NELSON Bay VIEW Club hosted a spring luncheon on Friday 26 September in support of the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
The initiative brought together the “frocked and feathered” from within the community, all focused on giving disadvantaged students the resources they need to succeed in school.
Guest speaker and “local hero”, Vicki Haines, entertained guests for 30 minutes with her Australia and Worldwide adventure stories of riding on a Honda CB500X motorcycle. to raise funds for the Yacaaba Centre at Nelson Bay.
Event organisers said that the lunch was a fundraising effort and an opportunity to inform the broader community about the club’s activities and the importance of their ongoing work.
“It’s a chance to come together, share stories, and inspire more women, particularly younger women, to join us.
“We want to ensure the future of our club and this vital cause.”
Committee member of the The VIEW Club, Wendy Ellis reinforced the club’s mission of empowering children through education, and believes supporting Learning for Life is more than charity, it’s a shared community responsibility.
“It’s not a hand-out — it’s a hand-up.
“Education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.
“And we’re proud to be helping open that door.”
The VIEW Club, standing for the Voice and Interests and Education of Women, is a women’s volunteer organisation dedicated solely to supporting the Smith Family Foundation.
Through the Learning for Life program, children in need are identified by schools and other community groups, and provided with educational support packages valued at over $1000 each.
These packages include essentials like computers, internet access, uniforms, tutoring assistance, and support for school excursions.
Helen Revell, the club’s current Learning for Life liaison officer, plays a key role in maintaining contact with the students’ progress.
She organises birthday and Christmas cards, vouchers, and shares heartfelt feedback from grateful families.
Each of the VIEW Club’s sponsored students, currently located across NSW, Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland remain anonymous, known only by a brief profile including their age, school year, and first name.
In 2022, the club supported 10 students; that number has grown to 12, with hopes of expanding further in the years to come.
All funds raised go directly to the support students, and the club is already planning future initiatives to continue its work.
The VIEW Club meets on the 1st Thursday each month at 11am at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.
Contact: NelsonBay.viewclub@gmail.com
By: Jacie WHITFIELD
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