Message from our Team Leaders
This role brings us much joy as we see the results of our work—bringing “hope” to our SoleBuddies and lighting up their faces with smiles each and every day as we conduct our outreach and care for them in our Care and Recovery Centre. However, we are also often faced with critical situations which bring sadness and pain. This month has been particularly heartbreaking, as three of our SoleBuddies passed away suddenly and unexpectedly within a short space of time.
Amidst this sadness, we also have some exciting updates to share about how you can continue to make a difference—by purchasing tickets for our Living Legacy Concert. If you cannot attend, you can still support by bidding in our online auction or by purchasing and reselling our new #giveabuck (and a bit) merchandise.
Thank you again to all our supporters—your contribution truly makes a difference!
Sarah (Co-Founder), Tommy (President), Yudi (General Manager)
Impact Story of the Month
It’s not always bells and whistles—your donations give hope and opportunity, but sadly not every story has a happy ending. This past month, we lost three of our SoleBuddies whom we had been caring for over some time, trying to give them the chance of living as normal a life as possible. Our hearts go out to their families, and we continue to assist with support and post-mortem care, including the dignified transportation of loved ones back to their villages using our ambulance service and team.
Dharma Astiti, aged 16, had been supported by SoleFamily since December 2018 She has suffered from Cerebral Palsy since since birth and recently developed pneumonia. Sadly, she passed away suddenly in hospital on 13th August 2025.
Gede Budi, just 11 years old, had been in the care of SoleFamily since November 2018. He underwent a lifesaving heart operation in Jakarta August 2021, and returned there again in early July this year for further surgery. Tragically, Budi died in ICU following surgery during which complications developed on 11th August 2025.
Ibu Luh Sriani, in her fifties, suddenly passed away in hospital following complex neurosurgery to remove a brain tumour, and passed away on the 8th August 2025
Monthly Giving Impact
Our new #GiveaBuck (and a bit) merchandise—each item priced at just Rp25,000—includes eco-friendly wooden pens, fridge magnets, key chains, and HOPE wristbands.
This low-cost, high-impact range is designed for those seeking small yet meaningful souvenirs of Bali to take home for friends or colleagues, while also supporting a worthy cause.
The sleekly designed stand takes up very little space and is ideal for cashier counters, where guests already have their wallet out—making it simple to “give a bit more” and make an impact.
Donors and Sponsors
We recently launched the SoleFamily Online Bali Charity Auction—an opportunity for Bali lovers to pick up some great deals while also giving back by supporting our generous donors, who have kindly contributed items to help raise much-needed funds.
Final bidding for the first-round auction will close on 1st October (with further auctions to follow), aligning with our Living Legacy Charity Concert at The Apurva Kempinski. The event commemorates the first anniversary of the passing of our beloved co-founder, Robert Epstone, and aims to raise both awareness and vital funds for our SoleBuddies.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following hotels and attractions for their generous support, and we welcome other venues who wish to join us:
Apurva Kempinski – Bali Garden – Prime Plaza Hotels and Resorts – Lifestyle – The Oberoi – Hard Rock Hotel – The Edge – Waterbom – Cocoon Medical Spa – Merusaka – Mason Adventures – Eastin Canggu – Double-Six Luxury – The Plantation Grill
How You can make an impact
Buy your tickets now online and secure your seats for an exclusive classical Living Legacy concert be held at the Apurva Kempinski – with world renowned pianist Ary Sutedja and Christophoros Stamboglis ,a renowned Greek bass singer.
Make the most of this opulent occasion and book a famous afternoon tea prior to the show or alternatively join our post meet and greet where you will have an opportunity to enjoy some more refreshments and finger food whilst meeting the artists and the SoleFamily team and learning more about SoleFamily and how you can make an impact.
We look forward to seeing you there. If you cannot attend the concert then be sure to support through bidding in our Living Legacy Charity Auction. Tickets are now on sale for Rp550,000 for Silver seating and 650,000 for Gold seating. Follow this link to book your ticket https://megatix.co.id/events/solefamily-living-legacy-concert
New Partnerships
We recently established a new partnership with Wyndham Garden Kuta Beach to sell our range of merchandise. We are constantly looking for new partners whether it is to sell our merchandise or co-brand your merchandise which shows you as a caring company (ie Teddy for Turndown for hotels) to assist raising awareness and funds of SoleFamily
If you would like our merchandise catalogue then please email us at [email protected]
Sole-Ful Facts: By the Numbers – July 2025
📍 7,657.82 KM
That’s how far our team travelled last month — almost the distance from Bali to Sydney — to reach SoleBuddies in need.
📦 19 Food Parcels + 480 Eggs
Because hope tastes better when shared. 🍳
🏥 20 SoleBuddies
Cared for at the FINNS Care & Recovery Centre — where healing meets hugs. 💙
🍛 507 Plates of Meals
Served with love to SoleBuddies and their families (and not a single plate came back empty!).
Ways You Can Help SoleFamily 
Make a donation – either a regular gift or a tax-deductible contribution.
- Purchase our merchandise – every item spreads awareness and supports our SoleBuddies.
- Donate much-needed items from our SoleFamily Wishlist.
- Give your old linens a new purpose – we accept discarded or condemned linen.
- Become a merchandise reseller – stock our #GiveaBuck stands at your venue.
- Contribute to our Online Auction – donate experiences, products, or vouchers.
- Food Banks – donate food at our food banks or become a volunteer to control our food banks
- Share your professional skills – from marketing, IT, or training, to medical, housekeeping, or maintenance support.
However you choose to help, know that you’re bringing hope, dignity, and care to Bali’s most vulnerable.
Share this newsletter with someone who can help too!
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