December 2013 – Brendan Nottle – Salvation Army
With all the proceeds of the day going to charity, the last Vernier meeting for 2013, saw a reasonably full house of members, new guests and old friends as the Society stepped away from its regular format with a special theme of “Charity and Fun at Christmas”.
Christmas is a special time of year for most Vernier members; a time of family and of giving but to others less fortunate, it can be a time of despair and helplessness. So we were especially privileged to have the recently appointed ‘Melbournian of the Year’, Major Brendan Nottle of the Salvation Army speak to us on the vital work they do with the homeless and the lonely, not just at Christmas but throughout the year. Speaking straight from the heart, Major Brendan told some moving stories of people who come under their care, endorsing to many members the understanding that “there but for fortune could go you or I”.
The ‘Fun’ part of the luncheon was provided by an amusing knowledge quiz that pitted each table against the other. With a Master of Ceremonies to keep things light hearted and prizes to create incentive, the audience were found sorely lacking on such things as historical dates from Australia’s past, the founders of some of the world’s leading companies and most disappointingly, the sayings of such great thinkers as Spike Milligan and Groucho Marx. One table, despite suggestions of drug use (later found to be prescription) and internet cheating romped to a resounding win. In true Vernier fashion the prizes, quality reds personally chosen by the President, were then auctioned back further swelling the Vernier donation and the generous table collections. In total $2500 was donated to the Salvation Army and the members left knowing, not only had they had a fun day, but they had all helped to bring a small amount of charity to those most in need at Christmas.
[fancy_title style=”1″ align=”left” heading_style=”h3″ title_color=”#999″ title_lines_color=”#eee”]Event Details[/fancy_title]
Our guest speaker is Major Brendan Nottle of the Salvation Army who will talk to us about the vital work his organisation does with those less fortunate; homelessness, poverty and loneliness are still a blight on our society and we should all remember in the words of Don McLean “There but for fortune go you and I”. The proceeds of the day, plus a donation from the Society will go to support the Army’s excellent and necessary work and so the almoners will be busy throughout lunch.
December 12th 2013 12:30pm for drinks. Lunch from 1pm – 3pm The Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club at 489 Glenferrie Rd Kooyong VIC 3142
