Lions go above and beyond to help communities impacted by Wooroloo bushfire
When disaster strikes, Lions volunteers roll up their sleeves and take action – often sticking around long after the disaster to assist those left behind.
That’s exactly what has happened in Western Australia off the back of the devastating 2021 Wooroloo Bushfire.
Volunteers across the Lions’ W1 and W2 districts have now dispersed over $82,000 worth of support back to the community.
“In times of disaster Lions are focused on doing whatever we can to support the community and help it rebuild,” says Lions Past District Governor Mick Wainwright.
“It’s been a big couple of years for our members. The Wooroloo Bushfire in 2021 caused extensive damage to residential properties within the City of Swan and Shire of Mundaring. Over the six days it burned an area of more than 10,500 hectares inside a perimeter of 154km, with 86 properties lost and more than 100 damaged.”
“Local Lions Clubs, with the support of their communities and the Australian Lions Foundation, have been busy supporting those impacted and helping the community rebuild.”
“Most of those we have assisted could not applied for help under the normal disaster relief funding or insurance.”
“Support has ranged from replacing water tanks and providing welding equipment for the fence repair team to providing Christmas hampers and funding for 26 year six students to attend school camp.”
“The community has been so grateful for the support and highlights the importance of community service organisations like Lions. We are always there for the community and can get support quickly to those who need it most.”
With volunteers celebrating Lions Awareness Day this month, Mick says it’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering to get more information on how you can get involved or support Lions.
“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,” adds Mick.
Since the first club was formed in Australia 75 years ago, Lions has grown dramatically in size and impact with over 1300 clubs and 25,000 members now giving back through an array of community-based programs and initiatives.
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.