Everybody needs to feel a part of the community or to have a friend and this is where Neighbour Aid, a service provided by the Great Lakes Council, help out a number of older people in Bulahdelah.

There are volunteers who provide an opportunity for companionship and conversation on a fortnightly basis at the Bulahdelah Bowling Club.

This social group is primarily for older people and people with a disability who live alone or with a carer and can have difficulty accessing social activities.

The Bulahdelah Social Group has up to 35 members who attend to share in morning tea, light exercise, games and then lunch.

In the month of August the Social Group has dedicated its meeting times to fundraising efforts for Jeans for Genes Day and Daffodil Day in an effort to raise money for medical research and the Cancer Society.

The organisers and members went to a special effort on Jeans for Genes Day to dress up in blue outfits and eat blue food and it was no different on Monday 17 August where there were wigs donned, bright yellow dresses worn and a selection of activities were chosen on the theme of daffodils.

Diane Burns, a volunteer with Neighbour Aid spoke with Myall Coast News about the importance of these events.

“It is important that people who live alone have an opportunity to meet with others and participate in the activities that are organised.

We have fun and socialise and are also able to raise some money for charity.”

The Bulahdelah Social Group have raised $100 on each of their theme days this month.

The ladies who attend are friendly, happy and participate wholeheartedly.