General News
1 April, 2021
Car clubs offer donation to Mortlake Kinder
MEMBERS of the Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Clubs made a surprise visit to Mortlake over the weekend to offer a generous donation to the Mortlake kindergarten.
MEMBERS of the Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Clubs made a surprise visit to Mortlake over the weekend to offer a generous donation to the Mortlake kindergarten.
The group had visited Mortlake for 15 years to host an annual picnic day at Tea Tree Lake, with Mortlake kindergarten parents providing catering at each event.
After having made the difficult decision to cancel the event for a second year in a row due to COVID-19 concerns, Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Clubs treasurer Brett Holloway
said member clubs still wanted to show their gratitude to the kinder.
“We are grateful for the support the kinder has provided over the years,” he said.
“By not having the event over two years, we felt we needed to support the kinder, not only for its past recognition but to make sure we’re keeping in contact for the future.”
The convoy of motoring enthusiasts visited the kindergarten on Sunday to present the $500 cheque, rolling in to town with a 1925 Buick, 1928 Dodge fast four, 1954 FJ Holden, 1937 Oldsmobile and a 1955 Zephyr.
Federation of Veteran, Vintage and Classic Vehicle Clubs vice president John Kennett said the small group had come from Geelong, Ballarat, Colac and Warrnambool for an overnight stay to support the kindergarten and the Mortlake community.
He said he was disappointed to not have the event running again for the member clubs and the local community.
“It’s devastating to have to cancel two years in a row,” he said.
“It takes an event out of the calendar of our members but I think next year will be the biggest and the best in our history.
“It is also a boost for the local economy. People fuel up and buy food in the cafes in Mortlake.
“There is a tremendous amount of people who come along every year to see the cars. Our owners love to engage with people and talk about the cars so it is a great thing for people and our groups.”
Mortlake Kindergarten secretary Alison Greig said she was grateful to receive the donation on behalf of the kindergarten.
“The kids enjoy coming down to the lake to run around so they have missed out on a lot over the last year, as has everyone, so it is disappointing to have the event cancelled again,” she said.
“Hopefully we’ll be able to do it again next year.”
Ms Greig said the event was one of the major fundraisers for the kindergarten.
“Fundraising brings in a lot of money to the kinder, and fundraising also helps us to support other members of the community so it is a blow to the community but hopefully we’ll be able to pick it up again going forward,” she said.
“I’d like to thank the group for its constant communication, it has been really good to communicate with and their members are great towork with.”
Mr Kennett said he was looking forward to maintaining a connection with the kindergarten in future events.
“We hope our contribution makes a difference to their operation,”he said.
“We look forward to them being part of our event, hopefully for the next 15 years.”
