Charity’s conference to be held locally

MEMBERS of a not-for-profit organisation from around Australia are gathering in Ballarat this May.

Ryder-Cheshire aims to help relieve suffering experienced by people around the world.

“It is small organisation which supports a school in India for children with intellectual disabilities and a health clinic in Timor-Leste,” said Ballarat secretary Trish Twaits.

“Locally we support the shower bus and the soup bus. I got involved about 10 years ago and I wanted to give back a little for society.

“I liked the ethics of the group as everything is raised goes to the charities.”

The Ballarat support group was started in 1964 when one of the national founders visited Ballarat and more than 800 people met in the Civic Hall.

This year will be the local Ryder-Cheshire branch’s turn to host the biannual conference at the Air Force Association clubrooms at Ballarat Airport.

“It’s to get people together across the different states in Australia and to grow the organisation,” said Ms Twaits.

“This year in particular we have schools in Ballarat who support us, and we are having them as our guests to give a little talk about each school and what they do to raise money.

“I hope it renews everyone’s connection with Ryder-Cheshire and gives them the knowledge of where we are going in the future and what we are planning to do.”