Original article published in the Riverine Herald here.
The Kyabram Lions Club will donate money from its activities account to help those affected by the floods in NSW and Queensland, president Tony Alford said.
While the Kyabram Lions can’t physically help out with the clean-up, they are joining the network of over 1200 Lions clubs across Australia that are mobilising to get help to those impacted by the current floods through the Australian Lions Foundation Disaster Appeal.
“In times of disaster, Australian Lions Foundation is focused on getting emergency support to communities in need as quickly as possible. Right now, Queensland and Northern NSW needs Australia’s help,” Foundation chairperson Tony Benbow said.
“We know many of our Lions volunteers in affected areas are out there doing what they can to help. The National Appeal gives Lions clubs across Australia and members of the public an opportunity to help too.“Every dollar raised will be sent directly to local Lions clubs to provide emergency support to those in need.”
The Lions have been providing emergency support to communities in need 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,” Mr Benbow said.
Australians 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.
Mr Alford said that the pandemic had limited how often the group could get out into the community, but now members would be doing a lot more service and were calling for community support.
“Things like, go to the rodeo, and support the local town, which in turn supports us,” he said.
“Every time you see a Lions person out doing something, support them.”
The Kyabram Lions Club’s average age is 60, and Mr Alford said the Lions would really benefit from younger members.
“We’ve noticed over the last few years that there hasn’t been much interest from younger people to join a service organisation,” he said.
“We appreciate that people are too busy with work and family and stuff like that. They can’t devote as much time to service organisations compared to 15 to 20 years ago when people were a lot more service-oriented.
“So we’re always looking for new members and we’d like some younger service-minded people to maybe look at Lions and join us.”
Every dollar donated will be sent directly to local Lions clubs on the ground in affected areas. Tax deductible donations can be made at https://www.givenow.com.au/australianlionsfoundation
Preschool donates $10,000 to ALF National Flood Appeal
/in DONATIONS, EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe community is rallying behind the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal providing emergency relief to those communities devastated by floods in QLD and NSW.
Local Randwick business Platinum Preschool has donated $10,000 to the appeal.
A special event held at Platinum Preschool last month saw the kids dressing up as Lions Cubs to present the $10,000 cheque to Sari-Elle Kraemer, President of Coogee Lions Club.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker and Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neil were also in attendance.
Every dollar donated to the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal is being sent directly to Lions Clubs on the ground in flood affected communities.
Platinum Preschool Owner Jo O’Brien says the donation is not only about supporting the flood affected communities but also about setting a good example.
“Platinum Preschool is very proud to be donating a full day of fees to the Australian Lions Foundation Disaster Appeal,” says Jo.
“In addition to helping those impacted by the floods, this donation is also about setting a good example to the kids at Platinum through showing them the importance of helping others in times of need. When devastation occurs, we teach the children to look out for those who are helping and being kind. This reinforces our ethos of BE KIND and the values program we teach daily here in our centre” adds Jo.
Platinum Preschool kids present Lions with a donation to the ALF National Flood Appeal
Coogee Lions President Sari-Elle Kraemer has thanked the community for its support and is encouraging anyone else looking to help support those impacted by the floods to consider making a donation to the Australian Lions Foundation.
“At Coogee Lions, we know many people in our community are looking to help those affected by the catastrophic floods in QLD and NSW. Our volunteers have been out in the community shaking donation buckets and we are seeing such strong support and generosity from the local community. Thank you to all of the local businesses who have offered to have a donation box and to those like Platinum Preschool who are supporting the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal,” says Sari-Elle.
“Every dollar raised is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs on the ground who are providing emergency relief in their community. That’s the benefit of an organisation like Lions – we have over 1200 clubs across Australia so when disaster strikes we can get funds sent quickly to those who need it most.”
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.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
A message of hope for Northern NSW as it sees more rain
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by JemmaAs Northern NSW braced for even more rain this week, the resilience and determination of volunteers is shining through.
Lions Australia is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and the theme of “always” being there for the community could not be more relevant.
Lismore was the birthplace of Lions in Australia with Lismore Lions Club founded in 1947.
75 years on, there are several Lions clubs in the area and over 1300 across Australia who have been able to mobilise quickly to provide support to those in need.
Lismore Lions Club President Theo Beemster says it is going to take years for the community to recover and local Lions volunteers will be there every step of the way.
“We will keep going until we’re not needed anymore,” says Theo.
Lismore Lions Club members have their barbecue trailer set up outside Lincraft in Keen Street each day. They have been supporting the clean-up providing food, water and a listening ear to the community and visiting ADF personnel, Fire Brigade, SES crews and volunteers.
Lismore Lions with members of the Australian Defence Force
“We are managing quite well, just a little exhausted. Even though many of our members are in their 80s, they are so sufficient at what they do. We have many business donating sausages and bacon to our cook up which is a huge help. We also have the Goonellabah-Wollongbar & Districts Lions Club helping out and providing food nearby as well and Lismore City Lions Club providing food in South Lismore,” adds Theo.
The Lismore City Lions have also set up a free laundry and shower van at 25 Casino St, South Lismore outside Sheaffe Motors that is operating between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. The van was kindly supplied by the Lions Club of Belmont and District from the Newcastle region.
Local Lions Clubs on the ground are being supported by many volunteers and their communities with hundreds of Lions volunteers across the country shaking donation buckets and hosting fundraisers for the Australian Lions Foundation National Disaster Appeal.
Every dollar raised in the Appeal is being sent directly to local Lions Clubs to provide emergency support to those in need and help the community rebuild.
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.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Local Lions volunteers supporting Diabetic Ukrainian refugees
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by JemmaDiabetes is a key global focus for Lions Clubs and volunteers in Australia are coming together to support people all over the world including Ukrainian refugees with Diabetes.
An initiative led by the Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation and Type 1 Diabetes Foundation is packaging up medical supplies to send to Ukrainian refugees with Diabetes.
Backpacks containing self-care supplies ready to send to Ukrainian refugees with Diabetes
Lions Australia’s National Diabetes Coordinator Pat Mills says the packs with vital supplies are being sent to refugees in Poland.
“At Lions, we are dedicated to doing what we can to help those in need both in our local communities and globally. Medical supplies are vital for Diabetics and we know there are many displaced Ukrainians that are in desperate need of supplies so our volunteers here in Australia are packaging up little medical kits to send to refugees. To date, we have sent over 200 packs to Poland.”
“Many of us have been watching the devastation in the Ukraine and want to do something to help. It’s a simple project for us but we are providing vital medical support,” says Pat.
67 care-packs ready to send to Poland for Ukrainian refugees
Members of the Lions Club of Shepparton have been assisting on the project, collecting supplies and packing bags to ship to Poland.
In a symbolic gesture, Club President Patsy Lansdown has organised for 2000 paper cranes to be made; inspired by the story of Japanese girl Sadako Sasaki, who developed leukemia after an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima during World War II.
Along with the care packs, the folded creations will be taken to Poland as a symbol of peace, hope and courage.
Anyone wishing to help support the project can contact and donate to the Lions Australia Diabetes Foundation.
Lion Hero – Malcolm McEachern
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaIn his 12 years as a Lion, Malcolm McEachern has been an influential member of the Lions Club of Naracoorte…his biggest strength is his ability to initiate and lead projects which have led to the club supporting the wider community through local business and community support.
Lion Hero – Ronald (Ron) Wurst
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaRon has been a member of Lions Clubs International since 1988, and a member of Clare District since 2002.
He has worked tirelessly for the Club over many projects, is a stalwart of their Recycled Furniture Shed and has managed the catering team for many years.
Lions International President Douglas X Alexander – The Australian Floods
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, NEWS /by Rob OerlermansA message from Lions International President Douglas X Alexander regarding the floods in Australia
Kyabram Lions Mobilise for Flood Relief – Article in the Riverine Herald
/in In the Media /by JemmaOriginal article published in the Riverine Herald here.
The Kyabram Lions Club will donate money from its activities account to help those affected by the floods in NSW and Queensland, president Tony Alford said.
While the Kyabram Lions can’t physically help out with the clean-up, they are joining the network of over 1200 Lions clubs across Australia that are mobilising to get help to those impacted by the current floods through the Australian Lions Foundation Disaster Appeal.
“In times of disaster, Australian Lions Foundation is focused on getting emergency support to communities in need as quickly as possible. Right now, Queensland and Northern NSW needs Australia’s help,” Foundation chairperson Tony Benbow said.
“We know many of our Lions volunteers in affected areas are out there doing what they can to help. The National Appeal gives Lions clubs across Australia and members of the public an opportunity to help too.“Every dollar raised will be sent directly to local Lions clubs to provide emergency support to those in need.”
The Lions have been providing emergency support to communities in need 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,” Mr Benbow said.
Australians 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.
Mr Alford said that the pandemic had limited how often the group could get out into the community, but now members would be doing a lot more service and were calling for community support.
“Things like, go to the rodeo, and support the local town, which in turn supports us,” he said.
“Every time you see a Lions person out doing something, support them.”
The Kyabram Lions Club’s average age is 60, and Mr Alford said the Lions would really benefit from younger members.
“We’ve noticed over the last few years that there hasn’t been much interest from younger people to join a service organisation,” he said.
“We appreciate that people are too busy with work and family and stuff like that. They can’t devote as much time to service organisations compared to 15 to 20 years ago when people were a lot more service-oriented.
“So we’re always looking for new members and we’d like some younger service-minded people to maybe look at Lions and join us.”
Every dollar donated will be sent directly to local Lions clubs on the ground in affected areas. Tax deductible donations can be made at https://www.givenow.com.au/australianlionsfoundation
Lions Flood Response in Lismore – ABC Radio Canberra Interview with Lion Wendy Poole
/in In the Media /by JemmaOriginal audio from ABC Radio Canberra.
This interview is with Wendy Poole, Secretary of the Goonellabah-Wollongbar & Districts Lions Club, in the flood affected areas around Lismore.
She talks to ABC Canberra about how volunteers and community groups like Lions are driving the disaster response.
Duration: 8min 14sec
Lion Hero – Phyllis Tsang
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaSydney Defence & Emergency Services Club Treasurer Phyllis is a quiet achiever, where she worked behind the scenes getting the administration of the club sorted. She joined Lions to support her husband Patrick, and the club has no doubt benefited! She has been involved with numerous club projects since the club was chartered.
Hero Lion – Paul Lechowski
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaPaul is a charter member of the Sydney Defence & Emergency Services Club and has been on this journey with them since then. Always the quiet achiever, he almost has a 100% club activities attendance rate. When the going gets tough, Paul is always there to assist.