A lunch-time general meeting of the Inner Wheel Club of Bairnsdale proved popular at the Bairnsdale RSL, especially during a cold winter’s day.
The highlight for the club’s second daytime meeting was guest speaker Sharon Wangman, who outlined the many roles she has undertaken in her working life and highlighted her current work with Uniting which is the community services organisation of the Uniting
Church in Victoria and Tasmania who have supported families
for more than 100 years.
Uniting has more than 5400 staff and volunteers who make it
all possible.
Sharon gave an informative presentation on the much-needed services provided by Uniting and the need for ongoing support in East Gippsland.
A practical way people can help is by filling a carry bags with household items such as food or other household essentials which contribute to the Food For Families program. Bags are delivered to their Community Hub in East Bairnsdale.
Locally Uniting has 125 staff in Bairnsdale and last year received 34,200 calls for assistance. There is a huge need for food and clothing.
The organisation conducts a lunch program each Thursday and people can also learn how to cook.
Major events in Victoria currently include Pancake Day with flipping to make a difference, a Fireman’s Challenge where teams of six firemen participate in stair climbs. This event supports Lifeline Melbourne. A further activity is the Murray to Moyne two-day bike ride where teams raise thousands of dollars for Headspace.
Another means of support without impacting on current income is to leave a Legacy in your Will giving much help to the lives of others. This is easily done by following the guidelines which this organisation can offer.
Inner Wheel walks this month included a lovely walk along the Esplanade in Lakes Entrance with coffee afterwards at a nearby café, while a forthcoming walk will explore the sculptures which form part of a special indigenous walking track alongside the lake which will be a feature in this location at the foot of the sand dunes.
Some members are busy preparing for the forthcoming Cord Blood Fundraiser with a film night including drinks and canapes served for the opening night of Downton Abbey. This function replaces the general meeting on August 11. The
club looks forward to plenty of support for this important fundraising evening.
