VIEW Club members celebrating Gawler’s International Women’s Day were back, from left, Gail Pinson, Lyn O’Brien, Patricia Caster and front, from left, Carolyn McClory, Pauline LaRoche and Daphne Philip. PHOTO: Sara Gilligan
MEMBERS from VIEW Clubs around the state, including Gawler, will come together tomorrow to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the organisation’s founding.
A cocktail reception will be hosted by Governor of South Australia Hieu Van Le, and Mrs Lan Le, at Government House, where guests will include senior members of VIEW and The Smith Family.
VIEW, which stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is one of Australia’s leading women’s volunteer organisations.
It was founded nationally in 1960, with the first South Australian VIEW Club opened in 1999, as the Adelaide Pioneering VIEW Club.
The Gawler VIEW Club was inaugurated in 2003 and currently has 28 members, who meet the fourth Monday of every month.
Gawler VIEW Club member Daphne Philip, who will be attending tomorrow’s celebration, said the local group of ladies are dedicated to helping disadvantaged children, but also enjoy fun and friendship.
“We do our best to spread the word, but invariably people still say ‘VIEW’ what does that stand for?,” she said.
“So we spend as much time as we can spreading the word and always aim to get more members; and we would love younger members too.”
It currently sponsors 13 Learning for Life students, and through The Smith Family also provides funding to a local school for their Let's Read, Learning Clubs, and Breakfast Club programs, as well as reading mats, library bags, and stationery supplies.
Members mentor at local schools with children who have learning difficulties; and also volunteer in the local community and at The Smith Family offices.
Upcoming fundraising initiatives include a barbecue, cake and produce stall, at Gawler Bunnings, on March 28, their annual Christmas in July function at the Windsor Hotel, and the club’s 17th birthday celebrations in August.
