Busy year for Red Cross

BUNYIP Red Cross held their annual general meeting and 50th anniversary of the unit which was formed in August 1959/60 with 150 members.
Shirley King was installed as chairman, joined by Heather Abrehart as her deputy. Diane Goodbody has accepted the position of secretary and the treasurer is Janice Bateman OAM; all of whom have served in these positions on previous occasions.
As well as unit members, others in attendance were Cr. Bill Pearson who has been the unit auditor for some time, Red Cross Victorian Advisory Member Helene Hayes, Regional Chairman Mrs Lyn Jewell plus Bunyip Primary School Red Cross Members Thiana Samaranayke and Chloe Jones in the company of their teacher Lynleigh Berry.
With this Junior Red Cross activity being the only one operating in our region we are so proud of the work they do, and the money they raise to support worthy projects such as the Leukemia Foundation ($270 raised during a “Crazy Hair Day”). Both Red Cross and the Bunyip CFA benefited with $300 each to assist in the work needed to be done due to the devastation of the bushfires in February 2009. In term two and three successful days were “Jump Rope for Heart” and “”Footy Colours Day” with this money going to the Heart Foundation ($235) and “Challenge for Kids Cancer Foundation” ($213).
Obviously much fun was also experienced and most incredibly time and effort was also found to support the fund-raiser to help our local little boy Mack Reid.
The total raised last year was $1318 and this year $1155 a magnificent effort and plans are already underway for more events in term four. Congratulations to all involved.
The Bunyip Red Cross Unit has also been “beavering” away during the last 12 months with once again conducting Red Cross Calling albeit on a limited scale and this was supplemented by a fund-raiser “Moving Gifts” which increased the amount raised.
Other activities included a viewing of “Happy Feet” and a luncheon to raise money to assist recovery from the tsunami and earthquakes experienced overseas during 2009. Raffles were conducted for Father’s Day, Christmas, Easter and Mother’s Day and at Christmas a delightful luncheon was enjoyed by members.
Many thanks to “Bunyip Foodworks” for allowing us to sell raffle tickets from their store and also to the people who helped with “Red Cross Calling” your support is appreciated.
The unit meets on the first Monday of each month excluding January and we would welcome anyone male or female who would like to join us and help with the important work that Red Cross does locally, as in the bushfire crisis and aftermath of the hailstorms and also at the national and international levels.
Just turn up at our meetings, starting at 1.30pm at the supper room at the Bunyip Hall or phone chairman Shirley 5629 5210, or treasurer Janice 5629 9054.