The Keilor Voice Interests and Education for Women (VIEW) group has ticked over 30 years of operation, with no intentions of slowing down.
The group, comprises local women from Brimbank and works to support children in need by fundraising and donating to The Smith Family. The women enjoy themselves along the way, with a mix of fundraising, friendship, and fun.
Secretary Sandra Van Neil has been part of the group for 18 years, and said the satisfaction of helping out the kids is what keeps her coming back.
“Being able to keep these kids in school is so incredibly important,” she said.
“When you hear the stories from their parents and the kids … the difference it makes to their lives is unbelievable.
“It’s not a handout it’s a hand up, education is the way of keeping these kids out of the situations they’re in now, and gives them hope they can go to uni or get a better education.
“To see the kids be able to get the right uniform, to go on camps and excursions, and just not be different. They can go under the radar and not look and feel different to every other kid in the school… that’s why I stick around because I just love what we do.”
Ms Van Neil said the camaraderie and friendships she has developed during her time with the group are a great added bonus.
The group meets on the first Thursday of every month at 10.30am at the Green Gully Reserve, 151 Clubhouse Place, Keilor Downs.
Details: Sandra, 0402 813 287.
Gerald Lynch
