Save the Children’s final farewell to Ky
Save the Children Kyabram had its final event last Wednesday to celebrate all the great work members have done during the past 52 years.
Save the Children’s gift in wills manager Martin Williams made the trip from Melbourne to thank the Kyabram branch on behalf of the entire organisation, as it closed its doors.
“On behalf of all the children and families you have helped — thank you,” Mr Williams said.
“Your ongoing commitment throughout the years has given genuine meaning to one of the frequent heard sayings in this time of COVID: we are truly in this together.”
He thanked them for their passion and support, which he said enabled programs to keep going and that “vulnerable children stand to fulfil their potential”.
The Kyabram branch was formed in 1970 with the aims of the group to sell Christmas cards, collect and pack used clothing for relief and to hold at least one annual fundraising effort.
From those humble beginnings, more than 50 years later the branch has raised more than $60,000.
Knitting was a prominent part of the fundraising and support efforts, even having a wool secretary in the early years.
Val Mckenzie spoke about memories of “lots and lots of knitting” as well as countless hours spent baking for fundraising.
Rugs have been knitted for victims of Victorian floods while rugs and other items would go to under-privileged children.
In the first 10 years, more than 300 garments where made and dispatched locally.
Significant funds have been raised locally to support the Play Bus that regularly game to Kyabram.
The branch was able to buy toys for children, which was important for those disadvantaged and newly arrived families from overseas.
Evelyn Graves, Val Carland and Pat Wilson where honoured for serving 30 or more years in various executive roles.
Membership at the Kyabram branch was at its largest in 2011 with 23 members, which made it the second largest in Australia.
There is now only one remaining Save the Children branch in Victoria.