Hillside Probus club members are all smiles after receiving a $1500 grant from Bendigo Bank.
Club president Eric Horridge said the grant has given the club a “lifeline.“
“It certainly helps us go forward because, funds-wise, we were struggling,” Mr Horridge said.
“Being a new club we obviously didn’t have enough funds to hire the rooms for beyond three to four months.”
Mr Horridge said the grant will also help fund flyers and posters that advertise the group’s events such as its walking and film clubs.
“It’s actually enabling people to go to shows because we can support them to do that,” he said.
The club has also increased its membership since the funding was announced.
Mr Horridge said Probus clubs are important in helping reduce loneliness.
“It creates a community of like-minded people who can do things together, rather than people sitting at home with closed doors, wondering what to do with the rest of their lives,” he said.
“It gives people in the process of thinking of retiring an outlet to look forward to.”
For Mr Horridge, who is also an author, the monthly meetings allow him to get out and meet new people.
“You get the opportunity to get out of your head…when you’re writing books, you’re living inside your head,“ he said.
Hillside Probus club meetings take place on the first Thursday of every month at 10am the Taylors Lakes Hotel, 7 Melton Highway, Taylors Lakes.
