A worldwide pandemic hasn’t been enough to stop the CWA Newcastle Evening Branch from lending a hand to those who need it most.
The Country Women’s Association (CWA) is one of the largest organisations in Australia and aims to improve conditions for country women and children.
It helps to create change in the community by backing local, state and national causes while also creating a network of support and friendship.
In September, the Newcastle Evening Branch provided financial support, through its fundraising activities, to a number of deserving Hunter-based groups – Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Mum’s Cottage and Nova for Women – as well as the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Father Chris Riley’s Youth off the Streets and the Country Women’s Association Medical Research Fund.
The members hosted a range of events throughout the year of which the proceeds were used to assist numerous causes including local organisations.
“It will allow us to provide additional support for women and families engaged with the program,” she explained.
“The CWA always aims to help groups who provide ongoing support to the community,” CWA Newcastle Evening Branch president Shaleigh Lennox said of the donations.
“It brings our members joy to be able to support the activities of these local organisations, too.”
“We’re extremely ‘grateful’ to organisations like the CWA to enable us to offer community-based support.”
Sister Helen Anne of Mum’s Cottage, a group which offers companionship and a safe place for mothers and families – as well as parenting and wellbeing initiatives – welcomed the Newcastle Evening Branch’s “gift”.
During the past financial year, the CWA Newcastle Evening Branch felt the impact of COVID-19 on its members’ ability to stage fundraising events.
But, it didn’t stop them from finding safe ways to continue their efforts to accumulate funds.
“Although COVID-19 has changed the way the group has previously undertaken fundraising, Newcastle Evening Branch’s dedicated members have been very innovative,” Ms Lennox said.
“They’ve used online systems to support their fundraising endeavours.
“Our members are very clever and come from a range of diverse backgrounds and ages.
“It’s a really terrific group of women who are wonderful friends because of it [the CWA].
“And, we always welcome new members.”
Newcastle Evening Branch CWA invites people to get in touch with the branch at [email protected] or stay up to date with future fundraising events on Facebook.
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