It's a time of celebrations for the Zonta Club of Bendigo which is about to mark 39 active years of operation in Bendigo.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
This milestone, which coincides with Zonta International's centenary year, will be celebrated with a community cocktail party.
Members are also busy organising their annual Christmas Market which is a major contributor to Zonta's important fundraising effort to purchase Birthing Kits for women in third world countries.
The market will be held on Saturday, November 9 indoors at The Bendigo Club, in Park Street Strathdale.
Visitors are assured of finding some early bird Christmas presents at great prices.
Club president Ann Horrocks said the markets would contribute to raising a good chunk of the $10,000 needed annually to create the Birthing Kits.
"Forty stalls will offer items such as: Christmas decorations, plants, jewellery, soaps, embroidery, children's toys and many more gift ideas," Ms Horrocks said.
While Bendigo Zonta Club has a strong focus on local needs - such as providing scholarships for girls in education and supporting victims of domestic violence, the club also supports the needs of women and children in developing countries.
"Since 2003 our club has produced over 38,000 birthing kits. Worldwide, around 385,000 women die each year from preventable birth related infection," Ms Horrocks said.
"Zonta Bendigo's annual production of 2000 kits could save 180 lives."
It is estimated that for every 11 Birthing Kits distributed, a mother or baby's life is saved
- Anne Horrocks
Supporters, followers and friends of Zonta are also warmly invited to attend the cocktail party.
"Bendigo Zonta's cocktail event is also a celebration of all our past and present Women of Achievement nominees," Ms Horrocks said.
"The Women of Achievement Award recognises women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their community, and have made our community a better place to live."
Bendigo Zonta is proud to be one of only 62 recipients world-wide of Zonta International's Centennial Anniversary Grants.
The grant, of $US 5000, will provide assimilation support for refugee women in conjunction with Bendigo Community Health.
The cocktail party will take place at Fortuna Villa, 22 Chum Street, Bendigo, Friday November 15, from 5pm to 7pm. The cost is $40 per head which includes a drink on arrival and canapes throughout the event.
Tickets can be purchased at TryBooking.com
All welcome,please book by November 6.