Hands up for hospital: The Northern Hospital’s Your Heart, Our Hands fund-raising dinner will support its upgraded cardiology unit. The money raised will be used to buy new equipment and allow staff to perform hundreds more cardiac procedures each year, according to the hospital’s acting chief executive officer, Robynne Cooke. The dinner dance, which includes a silent auction, will be on Saturday, July 21 at 7pm at the Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, South Morang. Cost $120 a head.
Tax help for free: Low-income earners can ease tax headaches through the Whittlesea Community House’s confidential Tax Help service. Volunteers, trained and accredited with the Australian Tax Office, will help prepare and lodge tax returns for free. Details: call Barbara Ireland on 9716 3361.
Volunteers for special kids: Very Special Kids, which supports families caring for children with life-threatening illnesses, needs volunteers in the northern suburbs. The group provides practical and emotional support for children, parents and siblings through a network of trained volunteers and professional staff. Anyone over 21 who is interested in helping a local family and able to commit to regular volunteer sessions over a year can call 9388 0759. The next hour-long volunteer information session is on Tuesday, July 31 at the Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick at 6.20pm for registration.
Saddle up for a ride: Slip on your lycra and join the Whittlesea Bicycle Users’ Group for a 20-kilometre ride. The group will ride from Thomastown to Reservoir and return via the scenic Galada Tamboore grasslands along the Merri Creek. Secretary Ron Harvey says the friendly ride is free and mainly on off-road trails or through quiet side streets. Meet outside the Thomastown Library, 52 Main Street, Thomastown, at 3pm on August 4.
