Lions Receive International Acknowledgement For Overseas Aid

/in , /by

The Lions Club of Mooloolaba has earned the Model Club Award from the Lions Clubs International Foundation due to their impactful contributions and leadership in humanitarian efforts.

The club has been instrumental in extending the Foundation’s aid to disaster-stricken communities globally, including the resettlement of refugees in 17 countries.

Their fundraising initiatives, such as the sale of Christmas cakes and sausage sizzles, have been well-supported by the local community.

One of their primary fundraisers is the Fisherman’s Road Market, run by dedicated members of the club, including the former Mooloolaba Lioness club members.

Recently, their aid was directed locally with significant donations to various causes, including drought-affected farmers, bushfire victims, local families, and cyclone and flood victims in North Queensland.

Congratulations Mooloolaba Lions! You can read more about their prestigious award here.

Lions bring dignity to the homeless

/in , /by

The Bundaberg Hinkler Lions Club are celebrating the joyful news that Wayne, a regular user of their laundry and shower service for the homeless, has found a place to call home through public housing.

For over four years, Wayne had been living in his car, relying on their service.

His heartwarming transition to a stable home touched the Club so deeply that they also gifted him a bed, fridge, microwave, bed linen, and more to help him rebuild his life.

The Club’s mobile shower and washing machine trailer, a beacon of hope for many, has been functioning for more than eight years, extending its services every Wednesday at Barolin Street United Church and Thursday at Christ Church in Maryborough Street.

The trailer’s annual operation cost of $5,000 is covered by funds raised from Club activities, including their environmentally-conscious can and bottle recycling project.

The Club’s commitment to compassion and care for the homeless community continues to make a significant difference in the lives of people like Wayne.

You can find out more via their Facebook page here.

Past Tense Photography - Blackbutt Bands Together 5

Lions Band Together for Bushfire and Drought Benefit

/in , /by

When disaster strikes, Lions’ volunteers are always amongst the first to offer support.

Queensland Lions have sprung into action to support farmers and their families in the South Burnett who are struggling through Australia’s current drought conditions and the impact of recent fires.

Past Tense Photography - Blackbutt Bands Together 5

Image by Past Tense Photography.

Coming together to show their support, Q4 District Lions along with South Burnett Music Awards and South Burnett Regional Council organised and sponsored the Blackbutt Bands Together benefit held last Sunday on the 3rd of December.

Past Tense Photography - Blackbutt Bands Together 3

Image by Past Tense Photography.

Over 200 people attended the free event, which was held at Hotel Radnor in Blackbutt and boasted an exciting music line up including David Lynch, Lloyd Back, Ground Crew featuring Amos, Richie Arrowsmith, Paradox and headline act Rufus Jack.

Image by Past Tense Photography.

Raising more than $10,000 so far, all funds will be used to provide farmers with vouchers for essentials like groceries, rural supplies, fuel and other necessary items.

A further $6,000 has been raised by the Mooloolaba Lions Club to support communities impacted by bushfires in Queensland’s Western Downs region (including Tara and Millmerran).

Image by Past Tense Photography.

Chris Pullin, manager of Noosa Keys Resort and member of the Tewantin Noosa Lions Club, also donated 2 nights accommodation for 4 people which was auctioned off on Sunday.

Image by Past Tense Photography.

This was won by Lion Colleen Callaghan, member of Blackbutt Benarkin Lions Club, at a bid of $1,200. Colleen understands the impact of drought, having experienced a seven-year-long period of it during her time as a farmer.

Image by Past Tense Photography.

Well done to all involved – with the support of Lions and our communities, we can help our farmers and their families get through this tough time.

If you would like to show your support, the fundraiser will be active until the end of December. Click here to make a donation.

You can see more photos from the event on the Lions District 201 Q4 Facebook page.

King Island Leos - Kindness Matters Award

Lions and Leo Club Win Kindness Matters Service Awards

/in /by

The Leo Club of King Island (Tasmania) and Lions Club of Melton (Victoria) have taken out this year’s national Kindness Matters Service Awards.

The prestigious award recognises outstanding Clubs who develop creative and impactful service projects relating to one of Lions Clubs International’s (LCI) global causes; diabetes, childhood cancer, environment, hunger, vision, youth, humanitarian and disaster relief.

The Leo Club of King Island – Freedom to Feel Fantastic

The King Island Leos’ entry, ‘Freedom to Feel Fantastic‘, is a body image and self-esteem campaign by the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation (ALWF) designed to help young people feel good about the skin they’re in.

The Leos ran activities at their local District High School and were allowed to wear free dress, with any gold coin donations forwarded on to the ALWF.

The message of being kind to yourself was played out with students aiming water balloons at a splat wall, which was decorated with negative body image messages.

King Island Leos - Kindness Matters Award

Younger students made photo frames designed with positive messages to “reframe their thinking”.

This is the second year Leos have run this activity, receiving great kudos from both their peers and teachers about the activities and messages represented.

Congratulations to the King Island Leos!

The Lions Club of Melton – Supporting Children Displaced by Crime

The Lions Club of Melton‘s entry, ‘Supporting Children Displaced by Crime’, involves donating emergency packs for children aged from newborn up to 14 years who have been taken into emergency care at the police station as a result of crime or safety concerns.

The project began after a chance catch-up with the Local Police Community Liaison Officer and a member of the Melton Lions Club.

A conversation ensued around local policing challenges and the Lions Club looking at building on their key focus this year around supporting children and young people.

Melton Lions - Kindness Matters Award

It was during this conversation that they spoke of the challenges that police face on occasions where young people have been victims of or witnessed traumatic/emergency incidents and come into police care. In these scenarios the police need to provide dry, clean and warm clothes.

This scenario was immediately raised with the Lions Club Committee who quickly came together and purchased clothes, shoes, nappies and toiletries and made up “Emergency Packs”.

The clothing packs and trauma toys provided by the Melton Lions Club shows their care for their local community and supports vulnerable young people.

Both entries have now been sent to Lions Clubs International to be considered alongside the entries of other Multiple District winners for the international component of the program.

Global winners of the Kindness Matters Service Awards will be announced in February next year.

Lions Lap the Map for Diabetes

Lions Lap the Map for Diabetes 7 Times for World Diabetes Day

/in , , /by

Lions across the country were on a mission to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed this World Diabetes Day.

Lions invited members of the public to join them in putting on their walking shoes with the aim to travel a combined distance that exceeded Australia’s circumference (25,760 km) by the 14th of November.

Lions Lap the Map for Diabetes - Lions Club of Bungendore and Districts

The Lions Club of Bungendore and Districts were joined by members of the RFS at their Lap the Map event. Image: Rob Lane

With that target being easily met early on by hard walking volunteers, Lions were quick to double their goal and lap the map twice.

By November 14, Lions had not only lapped the map twice, but reported a combined distance of more than 190,000 km – over 7 times the distance of Australia’s circumference!

Lions Lap the Map for Diabetes - Lyn Perera and Pat Mills

V5 District Governor Lyn Perera with National Diabetes Coordinator Pat Mills. Image: Brian Perera

National Diabetes Coordinator Pat Mills says Diabetes is a key focus for Lions and they would do what they can to help reduce the impact of the disease in their communities.

“Diabetes is a serious health issue affecting so many across Australia,” says Pat.

Lap the Map for Diabetes

The Lions Club of Dalby had a huge turn out for their Lap the Map event.

“Across Australia, 1.3 million people have been diagnosed with Diabetes and 283 people are diagnosed every day. The disease can lead to serious health issues affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth.”

“In most high-income countries, Diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation. It’s expected to affect 629 million adults by 2045.”

Lions Lap the Map for Diabetes

Members of the Valentine Lions Club at their Lap the Map event.

“Our Lions Lap the Map family friendly walks and campaigns in the community encourage people to get outside and have a walk to promote healthy lifestyle and raise awareness of the Diabetes epidemic in Australia.”

Congratulations to Pat and all other Clubs and volunteers who took part in Lions Lap the Map for Diabetes this year – a superb result for 2023!

You can see all the photos from participating Clubs on Facebook here.

P.S. Did we mention how on point the Lions branding looked at your Lap the Map events this year?

Click here to shop apparel, signage and other PR materials from our online shop ready for your next event in the new year now!

Lions Bushfire Relief in Queensland

/in , /by
When disaster strikes, Lions quickly mobilise to help the community.

That was the case for Lions in Queensland, who jumped into action during the recent devastating bushfires in the Western Downs region.

The Lions Club of Dalby were at the Tara Evacuation Centre cooking meals for more than 250 evacuees from the surrounding areas.

Many local school children lost everything in the fires so Dalby President Julianne purchased backpacks, hats, water bottles, school pads, pencils, towels, socks and underwear and sent three large bags to the Tara Lioness Club Branch.

A young girl who lost her home in the fire was also given a Lions Bear and was ecstatic at receiving it.

Dalby President Julianne says she will continue to work with Tara Lions members to provide support where it is needed.

Tara Shire State College Principal, Lion Belinda Walker and club branch Secretary, Lion Judith Bridge with a few of the items they received for students.

As well as meals and school supplies, an Orange Sky van also arrived at the evacuation centre with washing machines and dryers for Dalby residents.

Dalby Lions Club has partnered with Orange Sky to provide washing and drying services free of charge for disadvantaged people at the Dalby Laundromat.

L to R: Lions Glenn Shipway, Lorraine Freeman and Brett Kruger (Lions Club of Dalby).

Furthermore, Lions in District Q4 are organising a much needed fundraiser for families who have been impacted by recent bushfires and drought in both the South Burnett and Western Downs regions.

The “Blackbutt Bands Together” fundraising event will take place at Hotel Radnor on Sunday the 3rd of December from 11.30am – 5pm for an afternoon of music and entertainment.

And the support doesn’t stop here. When the smoke clears, Lions will still be there doing whatever they can to help those in need and to support communities as they rebuild.

If you would like to help ensure Lions can continue doing their vital work, you can make a donation to our National Disaster Appeal via the Australian Lions Foundation here.

Lions Hay Run Helps Lift Spirits for Farmers

/in , /by

15 farming families had a reason to smile thanks to a generous donation of hay organised by the Murgon Lions Club.

The South Burnett, as like many other regions, has faced its fair share of agricultural challenges over the years, with extended droughts taking a toll on local farming communities.

Lion Peter Coombes was approached by residents concerned about the well-being of some of their neighbours, and Lions in District 201Q4 stepped in right away to help.

Farmer Bree Knopke with her young son, Teddy.

The project, which cost over $20,000, came together over just a short few hours with the Murgon Lions arranging a B-double load of oaten hay from NSW, delivered by local business Gleich Contracting.

A drop-off point was then organised in the Mt McEuen area for the morning of the 25th of October.

Lions Q4 District Governor Jackie Scott with some of the farmers’ children … Henry, Teddy and Sidney.

The farmers and their families were invited to collect the much-needed bales of hay, as well as talk to Graham House representatives who had information about the various support available to them.

The South Burnett Suicide Prevention Working Group also provided bags of goodies.

Alan Eagleson, who was helping to load the hay into farmers’ vehicles, with John Campbell (Lions).

We encourage other struggling farmers to apply for drought relief via Need for Feed Australia, another Lions project.

Thank you kindly to Torkit Business Solutions (Kingaroy) for producing the below video.

Coogee Lions Club President taking on the World’s Highest Marathon for Lions

/in /by

Coogee Lions Club President Sari-Elle Kraemer is taking on the World’s Highest Marathon for Lions.

Since joining Lions in 2019, Sari-Elle has become particularly passionate about advocating for the work of the Australian Lions Foundation.

She has taken that commitment to new heights by taking on the World’s Highest Marathon as a fundraiser for Lions.

Sari-Elle has set a goal – to not only climb 17,598 feet above sea level to Everest Base Camp but to then also attempt to run a full 42.2 kms crisscrossing the high Sherpa trails of Khumbu Valley contending with freezing temperatures, low oxygen, and mountainous terrain.

In the lead up to running the World’s Highest Marathon in May 2024, Sari-Elle is seeking to raise $120,000 for the Australian Lions Foundation’s Compassionate Fund which provides grants to Lions Clubs to help assist Persons or Families in necessitous circumstances.

This may be by the provision of medical aids, equipment or cash to provide relief from hardship.

Sari-Elle has commenced training and will be clocking up the kilometres in coming months to prepare for this audacious challenge. She is currently running 60-80 kms a week and is participating in a number of races and events where she is proudly promoting Lions.

She recently ran the Sydney Marathon, will aim to complete the Mount Kosciuszko 50 km Ultra Marathon on 7th December and is looking to enter some more events in coming months to prepare for the World’s Highest Marathon in May 2024.

She’s planning to do some weekend runs out of Sydney in coming months so keep an eye out – she may be running in a community near you!

You can follow Sari-Elle’s journey on Facebook here.

Good luck, Sari-Elle!

How Lions Clubs and members can help

Help her reach her goal and make a donation online here.

Donations can also be made by EFT to the Australian Lions Foundation, with “Sari-Elle Appeal” as the reference:

Bank: Westpac

BSB: 036-157

Account#: 535251

Account Name: ALF Compassionate Fund

Reference: Sari-Elle Appeal

Donations over $2 are tax deductible and every dollar counts.

Read more

Chloe Hua Peace Poster Merit Award

School is in session – International Peace Poster Contest

/in , , /by

School is in session and our Lions clubs are ready to host their local Peace Poster contest for 2023-24!

For over three decades, Lions clubs around the globe have been sponsoring this very special art contest in schools and youth groups.

The theme for the 2023-24 International Peace Poster Contest competition is “Dare to Dream,” asking young people from around the world to show how they’ll turn their dream of a peaceful world into reality.

Chloe Hua Peace Poster

Chloe Hua was a Merit Award Winner in the 2022-23 Lions International Peace Poster Competition.

Student Chloe Hua was named the V5 District and National winner in the 2022 final, and a Merit Award winner at the Lions International Judging event held in February 2023 in Chicago, USA.

Chloe’s work was an outstanding artistic portrayal of the theme ‘Lead with Compassion’ and her Peace Poster message was immediately clear:

“A world of peace is a world where regardless of age, gender, race or size, everyone is united as a whole, in a limitless world; lead by empathy, compassion and acceptance”.

School presentation for Chloe Hua, Peace Poster Competition

Pictured L to R: Vermont SC Principal Tony Jacobs, South Vermont Lions Club President Syd Giller, LIPP Chair South Vermont LC Max White, LIPP Coordinator Katherine Parzis, and student Chloe Hua.

V5 District International Peace Poster Chair Katherine Parzis was honoured to attend Chloe’s school last month to present the International Peace Poster Award Certificate to her; and an International Peace Poster Appreciation Certificate to Principal Tony Jacobs.

Chloe Hua and Katherine Parzis - Peace Poster

Lion Katherine Parzis with International Peace Poster Merit Award Winner Chloe Hua and her mother.

“I congratulated Chloe with the National Multi District Peace Poster trophy engraved with her name, and I wished her very well with her studies and future endeavors with her proud mother at the Award presentation,” says Lion Katherine.

Chloe Hua Peace Poster Merit Award

“I would not be able to continue the District Peace Poster Contest without the support of my Lions colleagues, and I look forward to this year’s Peace Poster Essay Youth program.”

For further information regarding Lions International Peace Poster Contest, click here.

To see all current Peace Poster Contest winners and their peace posters, click here.

Lions Chemo Caps

Lions Chemo Caps for Cancer Patients

/in /by

After attending a National Lions Convention, Jenny Peacock was inspired by a heartwarming project that she thought would be perfect for her club to adopt.

Lions Chemo Caps

Lion Jenny Peacock with the handmade chemo caps. Image Source: supplied.

Started by the Battunga Country Lions Club in South Australia and known as ‘Carolyn’s Chemo Caps’, the project involves making beanies for cancer patients undertaking chemotherapy and consequentially going through the hardships of hair loss.

Lions Chemo Caps

Jenny along with the other members of the Boroondara-Gardiners Creek Lions Club agreed they too would support the project and began making plans to help bring some comfort to those going through their cancer treatment.

As none of their members were sewers, Lion Jenny connected with local volunteering group GOLD (Growing Old Living Dangerously) where she met Denise, who was looking to get involved with a volunteer group.

Denise was happy to make the caps, sewing them when she had spare time.

To date, Denise has made over 1500 caps which are packed and wrapped by Boroondara-Gardiners Creek Lions members and taken to Eastern Epworth Day Oncology unit at Box Hill for patients.

The fine fabric used for the caps act like a lightweight sock over the head to keep them warm. They are thin enough for wear at home but can also be worn under a turban.

The Club also make a winter version using polar fleece (these can be worn under a beanie too).

Jenny says she noticed a woman at the supermarket wearing one of their chemo caps and started up a conversation.

The woman noted that the cap was one of the best things she’d received during her cancer treatment and that it was fantastic to be able to choose out the fabric in a style she likes (free of charge).

The Club raises money for the fabric through their community fundraising projects including barbecues and Christmas tree sales.

Well done to the Boroondara-Gardiners Lions Club on an amazing project – where there’s a need, there is a Lion.

YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES HEALTH HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE THE ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH & INNOVATION
Donate Join Us

Lions Australia acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to Elders both past and present.

Home | Contact | Privacy | Copyright

© 2021 Lions Australia | Multiple District 201 of Lions Clubs International Inc ABN: 63 592 786 032 ARBN: 062 740 078 Site built by Gasoline Group

© 2021 Lions Australia
Multiple District 201 of Lions Clubs International Inc
ABN: 63 592 786 032 ARBN: 062 740 078
Site built by Gasoline Group