OUR STORIES - Lions Clubs Australia

Lions come together to help Elmore Village

March 16, 2023/in DONATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Emily Williams

Original story by Lee Walkington

When the floods tore through Rochester late last year, 90% of houses were affected.

In the nearby town of Elmore, temporary housing was set up to shelter the hundreds of displaced families.

Lion Lee from District V6’s Disaster Recovery Support Team and PDG Norm visited the make-shift village in Elmore to find out how the District could help.

Lion Lee said seeing the bare paddocks with rows of caravans and cabins for the first time was confronting.

Elmore Village’s new BBQ area. Image: Supplied.

“The people moving into this accommodation had their immediate needs met – food, shelter and clothing; it was their mental well-being that was our first concern,” she said.

During one visit, Lion Lee and PDG Norm raised concerns about the mental health of the residents. Soon after, a plan was put together which included ideas for a community garden, playground and BBQ area. The Disaster Recovery Support Team then needed to raise funds to bring the ideas to life.

Lions Clubs from across the District stepped up to help. The Cohuna Leo Club donated $500 worth of goods for children, including outdoor games, and library bags, as well as setting up a library area in the village; Echuca Lions Club purchased a large piece of play equipment for children; Elmore Lions Club donated a BBQ lunch; and Yarrawonga Lions Club are building ‘buddy benches’ to be placed by the playground.

Twelve Bunnings Warehouse staff members assembled the play equipment. Image: Supplied

Bunnings has also come to the party, donating and assembling BBQs, outdoor furniture, and equipment for a community garden area. And Cowra Men’s Shed is building two large outdoor BBQ tables and benches to complete the BBQ area.

These areas have been embraced by the residents of the village, with many getting involved in the community garden already.

“Teamwork makes the dream work,” said Lion Lee.

You can donate to the Australian Lions Foundation’s Emergency Disaster Appeal here.

Lions to support the 10-year-old Gold Coast helicopter crash victim

March 16, 2023/in DONATIONS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Ten-year-old Nicholas Tadros suffered extensive injuries in the recent helicopter crash on the Gold Coast which tragically killed his mother Vanessa.

The heartbreaking story has captivated the nation and now there’s a way for people to make a difference.

In an update on the family’s tragic situation, Channel 9’s A Current Affair is joining forces with Australian Lions Foundation to launch an appeal to raise funds to help support Nicholas and his father Simon who now finds himself a single parent.

Donations to the Australian Lions Foundation Appeal can be made online and 100% of the funds raised will be used to support Nicholas and his father Simon during this difficult time.

Australian Lions Foundation Chairperson Tony Benbow OAM says:

“Nicholas broke almost every bone in his body in the mid-air helicopter crash in January. When we recently saw his father confirm to A Current Affair that Nicholas’ right leg needed to be amputated due to infection, we knew we needed to do something.”

“Nicholas’ father Simon can no longer work as a truck driver and won’t for the foreseeable future as he needs to be by his son’s side for the long road ahead. Nicholas will spend months in hospital and will likely need medical care for the rest of his life.”

“We know many people are looking for a way to support Nicholas and his father through this difficult time and we are pleased to facilitate this through an appeal.”

The Australian Lions Foundation has been providing grants for compassionate support and community initiatives since the 1980’s. Every year the Foundation distributes more than $1 million for projects through local Lions Clubs.

“Nicholas and Simon are from Western Sydney and we will be working closely with their local Lions Club of Parramatta to manage the support,” says Tony Benbow.

Thank you for your donations. This appeal is now closed.

Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation

One step closer to Zero Childhood Cancer thanks to Lions

February 15, 2023/in HEALTH, OUR STORIES, RESEARCH & INNOVATION /by Jemma

We are one step closer to Zero Cancer thanks to Lions!

Any Australian child diagnosed with cancer will now be able to benefit from life changing DNA sequencing.

This follows the successful $4million Lions project with Australia’s Garvan Institute which mapped the genome of over 400 Children with cancer, to advance research and to guide personalised treatment.

The Zero Childhood Cancer Program will expand to all Australians aged 0 to 18 years with cancer by the end of this year.

Childhood cancer advocate and Founding Chairman of the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation (ALCCRF) Dr Joe Collins AM says:

“Childhood Cancer is a silent pandemic. Every year in Australia, almost 800 kids are diagnosed with cancers, many of them aggressive, hard to treat and with a high risk of mortality. Although the survival rates have improved greatly for some cancers, others still take a heavy toll on our young peoples’ lives.”

“In 2015 Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation with Australia’s Garvan Institute mapped out a plan to map the genome of over 400 Children with cancer and provide personalised treatment. The program exceeded expectations, saving and changing the lives of young Australians.”

“The Zero Childhood Cancer precision medicine program expanding to include all young Australians is an exciting step in eliminating childhood cancer.”

Over the past decade, the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, with the help of our Lions volunteers and their communities, has raised over $12 million to fund vital research into Childhood Cancer.

“Lions volunteers across Australia are so proud that the successful $4million Lions project ‘Zero Childhood Cancer’ Program will expand to all Australian’s aged 0 to 18 years with cancer, by the end of this year,” says Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans.

“A big thank you to our Lions volunteers for your vision, commitment and financial wizardry! So many children and families have a better outcome because of you!”

For more information on the Zero Childhood Cancer precision medicine program expanding to include all young Australians with cancer, click here.

Keep an eye out for a pride of Lions in your community in coming weeks

February 15, 2023/in OUR STORIES /by Jemma

Members of the Coogee Lions Club will be out in their community on Lions Awareness Day.

Many of Lions Australia’s hardworking volunteers will be getting out in the community in coming weeks to celebrate the importance of community service in the lead up to Lions Awareness Day.

Held on the 4th of March, Lions Awareness Day is particularly important this year as Australia continues to face some of the worst flooding in history.

“As natural disasters continue to devastate communities, we need volunteers now more than ever,” says Lions Australia’s CEO Rob Oerlemans.

“Lions Australia’s 25,000 plus hardworking volunteers often serve their communities silently behind the scenes. Lions Awareness Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the incredible difference our volunteers make and give people an opportunity to learn more about our organisation.”

“When disaster strikes Lions volunteers are the first to offer support. It’s been a big couple of years for our members with many communities impacted by flooding.”

Stop by and say hello to your local Lions Club on the 4th of March (Terrigal-Wamberal Lions Club pictured).

Since the first club was formed in Lismore in 1947, Lions Australia has grown to be the largest service club organisation in Australia, with over 25,000 volunteers. Now, Lions Australia has set a goal of 30,000 members by 2030 and 50,000 members by 2050.

Some Lions are on a mission to cure childhood cancer and diabetes, others are committed to assisting those impacted by drought and floods and many are simply working together to help people in need in their local community. One thing all Lions have in common is together they are making an incredible difference.

“If you see any Lions out in your community in coming weeks, we encourage you to say hello and get some information on what your local club is up to. If you are interested in making a difference, ask your local Lions how you can get involved. We know there are many people out there looking to make a difference in the community right now, and it’s a great time to join us,” says Rob Oerlemans.

Lions volunteers pay annual membership fees to cover admin costs which means 100% of funds donated to your local Lions Club goes directly towards the cause.

Over $50 million is donated to Lions Australia each year with all funds going directly to important causes and people in need. Over $5 million is invested in youth programs each year, over $20 million is invested in medical research, $5 million in drug awareness, $20 million in hearing services and over 3000 environmental projects are carried out by Lions Australia every year.

For more information about Lions Awareness Day and how to get involved, click here.

International Peace Poster Contest Merit Award Winner 2022-23 Announced

February 7, 2023/in NEWS, OUR STORIES, PEACE CONTEST /by Jemma

District Peace Poster Coordinator Lion Katherine with winner Chloe and PID Lion Tony Benbow.

It is our great pleasure to announce that Australian student Chloe Hua has been chosen as a merit award winner in the 35^th Annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest.

The 13-year-old student from Vermont Secondary College in Melbourne’s East who was the Lions Club of South Vermont’s club winner, received the award after being judged the V5 district winner out of four outstanding Peace Poster entries.

Approximately 600,000 children from 60 countries participated in this year’s Peace Poster Contest. The posters were judged at the club, district and multiple district levels before reaching the international level, at which point they had been narrowed down to 120 posters.

Based on creativity, originality and portrayal of the theme “Lead with Compassion”, Chloe’s entry was chosen as one of just 23 merit award winners. As such, she will receive US$500 and a certificate of merit.

The 23 merit award winners are from Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Macedonia, Malaysia, Tunisia and the United States (California, Louisiana, and New York). The grand prize winner will be announced at the Lions Day with the United Nations on March 3, 2023.

The message behind Chloe’s entry was, “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”.

Chloe’s peace poster entry – the theme was “Lead with Compassion”.

V5 Peace Poster Coordinator Katherine Parzis went to visit Vermont Secondary College and presented the District Peace Poster plaque engraved with Chloe’s name and school to Chloe and School Principal Tony Jacobs last year.

PID Lion Tony Benbow OAM, Chairman of our Australian Lions Foundation, represented his club, South Vermont Lions, at the presentation and congratulated Chloe on behalf of the club and shared words of encouragement for the International Peace Poster Judging event.

On behalf of Lions Australia, we would like to congratulate Chloe on her merit award as well as all of the other peace poster entrants – well done!

Lions Eye Health Program’s big year

January 13, 2023/in HEALTH, OUR STORIES /by Emily Williams

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

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!

You can learn more about the program here.

Tewantin Noosa’s Courageous Children

January 13, 2023/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Emily Williams

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

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 40^th 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.

Lions sponsor camp for Victorian flood victims

January 13, 2023/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

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).

Lions provide a little Christmas joy to NSW flood victims

December 16, 2022/in DONATIONS, OUR STORIES /by Jemma

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).

Echuca Lions Club donate to local cancer centre

December 16, 2022/in DONATIONS, HEALTH, OUR STORIES /by Emily Williams

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

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.

Original Story from the Riverine Herald, here.