VIEW Clubs of Australia, supporters of The Smith Family, are celebrating a centenary year. At the May meeting, Grafton VIEW celebrated with feathered frames and glittery goggles, to the theme of “Make a Spectacle.” Members decorated opera glasses from a ‘100-year template’ to celebrate the occasion.

The club is participating in a National Competition, with categories of “Most Colourful,” “Most Innovative,” “Most Humorous” and “Best Group,” Winners will be announced at the National Convention in Adelaide, 2022.

The story tells us that 100 years ago, the Smith family was born on Christmas Eve, in 1922. A group of five businessmen were saddened to learn about the extent of childhood poverty in Australia. So, they decided to dress as Santa and delivered gifts and toys to the children at a Sydney orphanage. When asked who they were, the reply was, “Just call us the Smiths.” Now more than 180,000 children and young people in Australia have been supported through the “Learning for Life Program.”

Over the 100 years there have been many changes. From the 1980’s the clubs focussed on supporting children in education who were experiencing poverty. VIEW assists children to make the most of their schooling and create a better future for themselves. Thus, the Learning for Life Program was born. Over the 100 years, many Australians have been supported. Grafton VIEW Club celebrates this by making a “spectacle” of itself in the competition.

An interesting guest speaker for the May meeting was Bill Patterson from the Midday Rotary Club. Bill spoke of the many services the club provides around Grafton. It was most pleasing to hear that 13 defibrillators have been placed around the town. This life-saving equipment was also donated to the hospital. Rotary prides itself in “Service over Self.” Suzanne Gibson presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Bill Patterson.

The social outing for June will be at Rubony’s at the Gallery on June 16 at 10am.

The June VIEW Club meeting will be on Tuesday 28 commencing 10am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton.

You are warmly welcome to come along, and at the same time you will support children in need. Please phone Vorna at 6642 4719 for catering purposes.

(Please note, it is most important that members NOT attending the luncheon advise Vorna before 9am on the Friday before the meeting).

Hope to see you there!

Jeanette Calvi