What began as a practical response to a global crisis has evolved into a heartfelt community project – one that is quite literally stitching comfort, dignity and hope into the lives of women and children.

During the height of COVID-19, members of the Raymond Terrace Lions Club turned their attention to making colourful, reusable face masks. The effort was centred at Shirley’s Woodberry Drapery, owned by Linda Campbell, sister of Lion Judith Bee. It felt only natural for the local business to play a role in giving back during such a challenging time.

As masks were produced in large numbers, so too were leftover scraps – small pieces of 100% cotton fabric that might otherwise have been discarded. But instead of heading to landfill, these “crumbs” were carefully saved, waiting for their next purpose.

That purpose has now taken shape in the form of crumb quilts.

Club members, alongside volunteers from the wider community, have come together to transform these fabric remnants into 8½-inch quilt blocks. Additional materials have been generously donated by Linda and other community members, turning the initiative into a true collective effort.

The quilts are being created to support the Raymond Terrace Neighbourhood Centre, which will oversee a new women’s refuge set to open in late 2026. The vision is simple yet powerful: when women and their children arrive at the refuge, they will be able to choose a quilt of their own – something to bring comfort in a difficult time, and to take with them as they move forward.

It’s a project that spans generations. Volunteers range in age from 20 to 94, each contributing in their own way – whether sewing, ironing, measuring, counting blocks, or packing kits. Every task, no matter how small, helps bring another quilt to life.

Support is always welcome. Experienced sewists and enthusiastic beginners alike are encouraged to get involved. For those short on time, there are opportunities to contribute from home after a quick visit to learn the techniques and collect a kit.

Each Wednesday from 10am to 3pm, Linda generously opens her Woodberry premises as a creative hub, where volunteers gather to assemble quilts and connect over a shared purpose.

This project is a reminder that even the smallest pieces – of fabric, of time, of effort – can come together to create something meaningful. In the hands of Lions and their community, scraps are becoming symbols of care, resilience and new beginnings.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Judith Bee on 0427 013 233 or Linda Campbell on 02 4966 2248, or reach out to Shirley’s Woodberry Drapery.

What happens when you gather passionate young leaders, a stack of bread, and a shared mission to make a difference? In Victoria, it looked a lot like energy, connection… and 4,000 sandwiches disappearing in record time.

The Leo-led event brought together Leos, Lions and volunteers from across the state for a day that blended leadership, connection and hands-on service. While the morning showcased the talent and voice of young leaders, it was the afternoon’s service project that truly captured the spirit of what it means to be a Leo.

A National Program Making a Local Difference

The focus of the day was the incredible Eat Up Australia program. What began in Shepparton as a small, local effort to support one school has grown into a national initiative helping students across the country who might otherwise go without lunch.

For Leos, it was more than just making sandwiches. It was about being part of something bigger, something that delivers immediate, tangible impact in communities.

A Stadium Transformed

Following the morning activities, the group moved to a local basketball stadium that had been completely transformed. The floor was lined with carpet squares, tables stretched across the space, and hundreds of loaves of bread stood ready like ingredients for a very ambitious recipe.

Behind the scenes, volunteers had spent hours preparing the space. What followed was a masterclass in teamwork.

With more than 250 Leos, Lions and volunteers working side by side, over 4,000 cheese sandwiches were made in just 25 minutes, beating the original target. It was fast-paced, high-energy and driven by a shared purpose: ensuring students have access to a simple but essential meal.

More Than Just Sandwiches

Moments like these highlight the power of Leo Clubs. The Eat Up Australia project wasn’t just about food. It was about connection, leadership and showing young people the impact they can have when they step forward and get involved.

Throughout the day, Leos from different clubs came together, many meeting for the first time, forming new friendships and strengthening the Leo network across the state. Even a group of young people from Carisbrook, who are yet to form their own Leo Club, attended to see what it was all about, and left inspired to get involved.

Backed by a Strong Support Network

The event was organised by the Victorian Leo Council, with support from Lions clubs including Melbourne Next Gen, Melbourne Chinese and District V1-4. The presence and involvement of District Governor Samantha further demonstrated the strong backing Leos have from the wider Lions community.

A Glimpse of What’s Possible

While the Leo of the Year competition and leadership workshop earlier in the day showcased the confidence and capability of young leaders, the Eat Up Australia project showed their impact in action.

It’s one thing to talk about service. It’s another to roll up your sleeves and deliver it at scale, in under half an hour.

And if this day is anything to go by, the future of service in Lions is in very capable hands.

The Lions Club of Mareeba is helping shape the next generation of community leaders through its inspiring Young Leaders in Service Program – an initiative built on the belief that leadership begins with opportunity, encouragement, and the confidence to step forward.

Designed to empower local students, the program invites young people to embrace the Lions values of leadership, compassion and service, while making a real and lasting impact in their community.

Recognised for Outstanding Impact

The success of the program was recently celebrated at the Mareeba Shire Australia Day Awards, where the Mareeba Lions Young Leaders in Service group was honoured with the 2026 Junior Community Service Award. This recognition highlights the meaningful contribution these young leaders are already making – not just learning about service, but actively living it.

Real Experience. Real Impact.

What sets this program apart is its hands-on approach. Participants don’t just learn about leadership – they practice it.

Young Leaders work alongside Mareeba Lions members on real projects that benefit the local community. Along the way, they gain valuable experience by:

• Planning and delivering community events
• Supporting local initiatives and service projects
• Building public speaking and communication skills
• Developing problem-solving and teamwork abilities
• Stepping into leadership roles and taking on responsibility

Through these experiences, participants learn that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice – it’s about service, collaboration, and showing up when it matters most.

A Year of Growth and Commitment

The program runs over 12 months, from July to June, and is open to motivated students ready to grow both personally and as community contributors.

Participants commit to:

• Attending at least eight Mareeba Lions Club meetings
• Representing the Club at a minimum of six community events
• Completing 30 volunteer hours

This structure ensures students are fully immersed in the Lions experience while building confidence, skills and connections.

Mentorship That Matters

A key strength of the program is the mentorship provided by members of the Lions Club of Mareeba. Drawing on a wealth of professional experience and community knowledge, Lions guide and support participants every step of the way — helping them unlock their potential and gain the most from their journey.

Meaningful (and Fun) Service

Young Leaders take part in a wide range of service activities, including:

• Environmental clean-ups
• Community markets and events
• Fundraising initiatives
• Practical projects that support local needs

And importantly, the program recognises that volunteering should be both meaningful and enjoyable – creating an experience that young people genuinely want to be part of.

Recognition and Opportunities

Participants are acknowledged for their commitment and achievements through a range of benefits, including:

• A Young Leaders in Service shirt and name badge
• A certificate upon completion
• A written reference from the Lions Club of Mareeba
• A small bursary to support further study or trade training

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to students who are eager to make a difference and develop their leadership skills through service.

Eligibility includes:

• Students in Year 10 or Year 11
• Aged 15–16 years
• Open to all academic levels and backgrounds
• An interest in community service, leadership and teamwork

The Mareeba Lions Young Leaders in Service Program is more than just an opportunity – it’s an investment in the future. By empowering young people today, Lions are helping build stronger, more connected communities for tomorrow.

You can find out more about how to apply here.

On a sunny day in February, on a lovely tree-lined residential street in a quiet suburb in Canberra, a four-year-old girl rode her tricycle with her mum following behind.

It’s a typical summer sight played out all over Australia. But this was a special little girl. And the pink tricycle was no ordinary trike. Eva has physical and cognitive disabilities that make riding a standard tricycle difficult. She usually gets around in a specialised pram, pushed by her mum.

Thanks to the generosity of Canberra Region Lions Clubs and the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation, she’s now sitting pretty on her brand new custom pink Terrier Cycle tricycle.

Representatives of the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation as well as various Lions Clubs were present on the day to celebrate with Eva’s family and physiotherapist as she proudly pedaled up and down the street, smiling and waving as she passed her cheering fans.

Among them were Lion Lorraine Barker, Secretary, Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella (and support for ALCMF in Canberra), Lion Dale Wickham, 2nd Vice President, Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella, Lion David Tate, President, Lions Club of Canberra Valley, Lion Bob Brinckley, 2nd Vice President, Lions Club of Canberra Kambah, and Lion Keith Cox, President, Lions Club of Gungahlin.

Eva’s Theraplay Terrier tricycle is customised to her specific needs and will enable her to move around more freely. In addition to giving her more mobility and independence, riding the trike will help build her strength and endurance, and give her a boost in confidence. Plus, it’s her favourite colour: pink!

But most importantly, it will enable Eva to partake in the morning bike commute to school, like many other kids. “Eva attends the pre-school at the local school.” said Lion Lorrain Barker “Eva’s mum and Eva were both looking forward to her being able to ride along the pathway to the school with her brother.”

Eva doesn’t speak, but it was abundantly clear she really loves her new trike. “Eva looked right at me and gave me a wave to say, ‘Thank you!’” says David Tate, who was there with his camera to document the special day. “You can see the joy on her face in many of these photos.”

The Robina Lions Club is celebrating a remarkable community milestone, having collected more than 100,000 pairs of used eyeglasses through its long-running recycling program.

What began as a simple local initiative has grown into a powerful example of grassroots service making a global impact.

For years, local residents have been dropping off unwanted prescription glasses, reading glasses and sunglasses at optometrists across Robina and surrounding suburbs.

Each donated pair represents not just an item recycled, but the possibility of restored sight for someone in need.

The program forms part of the broader Recycle for Sight initiative led by Lions Clubs International.

Around the world, Lions volunteers collect, sort, clean and package donated glasses before they are distributed to developing countries and communities where access to eye care remains limited.

For many recipients, a simple pair of glasses can be life-changing. Clear vision can mean the ability to read, learn, work, or regain independence.

In areas where eye examinations and prescription lenses are financially out of reach, recycled glasses provide an immediate and practical solution.

Robina Lions members say the milestone reflects the generosity of the local community as much as the dedication of volunteers.

Club representatives say reaching 100,000 pairs represents far more than a number. It reflects tens of thousands of people who may now see clearly because someone in Robina chose to donate rather than discard.

The environmental impact is also significant. By recycling eyeglasses, the program helps divert waste from landfill while extending the life of usable materials.

In an era where sustainability matters more than ever, the initiative offers a simple yet meaningful way for residents to make a difference.

Robina Lions Club President said the milestone is motivation to keep growing the program.

“We are incredibly proud of our community. Every donation helps change someone’s life. We’re not stopping at 100,000 – we’re aiming for the next 100,000.”

The Lions motto, We Serve, is clearly reflected in this achievement. From local donations to international distribution, the journey of each pair of glasses is powered by compassion and community spirit.

As Robina Lions celebrates this milestone, the message to the community is simple: check your drawers, find those unused glasses, and give someone the gift of sight.

With continued community support, the next milestone may be closer than we think.

To donate your old glasses, visit Recycle for Sight or contact your local Lions Club.