Lions continue to go above and beyond to help the community through COVID-19

Whilst the spread of the highly contagious Delta strain of COVID has changed how community service groups meet and fundraise, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed and that’s the determination of Australia’s volunteers to make a difference.

CEO of Lions Australia, Rob Oerlemans says he is delighted to see how volunteers across the country are continuing to support their communities through COVID-19.

“At Lions we pride ourselves on the work we do to help others and make our communities better places to live. Right now, our service is needed more than ever.”

“From raffles, sausage sizzles and trivia nights, to environmental work and supporting the deaf, blind and vulnerable, our volunteers are traditionally very hands on and involved in their communities. It’s been wonderful to see so many of our clubs adapting to support each other and their communities through the health pandemic. This continues today, even through the lockdowns and restrictions resulting from the spread of the highly contagious Delta strain of COVID.”

“Lions volunteers across the country have been reaching out to those less vulnerable in their community and offering to purchase and deliver essential goods. We have been seeing many clubs supporting local health care workers through cooking and delivering food hampers to hospitals and vaccination hubs. Some clubs in Western Australia have also been brightening the lives of children in hotel quarantine through delivering care packs with toys and books to keep them entertained.”

“Our Lions volunteers here in Australia have also been doing what they can to support those in need overseas. The Sydney Sri Lankan Lions Club have been doing some incredible work. To date the club has donated over 20 Airvo2 Highflow Oxygen Machines to hospitals in Sri Lanka to help with the country’s fight against COVID.”

Lions encourages anyone interested in getting involved to consider joining their local Lions Club.

“It’s a very rewarding experience to give back to the community and help others in need. It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people. Some Lions clubs for example may not be in a position to offer assistance to the community right now but they are determined to keep in touch to support one another. This is one of the many benefits of being a volunteer in a service organisation like ours – you meet other likeminded people in your community and across the global Lions network who often become your closest friends,” says Rob Oerlemans.