A group of local women who have a passion for World Vision will celebrate a unique milestone this month.

When six ladies met in 1982, they had no idea the work they started for the underprivileged, globally, would raise in excess of $244,000.

But, the Maitland branch of the Christian-based organisation did just that – and more.

Now, 40 years later, it’s set to commemorate four decades of continuous operation on 29 March.

“I think that’s an excellent achievement,” president Robyne Pont said.

“To have such a small crew amass that amount is pretty exceptional.

“Today, our group boasts 20 very enthusiastic members.

“I think we share the same thoughts that we’re just so fortunate in Australia.

“Plus, everyone gets along.

“For the 20 years I’ve been involved, they’re very caring for each other and work well as a team.

“So, to celebrate, we’re going out to lunch at a nice restaurant with a birthday cake.

“We’ll have four of the original ladies – who began it all in 1982 – in attendance.

“Two of them, Barbara King and Joan Wilson, are still current members, which is fantastic.”

World Vision liaises with its partner organisations to help the world’s most vulnerable children.

When invited by a country, it puts forward a program to assist in various projects, whether it be providing clean water and sanitation, health, education, child protection and equipping households to become self-sufficient.

As that mission winds up, World Vision then moves on to another area in need.

“The ladies at the Maitland community group are happy they’ve been able to help in small ways to make these things a reality,” Ms Pont said.

“I think, in Australia, we’re very blessed in every aspect.

“And, people in developing countries have so little.

“We can go to an op-shop and buy a bag full of clothes for $5.

“They don’t have that luxury.

“They’ve got nothing – from money to the items we take for granted.

“So, that’s what World Vision does.

“It sets up within a village, mainly working with children, which flows through to the entire community.

“We are motivated to do whatever we can.”

In the past, money was raised from many different activities, including street stalls, catering for weddings and birthday parties, music nights, Melbourne Cup functions, bus trips, screen printing on pillowslips, the sale of plum puddings at Christmas, bowls gala days, Dutch auctions and much more.

But, now, the Maitland branch just hosts three events annually.

“Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we couldn’t do it in 2020 and had one function in 2021,” Ms Pont said.

“However, we have plans to stage the three again in 2022.

“We’re very confident the money we raise is spent wisely.

“More than 80 cents of every dollar is used directly by World Vision to help improve the lives of the less fortunate.

“Not only that, we’ve supported many sponsor children and a few of the ladies have travelled overseas to meet them.

“So, we hope our legacy will continue.”

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