Despite coming up against Covid-19, floods, and bushfires, 2022 has gone down as another huge year for the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP).
Over the past twelve months, the 463 qualified Lions screened the eyes of 5,309 children across the country for vision impairment.
Of these, 1,172 were referred to an optometrist for a follow-up.
Image: LEHP
With one in five children having an undetected vision problem, the 132 vision screening sessions held in 2022 are invaluable to LEHP’s goal – to combat avoidable blindness.
After the program’s success in the US in the 90s, LEHP was launched in Australia in 2000 as a pilot project. Now a Category B project, more than 60% of Australian Lions Clubs have helped promote the program.
Last year, vision screenings were conducted in all Districts, with Q2 screening 2000 children.
The management team at Lions Eye Health Program are anticipating 2023 to be bigger and better!
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/316549098_513964387437736_5465066766263144984_n-e1673499895619.jpg7901643Emily Williamshttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngEmily Williams2023-01-13 12:58:342023-01-13 12:58:34Lions Eye Health Program’s big year
Tewantin Noosa Lions Club has committed to supporting the next generation with its latest project.
Introduced to the Club in mid-2022, the Children of Courage project recognises and celebrates the everyday bravery and courage of children between the ages of 5 and 15 living with disabilities.
With a focus on building self-esteem in children, recipients are nominated by community members, and all nominees are presented with gift cards for Rebel Sport at an awards ceremony.
Isaack Young was the first recipient of this award, nominated by his school for his achievement in sport. He was presented with his voucher in mid-December, which he intended to use to purchase a “special cap”.
Isaack accepted the award from President Ian Glew. Image: Facebook
There are four categories that children can be nominated for; special needs, courageous acts or deeds, inspiring sporting achievement, and sibling recognition.
The Lions Children of Courage Awards originated in Western Australia in 1983 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
This project is ongoing and the Club is looking forward to continuing to support and celebrate the children in their community.
You can keep up to date with Tewantin Noosa Lions Club here.
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/317602459_521862653319447_5690062499175896289_n.jpg15362048Emily Williamshttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngEmily Williams2023-01-13 12:58:332023-01-13 13:02:56Tewantin Noosa’s Courageous Children
In October 2022, Australians living in northern Victoria were some of the worst hit after flood waters tore through their towns and inundated houses like a tidal wave.
Many of these residents from towns like Rochester have been forced to live in caravans, sheds, and other temporary spaces much too small for a family.
As those who have been displaced are still coming to terms with the ferocity of the swollen river, Victorian Lions have come together to provide some much-needed relief by sponsoring a camp for flood victims at their Licola Wildnerness Village.
Flood-affected families arrived at the retreat last Monday the 9th of January for a fabulous 4-night stay, where children and parents could enjoy swimming, kayaking or simply relaxing after having to live in close quarters for the past few months.
Lion Geoff Turnbull (2nd VDG V6) and his wife, Janice who came up with the idea, have helped to give families a very welcome break from the drudgery of their ‘normal’ day lives.
“The families at this camp have lost their homes and had significant material losses,” says Geoff Turnbull.
“Many of them don’t anticipate being able to move back to their houses for another 12 months or so, and some have no idea when.”
Guests were treated to a personal video message from Lions International President Brian Sheehan who welcomed them to the village, along with receiving vouchers from Bunnings and Kmart.
Each family was also given a new sheet set, pillow, pillowcase, blanket, bath and beach towel, bath mat, and toiletry kit to take home. Children aged 5-10 were also provided with a fully-loaded backpack for school.
Geoff says members of the public who would like to help make this possible again can contact a Victorian Lions Club or donate directly via the Australian Lions Foundation.
“Almost 40 people were unable to attend due to work or other commitments on their farms, so we would like to be able to do this again for other families who couldn’t make it this time.”
“A special mention to all the Lions volunteers who were here to assist with activities and provided meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also to Lions Australia’s Council Chairperson Steven Boyce and Australian Lions Foundation Chairperson Tony Benbow for all their support”.
Lions have been providing emergency support to Australian communities for decades. Over $4.6 million was raised and distributed in the recent Australian Lions Foundation National Bushfire Appeal and $1.9 million was raised and distributed to Flood Support last year.
Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.
Click here to make a donation (all donations over $2 are tax deductible).
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/322903460_1794098674290805_7230723926191168930_.jpg10801440Jemmahttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngJemma2023-01-13 12:04:272023-01-13 17:42:10Lions sponsor camp for Victorian flood victims
When disaster strikes, Lions volunteers are the first to offer support and that’s exactly what is happening as communities across Australia face the devastating effects of recent floods in the lead up to Christmas.
The township of Eugowra, which is located between Forbes and Canowindra in central NSW, is one of those places.
Their entire community was decimated by flood waters which went through the small country township like an “inland tsunami”.
Houses were inundated with flood waters and moved from their foundations, even with family members still inside.
Working together, Lions decided to organise a little Christmas gift for the residents to help raise their spirits.
Devastation and damage to local houses, moved from their foundations.
Disaster Chair N4 PDG Anne Jones OAM, together with the Australian Lions Foundation and Lions’ Christmas cake provider, Traditional Foods, were able to to put together an urgent order of 900 Christmas Cakes to be shipped to Dubbo and collected by Lions ready for distribution.
A small sticker was put on all of the boxes wishing recipients a heartfelt Christmas greeting and small acknowledgement that Lions are thinking of them at this time.
“We know the road to recovery is a long one after a disaster. Our volunteers are still going above and beyond to help communities rebuild after the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 and we will see the same with flood affected communities,” says Australian Lions Foundation Chairperson Tony Benbow OAM.
Cakes being boxed with greeting stickers.
Lions have been providing emergency support to Australian communities for decades. Over $4.6 million was raised and distributed in the recent Australian Lions Foundation National Bushfire Appeal and $1.9 million was raised and distributed to Flood Support last year.
Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.
Click here to make a donation (all donations over $2 are tax deductible).
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/P1140117.jpg7681024Jemmahttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngJemma2022-12-16 09:34:482022-12-16 09:34:48Lions provide a little Christmas joy to NSW flood victims
Echuca Lions Club has donated $20,000 to a new Cancer and Wellness Centre for the Victorian town.
The $8.3 million centre will deliver a new chemotherapy and haemodialysis unit to the area, as well as provide wellness programs to help improve the health and well-being of cancer patients.
With several members of Echuca Lions Club having been touched by cancer themselves, this project was particularly close to their hearts.
“It means something to all of us,” said Lion Laurie Stewart.
“I had pancreatic cancer, John had prostate cancer, and Graeme had bladder cancer.”
Half the money was raised at the Club’s annual golf day in March, and the Australian Lions Foundation (ALF) provided the rest through a matching grant.
Lion John Hewlett says the Club is grateful for the community getting behind the cause.
“We know it’s been a difficult time for a lot of local businesses after all the lockdowns, so we really appreciate the support,” he said.
Work on Echuca Cancer and Wellness Centre began in August 2021 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/download-_2_.jpg13151600Emily Williamshttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngEmily Williams2022-12-16 09:23:582022-12-16 09:23:58Echuca Lions Club donate to local cancer centre
Over the next two years, The Lions Cord Blood Foundation will provide Monash Children’s Hospital in Victoria with $50,000 for neo-natal cell therapy research.
Announced in August, the grant will go towards improving outcomes for vulnerable babies by utilising the “reparative, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative potential of cell therapies”.
Cord blood is the blood that is found in the umbilical cord and placenta after a baby is born. As a rich and diverse source of stem cells, this blood can be used for children and adults requiring bone marrow transplants.
The Lions Cord Blood Foundation was established in 1996 by Laurie Denton, a member of the Lions Club of Waverly in V5 and has raised more than $2.3 million for the Fight Cancer Foundation.
Ron Tregear, Chairman (3rd from left) & Pat Mills, Association Secretary (4th from left), Lions Cord Blood Foundation along with members of Newborn Cell Therapies group
Chairperson of the Foundation, Ron Tregear, says this research is “particularly rewarding”.
“It will involve bringing extremely premature babies into the world potentially in better health than they may have otherwise been,” he said.
Associate Professor Atul Mahlotra says he is grateful to the Foundation.
“This will directly feed into our cell therapies clinical trial pipeline including one study currently recruiting extremely preterm babies to investigate feasibility and safety of autologous cord blood cell therapy,” he said.
In Australia, cord blood has been used to treat over 80 conditions, including cancers, blood disorders, immune disorders and metabolic disorders.
You can learn more about The Lions Cord Blood Foundation here.
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Untitled-design-23.png300700Emily Williamshttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngEmily Williams2022-12-15 09:23:222022-12-15 09:23:22Lions Foundation doing a bloody good job
In times of crisis, Lions Clubs do what they can to make a difference and that’s exactly what local volunteers are doing right now to support the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
Funds raised by Lions across Sydney have helped establish the new modern modular Warsaw Information Centre and Medical Clinic in front of the Ukraine Consulate in Warsaw.
The project is being led by Hornsby Lions Club with director John Lockyer gearing up for his next visit to Poland and encouraging anyone looking to support Ukrainian refugees to make a donation.
“The conflict in the Ukraine has devastated so many lives. Many Lions volunteers are doing whatever they can to support those impacted and we need your help,” says John.
Lions Clubs across Sydney set a goal of raising $10,000 for Lions Warsaw to set up a Warsaw Information Centre modular in front of the consulate.
Lion John Lockyer in Warsaw with Ukrainian refugees.
“As a result of exceeding our $10,000 by raising $5000 more, Lions Warsaw also secured an additional modular office that is being used as a medical clinic. The central purpose of this medical clinic is to provide health support to Ukrainian children/families at the Lions Information Centre.”
“Now thousands of Ukrainian refugees that are seeking assistance at the consulate can be interviewed by Lions Warsaw Volunteers without any concern of the extreme bitter cold and wet conditions.
The harsh Polish winter will return and we are pleased to support Warsaw Lions volunteers with the provision of secure, warm modern offices so that refugees can be adequately interviewed,” says John.
John Lockyer from the Hornsby Lions Club on site for the build of the new Information Centre and Medical Clinic in Warsaw.
“I am returning to Poland to review progress at the Ukrainian Consulate in Warsaw and then plan to review progress on the plan by Lions Warsaw to establish similar facilities in the Gdansk, Wroclaw, Krakow and Lublin.”
“We’re encouraging anyone who would like to make a difference to consider making a donation. Every dollar counts,” adds John.
Donations can be made to: DG Vin Pang Endorsed Warsaw/Ukraine Lions Appeal
BSB : 032055 A/c: 163233
In addition to local Lions projects and initiatives in Australia, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has now provided over US$1,735,000 in grants to support Ukrainian refugees who have crossed their borders.
Lions in Ukraine have also received LCIF grants to address the critical needs of people who remain in the country.
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Feature-Image-for-Blog.jpg621885Jemmahttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngJemma2022-12-14 14:54:112022-12-16 09:54:17Sydney Lions are supporting Ukrainian refugees and they need your help
The festive season is just around the corner and Australia’s favourite Christmas treat will not only be on the menu this year, but also on the Christmas playlist.
Sold by volunteers in their local communities, Lions Australia’s Christmas cakes are renowned not only for exceptional flavour and quality, but also for warming the heart.
The cake that has become a tradition in thousands of Australian homes has now also inspired a song.
Twin brothers, John and Graeme, are one of Australia’s leading country music/easy listening acts. The Howie Brothers have written and recorded a song celebrating the much loved and important tradition of Lions Christmas cakes.
The Howie Brothers have written a song about the Lions Christmas Cake.
“John and myself are not members of a Lions club but we have had and still do have many connections with Lions club members. We think very highly of Lions people and the Lions organisation and support it wherever possible,” says Graeme Howie.
Perfected over the years, the traditional Lions Australia Christmas cake recipe is packed with high quality ingredients and 50% fruit, but there’s one magic ingredient in this cake that sets it apart from the rest.
The Lions Christmas Cake makes a difference. With all proceeds going back to Lions Clubs and initiatives across the country, the cakes help fund a range of vital projects in the community.
Christmas cakes and puddings are Lions Australia’s largest annual fundraiser. Since the first 1-pound cake was introduced in 1965 the fundraiser has raised over $60 million to help drive community programs and projects across Australia. Australia’s appetite for the Christmas sweet is still strong with over 600,000 Christmas cakes and puddings sold last year. Sales are already up by 6000 sales this year.
“Lions Christmas Cakes have become a tradition in Australian households. This isn’t just because they are renowned for quality and taste but because when buying a Lions cake you know you are supporting a good cause and making a difference. Each club that takes part in the program makes a profit that they can either use on a Lions project or donate back into their local communities,” says Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans.
The Lions Christmas cake sales help fund the incredible work of the organisation in communities across Australia. In addition to disaster relief Lions Clubs drive a range of community service projects and initiatives ranging from youth programs, medical research, aid to people with disability and environmental work.
To purchase a Lions Christmas cake or pudding, click here.
“THE LIONS CHRISTMAS CAKE” – Words & Music: Graeme Howie
1. Buy A Lions Christmas Cake, They Taste Really Yum Leave Some Out For Santa, And He Will Rub His Tum They’ll Ask On Christmas Day, “Did It Take You Long To Bake?” And You’ll Say, “No, Not Long, It’s A Lions Christmas Cake”
CH. The Lions Christmas Cake, It’s An Institution Mate! In Ev’ry Home Across Australia, On Ev’ry Christmas Plate So Don’t Just Buy One, Buy Two Or Three Or Four It Helps Out In So Many Ways, The Lions Christmas Cake
2. The Lions Clubs Around Australia, They Work Hard All Year With Sausage Sizzles, Car Boot Sales, They Work To Bring Good Cheer And As We Head For Christmas, They Mix Raisin, Flour & Date For We All Love, What They Bake, The Lions Christmas Cake
CH. The Lions Christmas Cake, It’s An Institution Mate! In Ev’ry Home Across Australia, On Ev’ry Christmas Plate So Don’t Just Buy One, Buy Two Or Three Or Four It Helps Out In So Many Ways, The Lions Christmas Cake
3. So When You’re Out There Shopping, Stop & Have A Chat And If You See Those Lions Cakes, Say, “I’ll Have One Of That!” Then ‘Round The Christmas Table, Your Loved Ones All Will Say, “It’s So Wonderful At Christmastime With A Lions Christmas Cake”
CH. The Lions Christmas Cake, It’s An Institution Mate! In Ev’ry Home Across Australia, On Ev’ry Christmas Plate So Don’t Just Buy One, Buy Two Or Three Or Four It Helps Out In So Many Ways, The Lions Christmas Cake
TAG: Yes It Helps Out In So Many Ways, The Lions Christmas Cake
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/The-Howie-Brothers-Facebook-Post.jpg788940Jemmahttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngJemma2022-11-29 10:29:042022-12-16 10:17:33Australia’s favourite Christmas cake has inspired a song
It was a great day for the Narooma & District Lions Club on the 23rd of October 2022 as they saw the culmination of 2 years’ work by their Club President, Ricci Bishop, in bringing to completion their replacement BBQ Trailer and the erection of a new shed in which to garage it.
This was a doubly auspicious day as it was also the Club’s Charter Anniversary (1976).
Narooma & District Lions Club President with the new BBQ Trailer
Ricci was successful in securing two grants following the Black Summer Bushfires – the first being from St Vincent de Paul Conference and the second a Federal Grant, the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund (BCRRF).
From the adverse situation of the Black Summer bush fires at Narooma, it was realized that there was a need to have a completely independent food supply BBQ trailer that had the capability to provide it’s own refrigeration, lighting, hot & cold food and water, as well as be a source of power for other needs.
The trailer can now act as an adjunct to the needs of front line emergency respondents as well as being used at evacuation centres.
The shed is also a great asset with enough space to house all the Club’s Lions gear in one place – for many Clubs, it is the stuff dreams are made of!
Celebration ceremony: Smoking the shed and trailer
The Club’s celebrations included a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by First Nations’ Muladha Gamara, and a ribbon cutting ceremony by the Hon. Dr. Michael Holland MP and St Vincent de Paul Conference representative Mrs. Marea Clark at Easts Caravan Park.
This was followed by a Luncheon at the Narooma Sports & Leisure Centre (Narooma’s designated Evacuation Centre at the time) where a small display of photos were on view.
Image display of the Bush Fire Evacuation Centre from the 1.1.2020
The Club sincerely thanked and acknowledged the contribution from the Australian BCRRF and St Vincent de Paul Conference.
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/front-right-BBQs-pulled-out-tow-bar-area-enlarged-1.jpg9601280Jemmahttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngJemma2022-11-11 11:07:212022-11-11 15:09:36Narooma Lions upgrade BBQ trailer to assist in disaster relief
Australia has experienced major flooding for the fifth time in 19 months due to record-breaking wet weather. The wet conditions are expected to last until 2023.
As the effects of climate change induced disasters continue to devastate communities, we need volunteers now more than ever.
When disaster strikes, Lions volunteers are the first to offer support and that’s exactly what is happening as communities across Australia face flooding yet again.
Members of the Lions Club of Seymour Goulburn have been cooking meals for those who have been displaced due to the emergency while other Lions have been assisting with the flood clean up or raising money for the Australian Lions Foundation National Flood Appeal.
“October has been another month of heavy rainfall with flood warnings for communities across QLD, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. The Australian Lions Foundation has launched a national appeal to help support those affected communities,” says Australian Lions Foundation Chairperson Tony Benbow OAM.
“Every dollar raised will be sent directly to Lions Clubs on the ground in affected communities to provide emergency support to those impacted.”
“This is why Lions is so effective in times of need. Every dollar donated goes directly to the cause and through Lions’ large network of clubs we are able to quickly identify those who require assistance and find the best and most efficient ways of supporting those people and communities.”
Lions based in Seymour, Shepparton, and Mooroopna loan high-pressure water blasters, hoses, power leads, brooms, and squeegees to the community to assist in the flood clean-up.
“A key focus for our clubs in recent months has been supporting flood affected communities particularly in Northern NSW. Lismore was actually the birthplace of Lions in Australia with Lismore Lions Club founded in September 1947,” adds Tony.
“We know the road to recovery is a long one after a disaster. Our volunteers are still going above and beyond to help communities rebuild after the devastating bushfires of 2019/2020 and we will see the same with flood affected communities.”
Lions have been providing emergency support to Australian communities for decades. Over $4.6 million was raised and distributed in the recent Australian Lions Foundation National Bushfire Appeal and $1.9 million was raised and distributed to Flood Support last year.
Anyone looking to make a donation and support those affected by the floods can do so through their local Lions Club or through donating directly to Australian Lions Foundation.
The Australian Lions Foundation has been providing grants for disaster relief, compassionate support and community initiatives since the 1980’s. Every year the Foundation distributes more than $1 million for projects through local Lions Clubs.
The Foundation Directors are all Lion volunteers who do not receive any income for their efforts.
https://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Seymour-Goulburn-Lions-Cook-Meals-for-Displaced-flood-victims.jpg15362048Jemmahttps://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lions-menu-logo.pngJemma2022-11-11 10:30:202022-11-11 14:49:50Lions volunteers mobilise to support flood affected communities
