This month the Complete Parts and @ The Coalface $500 Community Gift goes to the Muswellbrook VIEW Club.

VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women is a national women’s volunteer organisation with over 14,000 members in close to 300 communities. They exclusively support children’s education through The Smith Family charity. Members sponsor students, volunteer, fundraise and advocate to improve the life outcomes of disadvantaged Australian children and young people.

Muswellbrook VIEW Club has 24 members and these dedicated ladies sponsor three disadvantaged students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program. They provide these students with educational and personal support throughout their entire education. With one in six young Australians living in poverty, programs like these are needed more than ever.

This year has been particularly challenging for students experiencing disadvantage, having to undertake remote learning due to COVID-19. Many don’t have access to a reliable internet connection, an appropriate device, or a comfortable, quiet space to do their schoolwork. This puts them at risk of falling behind their more advantaged peers.

President of the Muswellbrook VIEW Club Nancy Bullard said joining VIEW, or becoming a sponsor, has never been more important.

“This year has been extremely tough on children experiencing disadvantage, with COVID-19 exacerbating many of the challenges they already face. This is why VIEW is so passionate about supporting the work of The Smith Family, because it’s through education that we can help break the cycle of poverty and allow these children to create better futures for themselves,” Nancy said.

“We support these students through their entire education, whether that ends with school, or they go on to further education. It is so pleasing to receive correspondence from the students we have sponsored and what we find is that later in their lives many of them find ways to give back, bringing it to a full circle.”

Nancy, who has been a member of the Muswellbrook VIEW Club for over 40 years says that joining VIEW is not only a wonderful way to help children in need, but also a great way to get involved in your local community.

“For all our members, it’s more than just volunteering. It’s also about being part of a supportive and social network with a community of likeminded people.”

The Muswellbrook VIEW Club meet the second Thursday of each month at Muswellbrook Workers Club for lunch where they stay updated on Club happenings. They also invite guest speakers from all walks of life to share their stories.

Along with the lunches, they hold social outings targeted around supporting local businesses and conduct fundraising activities like their annual fashion parade held in collaboration with the Denman VIEW Club. They also hold raffles, donate school supplies at the beginning of every school year and provide new clothing for The Smith Family annual Winter appeal.

It was a privilege to join these wonderful ladies for their first lunch back after lockdown and learn more about the important work they do. The strong friendship between these women was evident and you could see how rewarding they found their cause of helping and supporting younger generations of women.

I encourage anyone who is considering a way to give back to their community to consider joining the ranks of the Muswellbrook VIEW Club. Not only will you be helping with the education of young women, but I guarantee you these amazing women will be able to educate you on a thing or two!