FOR over four decades, Ararat resident Jean Davis has been at the helm of a special group of ladies known as ‘The Charity Club’.
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Mrs Davis first hosted a group of 30 women on September 18, 1973, and it was at this meeting that The Charity Club was born.
The 94-year old explained how the club formed all those years ago.
“We used to go to the Senior Citizens Club but they told us to look after ourselves – we did too much,” she said.
“Since then, we’ve given lots of donations to places all around Ararat.”
Each time the ladies would meet, there would be a charity box where money would be donated to go towards the provided afternoon tea. Guest speakers used to also attending meetings.
“They were really happy little days and we’d raise a bit over 12 months,” Mrs Davis said.
Included in The Charity Club’s donations over the years are scholarships and chaplaincy committee funds for Ararat College, Langi Morgala Museum, funds for the Ararat Outdoor Olympic Swimming Pool committee and Ararat City Band as well as Pinnacle Inc. Community Services and Gorrinn Village. Each year, the ladies would also participate in plant day.
However with Mrs Davies about to turn 95 years old and the number of ladies now sitting at eight, it has been decided that The Charity Club will cease after a successful 40-plus years.
The final meeting was held last Thursday, with afternoon tea served. The ladies presented Mrs Davis with flowers for her generosity and contribution to The Charity Club over its journey.
“We’re going to miss it, but the ladies will still come and visit me – one at a time, sometimes two,” Mrs Davis said.
The meetings weren’t always held at Mrs Davis’ house, although it has been the sole location in the latter years.
“Jean’s been very kind in opening her house to us. She’s been the backbone of the club,” Charity Club president, Bernadette Harrington, said.
“It’s our social outlet and we’re going to miss our cuppa teas and our talks.”
Mrs Davis has held the secretary/treasurer’s role throughout the club’s existence and the nonagenarian is proud as well as appreciative of what the ladies have been able achieve over the years.
“I would like to thank all the ladies that have stood by me all this time,” she said.
