Whittlesea Voice Interests and Education of Women, VIEW, club had its official inauguration Thursday, with 31 members joining to raise money for and volunteering with The Smith Family.
Whittlesea club members gathered with other clubs including Bairnsdale and Plenty Valley at Whittlesea Bowls Club to launch the club – the second VIEW club to open in Victoria this year.
VIEW is a national women’s volunteer organisation with 3000 Victorian members who support 419 students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. They raised more than $445,000 last year.
Whittlesea VIEW president Ann Balharrie said she returned to Whittlesea and noticed a need for the VIEW club.
“It’s been quite a journey but a good one and an exciting one at Whittlesea, and I’m sure Whittlesea is going to be a really good club – I can already feel it,” she said.
“I feel so fortunate, I really do. I feel fortunate because I grew up in a farming family in Whittlesea that could afford my education and they really encouraged and supported me right through primary, secondary and then tertiary education.
“Because I grew up in Whittlesea, I was involved with locals and I thought ‘Whittlesea really needs a VIEW club – it would really benefit from a VIEW club’. The ladies seemed enthusiastic and that’s where we started.
“I’m so proud and excited to be the inaugural president here. I’m delighted to be reacquainted with old friends and I’m excited to meet all the new ladies who I’m sure will become my new friends. I can’t wait to get started – it’s going to be so much fun.
“I think by giving back we’re going to support more and more children in Learning for Life programs and see if we can make a difference. It’s time for us to give back.”
Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage attended the event and commended the group for its formation.
“It’s absolutely amazing. I walked into this room and I just felt the love of industrious and passionate women,” she said.
“I’m so proud we have a new VIEW club in Whittlesea and that I get to represent this club in Parliament.
“We know how precious each dollar is – that somebody has given that dollar and the supreme responsibility to make sure the money is spent in the way that has the best impact on the people who we’re seeking to care for.
“I think of the women in this community, the people in this community who, whether rich or poor, will look into their hearts and write their cheque, bring a coin and bring their notes.
“They won’t do it for themselves, they’ll do it for the children and how fabulous that is, how precious that is, and that speaks to much about our community.”
Whittlesea VIEW club have begun their work organising monthly lunches, a jar for donations and trade tables.
The club now seeks to participate in the council bike count.
VIEW is open to women of all ages with members meeting regularly to provide a social outlet, help others and to establish lasting friends while supporting the education of disadvantaged children.
Whittlesea VIEW club’s next meeting is November 16 at Whittlesea Bowls Club.
For more information contact Lyn Geer on 0409 145 073 or via lyngeer@bigpond.com; or Jennie Wynd at 0400 988 119 or nj.wynd@bigpond.com.
.
