The Inner Wheel Club of Armidale has formally presented a total of $7000 in donations to three local community organisations. The ladies of the Inner Wheel Club raised the funds through its pre-loved art auction and sale in the Armidale Town Hall in April. Opened by guest speaker, Thelma McCarthy AM, the opening night auction of the best 64 artworks featured prominent art auctioneer and valuer, Steven Archer.
Around 600 artworks were donated for the fundraiser. Inner Wheel Club pre-loved art sale co-ordinator, Aileen Thomas, reflected that it was a lot of hard work. “It was rewarding, being able to help worthwhile local organisations. Working together strengthened the camaraderie within our own group as well,” she said.
A cheque for $3000 was presented to Sally Prowse, who is the Dementia Support Program Manager for the New England Division of General Practice and Alzheimer’s Australia NSW. “This donation will greatly assist our program. We’ll use the money to buy equipment and supplies for practical art class therapies.”
Armidale’s community radio station 2ARM FM was presented with a cheque for $1000 by the Inner Wheel Club. Station Manager, Kathy Padgen, praised the Inner Wheel Club’s fundraising achievement, explaining that the money will enable the purchase of a new CD player for the station that is going through a renewal process. “I know how hard raising money for charity can be. This contribution demonstrates the strong sense of community in Armidale,” she said. “As a community radio station, we are expected to have these connections.”
The Armidale/Uralla and District Branch of the Australian Diabetes Council also received $3000. Treasurer, Joy Kirby, was on hand to receive the cheque. “These funds will help us send two young people to a Diabetes Camp, where they will learn about their condition and its management in a fun environment. The money will also go towards purchasing specialist equipment,” she said.
Story: Gary Fry
