Uncle Bob’s Club needs more helpers

A small but hard-working group has been busily raising funds for children’s health locally in recent years.

But they are looking for extra help to continue their good work in the community.

At its recent annual general meeting, three people were elected to a small but hard-working committee. Karen Lindorff has been elected president and Kevin Potter will act as secretary/treasurer, while Robert Kippen has joined as a general committee member.

Uncle Bob’s Club state president Paul Etherington said the local West Gippsland branch was trying to generate more volunteers and active members.

“We’re hoping people can put their hand up to join and keep up the good work,” he said.

In December of 1941, while the world was at war, a raffle book was passed around the Riversdale Hotel in Hawthorn. The money raised would be donated to the children’s hospital to benefit the orthopaedic section.

Four men at the bar that night were so moved, they decided to form a group to raise money for the Children’s Hospital, year-round. They would go for a round each week at a cost of a shilling (a bob), and the Uncle Bob’s Club was born.

While the main arm of the charity supports the Royal Children’s Hospital, with the charity handing over more than $500,000 to it last year, Mr Etherington said the charity also supported other hospitals with a focus on children’s health.

“In particular we like supporting the regional hospitals, and we have been supporting the hospital in Warragul continually for quite some time,” he said.

“Our motto has been ‘Local giving to local health’.

“We ensure that money raised in Victoria stays in Victoria, and money raised locally stays in Warragul.

“Some of the money raised locally is returned to the children’s ward at West Gippsland Hospital.

“This money is in form of equipment requested by the hospital.”

The West Gippsland branch of the Uncle Bob’s Club is celebrating its 50th year.

“We’ve got a fantastic group of people working in the community and raising money,” Mr Etherington said.

“Of course our main fundraiser is the Good Friday appeal.

“We’re well supported by generous locals and local businesses, who support what we’re doing.”