For many years the caring and generous ladies of the Lakes Entrance Volunteer Craft Group have been dedicating their time and energy into making a difference in the Lakes Entrance community.
Many Lakes Post readers will have visited their pop-up shop filled to the brim with handmade creations at the end of each year and into the New Year.
The group was therefore doubtful and saddened when, after much searching and canvasing, they could not find a suitable shop to showcase and sell their wares at the end of 2023.
At the last minute they were generously thrown a lifeline, which gave them the opportunity they needed.
“To say we were thrilled to be offered an empty shop on the Esplanade was an understatement and all members of the group were beyond grateful for this opportunity,” said the craft group’s president Rosemary Kavadis.
The members of the local community and returning visitors are now aware of what this group continues to strive for and achieve year after year, and therefore are always thrilled to see them return stocked to the brim with unique lovingly made gifts.
“It is due to the generosity of the community and visitors alike that allows the sales from our purchases to then be donated back into worthy initiatives and causes in our local community,” Mrs Kavadis said.
“For those who generously purchased items from the pop-up shop we would like to make them aware of where the funding was distributed to this year.”
Donations were made to U3A Garden Club, Toorloo Arm Fire Brigade, Lakes Entrance Neighbourhood House, Lakes Entrance Men’s Shed, St Vincent de Paul Society (for use in the Lakes Entrance area), Lakes Entrance Family History Centre, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health and Lakes Entrance Knitting Group.
These donations have now been gratefully accepted by the recipients and will be put to good use in their endeavours to help, who will then in turn give back to the community
“Our group forms a partnership with other community-minded causes who are also doing all they can to promote kindness and a safe and caring environment in the area in which we all live,” Mrs Kavadis said.
“Each and every member of the Lakes Entrance Volunteer Craft Group would like to thank the continued generosity and ongoing support of everyone who has once again contributed to another successful year. They fully understand that the current economic climate leaves very little in the purse for extras, but the generosity shown instills in these wonderful ladies the want to continue in their quest to do what they can to make a difference.”
