HUNDREDS of people showed when the Murray Heritage Motorists hosted a show ‘n shine, but few may have realised who they were helping.
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Clubs from across the region, as far as Yarrawonga, Walla and Jindera, converged at Gateway Island last month to put on a display of vintage, veteran and classic cars.
Enthusiasts gave a donation as they walked into the event for a look.
Almost $1000 was raised at the National Motoring Heritage Day, which the group decided to donate to UnitingCare Wodonga.
Club secretary Tilo Schmidt said, despite the last minute change in location, it turned out to be a great day.
“We were pretty happy with it,” he said.
“It was a nice spot on the river and we had about 160 cars on display, which was 50 more than last year.
“It was a good opportunity to grab some coins – we wanted to make something good come of the event.
“The work UnitingCare does is noticeable and it struck a chord with us.
“It was an easy decision because we knew the difference they made.”
Club treasurer Lynda Oates came up with the idea of giving the proceeds to service.
She said she wanted people to know where the money had gone.
“I became aware of the emergency relief work they do at UnitingCare and it's a really important role they play in the community,” Mrs Schmidt said.
“Hopefully this makes people aware of how the money helped and of the good work done at the service.”
The pair from the club met with Emergency relief co-ordinator Catherine Byrne and agency manager Naomi Jansen at St Stephen's Church on Tuesday to hand over the donation.
Mrs Jansen said it would be spent on new heaters to keep clients warm.
At present, there is one small heater to warm a large room at the front of the building.
“It's very timely and we are so grateful they thought of us,” she said.
“When people walk through our doors they are usually not in a good place, being able to make sure they are warm will make it much more welcoming.
“They can sit with a tea or coffee and socialise with each other.
“It might just make their day.”
The service's cooking group made 230 meals on Monday, a figure which is expected to increase in the coming months.
Mrs Jansen said it would make the biggest difference during their Thursday cuppa and chat day.
“Thank you to the club, it's pretty tough at this time of year for people so we really appreciate it,” she said.