July 2010 - VIEW Club Report
Last month several of our members went to VIEW's 50th Anniversary Luncheon held at Bateman's Bay, where they thoroughly enjoyed catching up with regional delegates.
One of the highlights was a talk by Paul Ell, one of the recipients of the Smith Family's Learning for Life program.
Paul is now at University and he spoke of the opportunities that had been provided for him by the Smith Family and VIEW.
He was accompanied by his grandmother who had raised Paul and his two siblings under very difficult circumstances.
It was extremely rewarding to see the results of VIEW's efforts.
One in seven children in Australia today is part of a family that struggles just to pay everyday bills.
As the Smith Family says "from our many years of experience, we know that if nothing is done to provide learning or developmental assistance to these young children, they will most likely grow up to be disadvantaged adults."
Learning for Life aims to break the cycle of disadvantage by supporting kids' education. Today the program supports over 30,000 children in 95 communities.
Bill Shields, an economist and ex-financial commentator on television, spoke at our June lunch on "Money Matters," by which he means that our society does need money as a medium of exchange.
However money has a second function, as a store of value.
In order for an economy to function successfully there needs to be confidence in its money, and the way the central banks manage it. When this is not present economies collapse. He also spoke of the issues of extreme wealth, and how we can distribute the store of wealth into the community. Thank you very much, Bill, for a highly informative talk.
It's winter warm-up time! On the July 20, Margaret McLachlan is hosting a "Winterfest Pot Luck" at her home; 12 for 12:30.
The cost is $10 per head.
After a warming lunch there will be activities and games in front of the fire.
Partners are very welcome to come along.
If you would like to come and have not already advised Barbara, could you please let her know as soon as possible.
The guest Speaker at our July lunch should be very interesting. Faye Warner, from Waminda, the Aboriginal Health and Welfare Corporation in Nowra, will be speaking about this group.
It was set up to address the needs of aboriginal women in the Shoalhaven, to empower them and support them.
Please let Barbara Bloom know by the Wednesday before if you are not coming: 4464 3808, 0417 290 397 or bloomfields182 @bigpond.com.
As usual we invite and welcome anyone who is interested to attend our meetings.
Please ring Margaret McLachlan, 4465 1946, for details.