VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a major supporter of The Smith Family, including the Learning for Life program which assists Australian families with educational expenses. 

This year, Mudgee Day VIEW Club has sponsored seven students through Learning for Life, ranging from primary school students to Year 11 and 12 students. 

In messages to their anonymous sponsors, read at the Christmas lunch, the students shared their ambitions for the future, from the Year 12 student who hopes to be a diesel mechanic to the Year 8 student who has plans to be a “professional scooterer”. 

The students’ parents and grandparents also sent thanks, reporting that the club’s donations have helped to buy uniforms and shoes, or pay for music, school excursions, or sports uniforms. 

The VIEW Club will sponsor an eighth student in 2017, thanks to funding from Westfund which was announced at the lunch. 

Funds for the Learning for Life sponsorship are raised through the raffles and a trading table at the monthly VIEW lunches, donations and an annual major raffle. 

In addition to the sponsorships, the Mudgee Day VIEW Club this year sent 28 knee/reading rugs made by members to Learning for Life students, donated $500 to the Smith Family Winter Appeal, $300 plus two bags of stationery to the Stationery Appeal and two pallets of clothes to the Clothing Appeal. 

A further $500 will be sent to the Smith Family Christmas Appeal. 

Ninety-two members and guests attended the Christmas lunch, a record attendance for the VIEW Club. 

Entertainment was provided by Jim Yeo and Peter Stoddart, whose music had many up and dancing. 

Members were saddened to hear of the death of a long-time VIEW member, Ethel Nelson. 

The VIEW Club’s next meeting will be the annual general meeting on Friday, January 27, at the Mudgee Golf Club.