Six generous donations

The Baw Baw Achey Breaky Joints Club recently made six generous donations to local community groups and organisations.

Olivia's Place, West Gippsland Hospital, Warragul Fire Brigade, Baw Baw Food Relief, Warragul Community House, and Warragul Girl Guides each received a donation of $500 from the Achey Breaky Joints Club.

Made up of a small group of people suffering from various forms of arthritis, the exercise group (originally called the Baw Baw Region Arthritis Support Group) has operated out of the Uniting Church Hall for about seven years. Members get together on a weekly basis to support each other and complete chair-based exercises.

After realising the club had excess funds, group members decided to put the money back into the community to give thanks for the strong support they have received over the past few years years.

President Lynette Powell said a group of committee members came up with the idea and approached the rest of the club.

"The money was raised by raffles, fundraising, and donations over the last seven years," she said.

The funds are used by the club for training, first aid, equipment, and other requirements. However, they decided that the excess money would be best put back into the community.

Ms Powell said group members put forward lots of suggestions for community groups to donate to, and six were selected out of a hat. They then approached the organisations in person to present them with cheques.

"Everyone was just over the moon," Ms Powell said.

"They were very appreciative."