Lions and Disaster Relief Australia Unite for Flood Recovery Effort
The devastating floods that hit Queensland and NSW in March this year had far-reaching consequences for both communities and individuals. The path back to recovery appeared endless, with only shells of damaged homes and shattered lives remaining.
Along with our own volunteers, partner organisations such as Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) were thankfully ready to respond. The first phase of flood recovery efforts began in the Moreton Bay region of Queensland and then Coraki, NSW, just a short drive from hard-hit Lismore.
Over 650 volunteers deployed in response to 500 requests for help over the course of eight weeks. Over a million dollars in community value has been generated by 25K volunteer hours.
Wherever DRA deploys volunteers on the ground to aid communities in need of recovery after disasters, Lions is there to help. Lions’ volunteers pay membership fees to cover admin costs which means 100% of funds donated to Lions clubs go directly towards the cause, such as DRA’s disaster recovery operations.
The people of Coraki, NSW, welcomed DRA volunteers with open arms as they began the community recovery process. Aside from assisting flood victims, the disaster relief teams worked on community projects such as cleaning up the bowling club to bring people together and placing fresh wood chips in playgrounds to provide children a safe area to play once again.
Thousands of safety masks, hundreds of pairs of gumboots, pressure washers, heavy equipment rental, and hundreds of litres of cleaning chemicals were used.
Lions’ contribution to DRA has resulted in tangible and long-term benefits.
Breakdown of funding:
Lions Club of Tathra Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $2,500
Lions Club of Batemans Bay Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $1,149
Oak Flats Lions Club Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $1,000
Lions Clubs of Goulburn City Operation Kelliher – Flood Recovery $10,00
You can still donate to the Australian Lions Foundation’s National Flood Appeal here.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
