Funds for bushfires

THE March meeting of the Berwick/Upper Beaconsfield Red Cross Unit was chaired by Pam Sparrow in the absence of chairman Wendy Keogh.
Wendy has been having some health problems and all members wish her well and look forward to her return to the chair next month.
Gyneth Troy was welcomed back after several months’ absence.
Members of the unit have been active during the Victorian bushfires, with catering and registration teams assisting at several locations.
Leone Coolahan and Barbara Jackson represented the unit at the Upper Beaconsfield village fair on Saturday 14 February.
They were amazed to find that the committee of management of the Upper Beaconsfield Community Centre had begun contacting all local groups in the Upper Beaconsfield area on the Sunday evening following what is now known as Black Saturday, to organise a combined effort to support people affected by the bushfires.
The response from the people of Upper Beaconsfield was overwhelming. Donations of money, clothing, toys, food, and support for animals were among the things that have been distributed through various official outlets.
Nicki Le Brocq contacted Red Cross to say she and a group of school mothers were planning to hold an auction at the Beaconhills Golf Club on Friday 19 February.
A ‘70s fancy dress theme saw about 180 locals dance the night away while raising much needed funds. This wonderful effort raised more than $17,000.
The bushfire relief effort by the Upper Beaconsfield Community Groups raised $26,325 to be forwarded to the Red Cross.
This amount includes donation envelopes and the auction night.
It was a magnificent result from the enormous amount of work put in to this co-ordinated effort by the young residents of Upper Beaconsfield.
In addition, members of the Beaconhills Golf Club contributed more than $3000, raised from a special twilight golf evening and general donations.
The mobile blood bank will be in attendance at Narre Warren North Hall in April from Monday 20, Tuesday 21, Wednesday 22 starting at 1.30pm and continuing until early evening.
Thursday 23 starts at 2.30pm and Friday 24 from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
The blood bank welcomes new donors. Bookings for appointments are by phoning 131495 or via the web site donateblood.com.au.
See the website for more information.
Because of Good Friday falling on the normal meeting date of the unit, the next meeting of the unit will be held on Friday 17 April at 10am in the Berwick RSL hall, Langmore Lane.
New members are very welcome. Contact Barbara Jackson on 5944 3554.