Christmas Charity Ride Report
Saturday 8th December 2007
This Christmas Charity Ride evolved from the foresight of the Order Of The Eastern Star who invited the VMMA to join them in providing a Christmas Charity Ride for members of Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and Genetic Support Network of Victoria (GSNV).
The theme of this event was to Promote Community Awareness and Friendship with young members of Cystic Fibrosis & Genetic Support Network whilst having morning tea with a Christmas Atmosphere.
And of course we have SANTA HO HO HO,
The VMMA has a close working relationship with both of these organisations, this assisted with the co-ordination of providing members with authorisation to Work With Children in Victoria along with both motorcycles and vintage cars to transport the Cystic Fibrosis Victoria and Genetic Support Network of Victoria (GSNV) members from the Royal Children's Hospital to Ivalda Masonic Centre, Ivanhoe and back again to the hospital.
Have a good look at the image; this is what it is all about!!!!!
Larry and IIona King (VMMA and Order Of The Eastern Star member's) were the main coordinator's between all the groups involved.
For your information please read the following to understand Genetic Conditions:
Report continues after Genetic Conditions information.
There are around 4,000 known genetic conditions, and approximately 1 person in 10 has a genetic condition.
Genetic conditions are medical conditions that are conditions that we are born with that are inherited from one generation to the next, or could be said to “run in the family”. Sometimes a person may be born with a genetic condition because there has been a change in their genes (or DNA). Genetic conditions you may have heard of include Autism, Cystic Fibrosis, Down Syndrome, Haemophilia, Leukodystrophy, Haemochromatosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Osteoporosis, Short Stature conditions (also known as dwarfism) and Thalassaemia. Some forms of cancer, heart disease and diabetes are also genetic.
Penny with a member of Genetic Disabilities Network. (No words required)
Vassie who is 20 years old enlightening us all of her own personal journey through life.
The Genetic Support Network of Victoria Inc (GSNV) is a not-for-profit organisation for people affected by genetic conditions, their families and support groups. (Cystic Fibrosis Victoria is an example of a support group and is also a member of the GSNV. The Down Syndrome Association of Victoria is another example.)
GSNV’s mission is to facilitate an information, support and advocacy network that empowers people to overcome genetic challenges.
Key activities include:
Putting people in touch with others “in the same boat”
Referring individuals and families to appropriate support services including support groups
Providing information and running information seminars on relevant topics
GSNV Update (a bi-monthly newsletter), and
SG News (a bi-monthly newsletter specifically for communication and information sharing between support groups)
Supporting support groups in their role, and
Advocacy.
Membership consists of individuals and families affected by genetic conditions, genetic support groups, and health professionals.
Thank you's from members of Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disabilities Network.
GSNV receives funding from the Department of Human Services for administrative expenses. Programs and activities are funded through a combination of membership fees, donations, and project-specific grants. We are overseen by a volunteer management committee, which currently consists of 14 people. Most either have a genetic condition themselves, or have children affected by a genetic condition. We are also lucky to have a number of people who volunteer their time to assist with various projects.
GSNV’s membership includes around 130 Genetic Support Groups, representing a wide range of genetic conditions and experiences. These support groups consist of individuals and families living with specific conditions. Each group has its own independent management structure, and is run by very dedicated and hard working people who volunteer their time.
In addition to Genetic Support Groups, around 200 of GSNV’s members are individuals and/or families affected by genetic conditions. We are also fortunate to have around 100 health professionals and genetics organisations on our mailing list, representing organisations such as the Royal Children’s Hospital, Genetic Health Services Victoria, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, the Infertility Treatment Authority and the Australasian Genetic Alliance.
More information about GSNV can be found online at www.gsnv.org.au.
Report continues:
The Order Of The Eastern Star were our hosts at the Ivalda Masonic Centre with both
Lorena Beaumont Worthy Matron Prahran Chapter & Rhonda Screen Worthy Matron Kew Chapter along with the heads of the Order Jean Lyon and Mal Baker in attendance.
Prior to departing the Royal Children's Hospital we were able to secure a pillion ride or a vintage car ride for all members of both Cystic Fibrosis and GSNV including their carers, this was an excellent outcome for no one missed out and we covered all the legal requirements in relation to Working with Children.
The ride to Ivalda Masonic Centre was straight forward traveling down the Eastern freeway to Chandler Hwy and then a short ride to the Masonic Centre, on our arrival we found a large crowd of members of the Order Of The Eastern Star waiting to greet us and make everyone welcome.
Arriving at the Ivalda Masonic Centre for a Christmas themed fun time.
We were invited into the hall for a cold drink whilst a number of speeches and presentations took place, Larry was the MC and spoke of how this event evolved and that the Order of Eastern Star was proud to be the hosts and be involved with the VMMA.
Cystic Fibrosis representative Martina and GSNV representative Penny responded on behalf of their respective organisations and their thank you was absolutely genuine, they invited members of their organisations to speak and to make certificate of appreciation presentations to the Order of Eastern Star Prahran and Kew Chapter's and the VMMA.
Vassie a member of GSNV who is 20 years old enlightening us all of her own personal journey through life, this was a most enlightening presentation of her set goals and how they had been fulfilled, Pedro was presented with the VMMA certificate of appreciation from Vassie and whilst having the microphone Pedro emphasised how inspirational and moving was Vassie's presentation.
On concluding the first round of speeches we were treated with party pies, sausage rolls and cakes, yes lovely, lovely cakes, Sharyn found one particular cake that reminded her of her grandmothers cakes which is a sure sign of excellence.
After a great feed is was photo shoot time with the bike or car of your choice, it was a very bust half hour with bodies going everywhere.
Two lovely girls picked Richo's motorcycle. Hilly watch out for this guy!!!!
After the photo shoot we were all invited upstairs into the Ivalda Masonic Centre Lodge Room which had been laid out as per the Order of Eastern Star, Sister Sandra Davis gave a enlightening presentation of the history and the structure of the Order.
Sister Sandra Davis was the presenter for the Order of Eastern Star in the Lodge Room.
It was now time for our special guest of the day, yes father Christmas (special thank you to Rob Hamilton the SANTA From Melbourne Chapter OES) who arrived to entertain the members of both Cystic Fibrosis and GSNV, if my memory servers me right he also made an impression on some of the VMMA members!!!!!
It was now time for our final speeches and departure back to the Royal Children's Hospital, it was decided to take a different route back via The Boulevard to give the pillions a more interesting twisty ride back.
Special moments!!!
This event was a success, achieved its aims and demonstrated what we call do when we work together as one.
Reported by CW
