VIEW Club’s fundraisers help The Smith Family

THE Point Lonsdale VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) Club ended 2023 with a pair of events that contributed strongly to its ongoing mission to support The Smith Family.

The club raised almost $7,000 through its Christmas wheelbarrow raffle and a similar amount at its annual New Year’s Eve event for a total of just under $14,000.

The Christmas raffle was drawn before Christmas by Claire, a staff member from the Portarlington Grand Hotel.

Club president Alicia Thomas had the honour in notifying the winner, Bronwyn, a Portarlington resident, and delivering the prizes to her.

Publicity officer Joy Findlay said Bronwyn was surprised and delighted to win, and intended to share the many prizes with family members.

Ms Findlay thanked the Bellarine community for their generous support for the raffle.

“This was a fantastic outcome and exceeded all expectations,” she said.

On the last day of 2023, the club hosted a New Year’s Eve event, with a capacity crowd of 170 atttending Parks Hall in Portarlington for a night of great music, fabulous dance moves, terrific fun and good vibes.

“Everyone danced the night away with the band Blurred Lines, and Parks Hall was a perfect vantage point to watch the fireworks in Geelong and across the bay to Melbourne,” Ms Findlay said.

“Alicia our club president, Jenny and their organising team worked tirelessly to gather items for the auction and to set up for the event.

“It was such a fun night and again the money raised, almost $7,000, was an unbelievable result.

“The club is grateful to the generous people who attended and to all the generous donors who supported the event.”

VIEW is a nationwide organisation for women who support and fundraise for The Smith Family.

Almost 1,600 students are assisted in their educational aspirations, and VIEW believes supporting a child’s education will help to break the cycle of disadvantage.

“We know this money will make such a difference; some of the letters we get are so heartwarming,” Ms Findlay said.

Point Lonsdale VIEW Club describes itself as a perfect way for women to meet other women, make friends and help fundraise.

There are many activity groups, held weekly or monthly, including but not limited to walking, book clubs, craft and travel groups.

Point Lonsdale VIEW Club meets at 360Q in Queenscliff on the first Thursday of each month from 10.30am for an 11am start.

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