A recent article about Margaret Lonsdale, written for the Alfred Hospital
'Margaret’s Dance with The Alfred'
Not many people may be aware of the little bit of glitz and glamour that Margaret Lonsdale and the Australian Dancing Society bring to The Alfred.
As Chief Executive of the Australian Dancing Society (ADS) and the Tattersall’s Australian DanceSport Championship, Margaret and her team are based in The Alfred Annexe, which is also home to the hospital’s archives.
“I have been in the Annexe since 2002 and I feel part of The Alfred. I love the building and I love the history within these walls.”
However, Margaret’s relationship with The Alfred is much more than just being based in The Annexe. She has organised events which have raised over $80k for the hospital in the last three years, including the A Night to Remember dinners held annually on the eve of the Australian DanceSport Championship.
Last year the fundraising dinner at Hotel Sofitel raised $25k for the Intensive Care Unit, and the 400 guests were treated to a highlight performance by the World and British Professional Champions, Victor and Hanna.
“It was a coup to get Victor & Hanna to appear. They can command an enormous fee for their appearances, but once they heard it was for a good cause they immediately donated their services for the evening.”
Margaret attributes her desire to support The Alfred to both her community focused upbringing and to an inspirational role model – Tony Charlton – who has a long association with the Championship and is also one of the hospital’s most public advocates.
“I feel like I’ve adopted The Alfred through my close relationship with Tony, who has been my mentor and inspiration. I’ve learnt so much from him. He has an amazing energy and selflessness”.
Supporting The Alfred is also a way for Margaret and the ADS to educate the dance community to give something back and make a difference for others in the community.
“I think a lot of people don’t realise what they can gain from giving back. It is a privilege to help others and it is something passed down from my parents. I hope I have passed it on to my children.”
After an impressive 35 years in successfully building the profile of dancesport, one of the highlights for Margaret is being able to win key international events for Melbourne, including the IDSF World Ten Dance Championship in 2004 and the forthcoming International DanceSport Federation World Latin Championship in 2008.
Being Director of the prestigious World Latin Championship in 2008 is no mean feat with an expectation of 65 countries, a broadcast to over 120 million homes, and an expected economic benefit of $20 million for Victoria.
Just as the Alfred is privileged to have the generous support of someone of Margaret’s calibre, the feeling is mutual for Margaret.
“The Alfred has taken care of my friends over the years, and I hope my association with the hospital continues after I finish up my work here with the ADS.”
This year’s A Night to Remember is on Thursday 6 December at Hotel Sofitel, with the Tattersall’s Australian DanceSport Championship following at Vodafone Arena until 9 December.
If you would like to support the Alfred Foundation we are taking ‘early bird’ bookings now. Tables of 10 all inclusive with entertainment $160.00 pp Contact the office by email at theaustralian@iprimus.com.au, by telephone on 9510 7770, or ring the foundation. |