Quite a few apologies this week, Karen Armstrong, Brian Fitzpatrick, Gary Frank, Ben Hill, GP, Mary Preston, and Rita O’Brien.

 

Our guests were Dot Smith our guest speaker, Colleen Wilson and Marg Gallagher.  Our very own mastermind, Geoff Adcock won the quiz once again.

 

Thanks went out to all involved with the Imagination Library Golf Day breakfast which raised much needed funds, and for the supporters of the float in last weekends Dahlia and Arts procession where we won the best themed float.  A special thanks to John Jones and Gary Frank for their hard work and organisation.

 

Dot Smith spoke of her involvement with Back Packs 4 VIC Kids.

 

Founder and CEO Sally Beard started Backpacks 4 Vic Kids over 11 years ago from her own home until June of 2016, when they moved to a commercial premise in Cranbourne, and more recently to a larger premise in Cranbourne West. They operate solely on donations sought through fundraising, grants and sponsorship.

 

Backpacks 4 VIC Kids bring some joy to displaced children who cannot return home to their familiar belongings. They provide various age and gender appropriate backpacks to these children. Dot informed us of the increasing demand for their services in Victoria and that the demand in Bendigo is very high. The charity last financial year had over 100 volunteers and 8 staff, they were supported by a wide network of corporations, schools, clubs, crafting groups, and individuals across Victoria and beyond. These supporters volunteered over 17,500 hours of labour for the FY 2025.

 

Some sad statistics.

 

In June 2024 there were 59,900 Australian children in out of home care. (OOHC). On any night, over 13,613 children in Victoria are in OOHC, and on Permanent Care Orders. Thousands more are unable to live with their biological parent and are placed in other supported placements.

 

About 26% of people experiencing homelessness in Victoria are aged between 12 and 24, with at least 6,000 young people homeless on any given night.

 

We presented Dot with a box of gifts that we purchased from DIK prior to Christmas last year, I am sure that Dot will put the gifts to good use. 

 

         

 

For more information, please click on the link below.

 

https://www.backpacks4vickids.org.au/

 

Or contact Dot via Email at dotsmith54@hotmail.com

 

This weekend is the multi district impact summit in Horsham, Ron Payne along with

Mick and me will be representing the club.

 

Next week will be a social night at the Marong Family Hotel.