The needs of the women’s refuge centre were brought to my attention four years ago and triggered an idea for an art exhibition to raise funds for them. We did this and it was a great success, selling sixteen paintings.

Some people have expressed surprise that I am giving my paintings away but I do not paint for a living, having already retired.

I feel that, if I had a hobby such as golf, I would happily pay money to chase a ball around a field so why not pay for paint and canvas, do something I thoroughly enjoy and maybe make someone else happy by passing on the painting and/or making some money for a worthy cause? I have the joy of painting and the buyer gets not only an art work but also that warm, fuzzy feeling of doing a good turn for someone less fortunate. Everybody wins.

I do hope that a lot of people come to the exhibition at Alstonville and maybe see something they would like to buy as ALL the money from sales will be shared by the Women’s refuge and the Aged Care Centre here.

The Exhibition is on October 6-10 from 11am to 4pm at 77 Pearces Creek Road Alstonville (Adventist Retirement Village & Aged Care Centre).

All proceeds of sales to Hope Haven (Women’s Refuge Crisis Centre, Ballina) and the Aged Care Facility.

The official opening is at 2pm Sunday October 6.

Drinks, sandwiches and cakes available at $5.

Bernadette Webster