope” MP3s of peaceful Harp music from Leah’s website leahorourke.com All proceeds go to the LOVE 40 Foundation.
In another fundraising effort, Leah is holding a silent auction for a two hour harp performance valued at $700.
Call her on 0402 431 1806 for details or to bid.
