Point Lonsdale VIEW Club celebrates fundraising success

THE Point Lonsdale VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Club is celebrating another successful year, after raising almost $20,000 through 2024 to support The Smith Family.

The club’s most successful events were its annual Christmas wheelbarrow raffle and a sold-out 1960s and 1970s-themed cabaret held on New Year’s Eve at Parks Hall in Portarlington.

Both events raised more than $6,000 each.

Publicity officer Joy Findlay said the cabaret was declared by many to be “the best night ever”, with local band Blurred Lines providing the tunes and its attendees embracing the event’s theme by donning their best disco and hippie outfits.

A further $1,200 was raised at the fourth edition of the club’s fashion parade, which was well attended by ladies from across the Bellarine.

All of the items included in the parade were provided and styled by Portarlington-based boutique Kouture By The Sea.

Meanwhile, more than $3,500 was raised through the club’s sausage sizzles at Bunnings.

“Of course, this would not be possible without the generous support of the community of the Bellarine Peninsula, including our lovely holidaymakers,” Ms Findlay said.

“We’re always so amazed because economic times are not easy for people and yet people still give.

“They often say to us ‘We know that it’s supporting young people in education’, so I think we all realise that education is the game-changer.”

VIEW is a nationwide organisation for women who support and fundraise for The Smith Family, aiding in the educational journeys of more than 1,600 disadvantaged school-aged children around the country.

Ms Findlay said last year’s “fabulous” fundraising result allowed the Point Lonsdale VIEW club to continue sponsoring 20 students, helping to pay for educational costs such as uniforms, stationery and laptops.

“We actually write to our sponsor students and… the parents often comment on the bottom of the form the students fill in that ‘My son’s homework has improved dramatically’ or ‘His confidence has improved’. It just makes our day when we get these little messages.

“Sometimes the students write to us because we send them a voucher for Christmas and for birthdays.

“It really makes our hearts glad when we get that little encouragement, to know that we are making a difference to that child.”

Now nearing its fifth anniversary, the VIEW club has amassed a dedicated membership of more than 140 like-minded women.

“Point Lonsdale VIEW Club is a perfect way for women to meet other women, make friends and help fundraise,” Ms Findlay said.

“There are many activity groups held weekly or monthly, which members can attend.

“It is a way of connecting with others and having lots of fun and conversation.”

The club meets at 360Q in Queenscliff on the first Thursday of each month from 10.30am for an 11am start.

For more information, phone club secretary Jo St. Clair on 0407 548 687.