5 July 2021
The Smith Family
Learning for Life program
$6,000
$23,000 in total
Photographs by Chris Matthews, Denis Dean and Graeme Ingall.
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In 2017, the Central Coast Freemasons (District 21) received a request for financial assistance, through VW Bro Denis Young, from VIEW Clubs on the Central Coast.
VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a leading women’s national volunteer organisation, providing the opportunity for women from all walks of life to meet regularly, establish lasting friendships and help disadvantaged Australian children through supporting the work of children’s charity, The Smith Family.
As a valued part of The Smith Family, VIEW members help to change the lives of young Australians in need through fundraising, volunteering, advocating and sponsoring disadvantaged students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
It was an easy sell!
The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program was accepted with enthusiasm by the Freemasons with the proviso that all students involved were based in the Central Coast local Government Area. Not only does this program provide life-changing financial support, allowing struggling families to purchase uniforms and stationery, it also offers a link to a co-ordinator who can connect children to further learning facilities, leisure activities and educational support.
Now entering its fifth year, with direct financial assistance from Freemasons on the Central Coast and 50% financial assistance from Masonicare (The Freemason Grand Charity), District 21 has raised over $23,000 for the Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, primarily by organising charity luncheons and raffles (with items such as Masonic quilts and towel sets awarded to some lucky winners!) and utilised the NSW Government’s bottle return initiative Return and Earn to raise further funds.
During this time, District 21 has continued to support ten students, even through the current tough period of social restrictions.
Recently, with a lull in restrictions, one of District 21’s most successful events took place. A luncheon was arranged at the magnificent Alison Homestead in Wyong with nearly 100 people attending with all facilities open for viewing, including the impressive collection of farm machinery, dating back many, many years. There was something for everyone at this wonderful venue, with an historic schoolhouse perfect to entertain the children attending.
They were horrified at the prospect of using chalk and slate in a classroom, and even more so when hearing that they must remember everything, as books were very rare and expensive at the time.
As the day progressed to late afternoon, the guests were delighted to be entertained by the musical talents of the City of Gosford Pipe Band, who are also supported by Freemasons on the Central Coast.
This day of fantastic food and incredible music was not only fun and entertaining for all in attendance, but it also allowed District 21 to present a cheque for $6,000 to the Toukley View Club to pass on to the Smith Family for their Learning for Life program, resulting in a very successful and enjoyable fundraiser.
media@FreemasonsCC.org for more information and for hi-resolution images associated with this Media Release.
PO Box 6232
West Gosford NSW 2250
