Uncle Bobs needs you

By Chloe Ross
Updated November 7 2012 - 6:53am, first published January 26 2012 - 11:22am
Friendship: Uncle Bobs Club members Ed Rohan, Carol Maher and Des Carter are dedicated to helping the community.
Friendship: Uncle Bobs Club members Ed Rohan, Carol Maher and Des Carter are dedicated to helping the community.

BENDIGO Uncle Bobs Club has been lending a helping hand to sick and disabled children across central Victoria for 35 years.The volunteer group is now calling for a new generation of members to keep the tradition alive.Club secretary Carol Maher said Uncle Bobs, as the primary Good Friday Appeal agent for Bendigo, has donated more than $1,000,000 towards the care of children both locally and in Melbourne.“Last year alone we sent $78,000 down to the Royal Children’s Hospital for the Good Friday Appeal, and statewide Uncle Bobs Clubs raised $420,000,” she said. “We have just purchased a monitor for the special baby care unit at Bendigo hospital as well as a support chair for disabled children who have difficulty sitting up.”Bendigo Health foundation director Jane Anderson said the Uncle Bobs club has had a close relationship with the hospital dating back many years.“This small group of enthusiastic and hardworking members continue to make a real difference to Bendigo Health and other hospitals in central Victoria and indeed statewide,” she said. “They work tirelessly throughout the year in various ways, including their monthly barbecue at Coles supermarket in McIvor Road.” All this would not be possible without the help of their volunteers, Ms Maher said.“The members are very important.” “We are welcoming people of all ages. Duties they could help out with are coming along to monthly meetings, selling raffle tickets, helping out at barbecues, and once a year collecting donations at traffic lights.” Ms Maher said there is much to be gained from volunteering with the club.“The friendship with fellow members for one, plus the people you meet from the community,” she said.“You hear some lovely stories from people of how Uncle Bobs has helped someone they know. The reward is knowing that the money you assisted in raising will fund the medical needs of sick and disabled children.”The next Uncle Bobs Club meeting will be held at 1.30pm on Thursday February 2 at the Newmarket Hotel, Charleston Road Bendigo. For more information, call 5443 2348

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