BY EMILY WILLIAMS
The Lions Club of Valentine refer to themselves as ‘the Club with the big heart” and it couldn’t be more true. At our recent Mini Convention in Melbourne, the Club was awarded the Top Club Service Project for their ongoing commitment to supporting their local community.
Stemming from a partnership with a local not-for-profit, Valentine Lions Club has directly helped over 2250 people in the community since 2021.
The Club has joined forces with Survivors R Us, a local organisation that directly supports those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and unemployment.
Amidst yet another Covid-19 outbreak in 2021, Lions banded together to care for their community and support its vulnerable members, whilst lifting the profile of Lions and their commitment to serving others.
“The members of the Lions Club of Valentine have been super enthusiastic about our involvement with this project. It has invigorated our Club and given it a real focus during the second year of the Covid pandemic,” said Vice President Dawn Lambert.
Valentine Lions cooking a weekly breakfast at Survivors R Us
Each week since July 2021, Lions have cooked a hot, hearty breakfast available to anyone who needs it. But the Club’s support of the community extends well beyond the weekly breakfast.
With the help of grants from the NSW Government totalling over $32,000, Valentine Lions Club has put together 195 food hampers, 195 Christmas hampers, 405 toy packs, 152 ‘Back to School’ backpacks, and 576 dignity care packs for people of all ages. All of these were distributed to disadvantaged members of their local community, in partnership with Survivors R Us.
In addition to accumulating over 900 hours of work on this project, the Club nominated Survivors R Us as the sole beneficiary of the $6,000 raised during their annual Christmas raffle to assist with their continuing work.
Valentine Lions presenting Maria Martin, founder of Survivors R Us, with the proceeds from their Christmas raffle
Valentine Lions Club’s ‘Caring for the Community’ project is ongoing and continues to uplift those in their community. Yet again proving that where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.
To learn more about Valentine Lions Club’s ongoing project, click here.
Valentine Lions Club Wins Top Club Service Project Award
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
The Lions Club of Valentine refer to themselves as ‘the Club with the big heart” and it couldn’t be more true. At our recent Mini Convention in Melbourne, the Club was awarded the Top Club Service Project for their ongoing commitment to supporting their local community.
Stemming from a partnership with a local not-for-profit, Valentine Lions Club has directly helped over 2250 people in the community since 2021.
The Club has joined forces with Survivors R Us, a local organisation that directly supports those experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, and unemployment.
Amidst yet another Covid-19 outbreak in 2021, Lions banded together to care for their community and support its vulnerable members, whilst lifting the profile of Lions and their commitment to serving others.
“The members of the Lions Club of Valentine have been super enthusiastic about our involvement with this project. It has invigorated our Club and given it a real focus during the second year of the Covid pandemic,” said Vice President Dawn Lambert.
Valentine Lions cooking a weekly breakfast at Survivors R Us
Each week since July 2021, Lions have cooked a hot, hearty breakfast available to anyone who needs it. But the Club’s support of the community extends well beyond the weekly breakfast.
With the help of grants from the NSW Government totalling over $32,000, Valentine Lions Club has put together 195 food hampers, 195 Christmas hampers, 405 toy packs, 152 ‘Back to School’ backpacks, and 576 dignity care packs for people of all ages. All of these were distributed to disadvantaged members of their local community, in partnership with Survivors R Us.
In addition to accumulating over 900 hours of work on this project, the Club nominated Survivors R Us as the sole beneficiary of the $6,000 raised during their annual Christmas raffle to assist with their continuing work.
Valentine Lions presenting Maria Martin, founder of Survivors R Us, with the proceeds from their Christmas raffle
Valentine Lions Club’s ‘Caring for the Community’ project is ongoing and continues to uplift those in their community. Yet again proving that where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.
To learn more about Valentine Lions Club’s ongoing project, click here.
Gympie South Lions to the rescue for flood victim facing $7k fine
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe Gympie South Lions Club have come to the rescue of a local flood victim after he was threatened with a $7,000 fine for having flood debris on his footpath.
Tom Atkinson and his partner were overlooked when council were doing their curbside debris pick up following major flooding in Gympie earlier this year, and with only two small cars (without towbars), they were unable to transport the flood debris to the tip themselves.
Flood victim Tom Atkinson was threatened with a $7k fine
After seeing the story in the local paper, members of the Lions Club of Gympie South offered to help remove the debris for them. A couple of days later, the band of heroes without capes arrived at Tom’s place, loaded the debris into a large trailer and took it to the tip.
The Gympie Council had agreed to waive the dump fees if the rubbish was dumped within the timeframe and they were true to their word.
Tom and his partner were very relieved and appreciative of the assistance from the Gympie South Lions, Senior Constable Andrew White for the loan of the trailer and some helpful friends (Tom also helped).
Many hands make light work and the job was done it no time – well done to all involved.
Local Lions Clubs continue to be on the ground in flood-affected areas and fundraising 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.
Kingborough Lions Make Significant Donation to Childhood Cancer Research
/in DONATIONS, HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES, RESEARCH & INNOVATION /by JemmaPhoto L – R: Kingborough Lions Eric Madsen, DGE Paul Cairnduff, Mary Cairnduff, PDG Hester van Niekerk and Chair ALCCRF PDG Ron Skeen.
The Lions Club of Kingborough presented $86,500 to the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation (ALCCRF) at the 2022 National Convention. PDG Hester van Niekerk writes…
Since 2016 the Lions Club of Kingborough has donated over $86,500 to the ALCCRF. As part of their fundraising efforts, they have partnered up with a number of local businesses to reach this goal including:
• Management of their local Shopping Centre. This resulted in being asked to assist in many and various events such as assisting the Easter Bunny, dressing as the 3 witches at Halloween and assisting with children’s activities throughout the year.
They have also been doing Christmas Gift Wrapping for many years. Management provide everything needed for all events undertaken at no cost to the group.
• Professional cake decorator who agreed to ice the Lions 80g mini cakes to sell to schools, early childhood organisations and at their Christmas wrapping stall at the local shopping complex.
• Local shops who supplied toys and books to go into small raffles for children at their Christmas wrapping event.
• Local artists including a Master Artist who provided an original water colour work. This was sold with 100% of sale going to the ALCCRF.
• Local quilters who provided the group with quilts that are sold – and again 100% of sale going to the ALCCRF.
• Local newspaper who kindly allowed editorials promoting their activities and events.
“Our only cost is that of the mini cakes, but in exchange for the support we recognise our sponsors, promote Lions and ALCCRF…helping hands from members, partners and friends is what goes towards increasing the ‘light’ and search for a cure,” says PDG Hester.
Well done to the Kingborough Lions Club for your dedication to such an important cause.
To find out more about how you can support the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, click here.
Read for Ukraine – Lions support Ukrainian Refugees
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by JemmaIn times of crisis Lions Clubs do what they can to make a difference and that’s exactly what local volunteers are doing right now to support the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
The Glenside Lions Club run the Glenside Bookmart, known as the largest and most loved second hand bookstore in South Australia, and have generously offered their entire takings for the month of June to the Ukrainian appeal.
The target for June’s book sales and resulting donation is $20,000.
Glenside Lions President, John Standingford says, “the conflict in Ukraine has driven millions of people from their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis that is forcing families to search for safety and security.”
“We can’t send them weapons and ammunition, but the money we send will buy immediate relief items for those who have fled Putin’s onslaught – such as food, clothing, hygiene supplies, sleeping bags and medicine.”
The expanded children’s section at the Glenside Bookmart is designed to encourage children to explore and read with no pressure to buy. Prices of children’s books are typically $1− $3.
The Glenside Lions encourage all South Australians to come and browse the pages, turn a leaf and buy a second hand book, whether it be for your child, yourself or as a gift, there are many to choose from in every category!
The Glenside Bookmart is located at the northern end of Kennaway Street, Tusmore and is open Friday and Monday from 10am – 1pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 3pm.
In addition to local Lions projects and initiatives in Australia, the Lions Clubs International Foundation has now provided over US $1,153,260 in grants to support Ukrainian refugees who have crossed their borders. Lions in Ukraine have also received LCIF grants to address the critical needs of people who remain in the country.
To find out more about how you can help support Ukrainian refugees with the Glenside Bookmart, click here.
Lions Hero – Deidre Carroll
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaDeidre is a tireless worker for the Club and community. She is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, Bulletin Editor, Publicity Officer, Tail Twister, District Cabinet – Nurses Scholarship, Public Relations, and Children’s Health and Mobility Foundation. She organises 3 street stalls per year which raise, on average, $1300 per stall. Deidre has a weekly column in the local paper and a weekly radio program in which she promotes Lions and the community.
The Countdown is on – Lions Mini-Convention starts soon!
/in NEWS, OUR STORIES /by JemmaHundreds of Lions volunteers and community leaders are travelling to Melbourne this week for Lions Australia’s 2022 National Convention which will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Lions in Australia.
CEO Rob Oerlemans says the Convention is the perfect opportunity for volunteers from across the country to reconnect, reflect and be inspired.
“Lions Australia is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year and the theme of “always” being there for the community could not be more relevant.”
“75 years ago, the first Lions Club was formed in Lismore NSW. Today our Lismore Lions and their colleagues and friends from over 1100 Lions Clubs from throughout Australia are working on the recovery efforts for those Australians affected by the floods, while we continue to support those recovering from the Black Summer bushfires.”
“Our national convention is a great opportunity for our members and leaders to come together to celebrate, reflect and plan ahead for the future,” says Lions Australia CEO Rob Oerlemans.
Attendees will enjoy a panel discussion about inspiring community projects featuring great speakers including Mr. Jaswinder Singh of Sikh Volunteers Australia, Mr. Andrew Kelly – CEO of The Antarctic Science Foundation and Ms Cinnamon Evans, CEO of CERES, a world class social enterprise incorporating urban farming and sustainability education in Melbourne.
The National finals of the Lions Youth of the Year and Leo of the Year will be held and updates and presentations will be shared from other Lions foundations and major projects.
Interested in joining the convention but can’t attend this year? Click here to find out how you can join the Live Stream!
For more information on the Lions Australia National Convention visit https://lionsclubs.org.au/event/lions-australia-mini-convention-melbourne/
Lions and Disaster Relief Australia Unite for Flood Recovery Effort
/in EMERGENCY RESPONSE, OUR STORIES /by JemmaThe 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.
Tewantin Noosa Lions Club Celebrates Milestone By Helping Those In Need
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
To celebrate Tewantin Noosa Lions Club’s 55th anniversary, the Club has partnered with LiveLife Pharmacies throughout Queensland to provide personal care packs to those in need.
Over the next two months, with the support of Queensland Police Domestic Violence Officers, a range of these care packs will be packed by Lions and distributed through various Lions Clubs, community groups, and Councils.
The Tewantin Noosa Lions Club Co-ordinator for the project, Michael Roach, is excited to work with LiveLife Pharmacies again.
“Our Tewantin Noosa Lions Club is excited about this partnership with LiveLife Pharmacy and the involvement of their many Pharmacies throughout Queensland. From our earlier partnership some years back, our Club received many emotional emails from recipients expressing gratitude for the items received when funds and crisis had impacted daily living for them and their children. We are also seeking other community-minded people to come and join us with these rewarding Lions Projects,” said Roach.
The CEO of LiveLife Pharmacies, Clint Coker is also looking forward to reigniting the partnership.
“I welcome this partnership with Lions, given the fantastic work they do in the many communities they serve throughout Queensland. This is LiveLife Pharmacy’s second joint venture with Lions and we are very happy to again contribute to their worthy humanitarian assistance program on behalf of not just the communities we serve directly, but those most in need.
It’s a comfort knowing that, in turn, if our immediate community was in need, Lions Clubs across Queensland would reciprocate. We would like to thank our suppliers, and participating LiveLife Pharmacy stores throughout Queensland, who together donated over $30,000 worth of products to this worthy cause. LiveLife Pharmacy is proud to support various community organisations and initiatives as a part of its Community Support Program,” said Croker.
To learn more about this project, you can visit Tewantin Noosa Lions Club’s Facebook page here.
You can find more information on LiveLife Pharmacies and locate your nearest store here.
Rosewood Lions Club Give Back to the Elderly
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
Rosewood Lions Club have worked with Cabanda Care to introduce Emergency Medical Information Booklets to the homes of more than 60 residents.
Lion Tanya Johnson, a resident of Cabanda Care’s Independent Units herself, co-ordinated the project.
“I was thrilled to find out that more than 60 residents now have the Emergency Medical Information Booklets filled out, on display in their homes and ready, just in case of an emergency,” said Johnson.
Project Co-Ordintator, Lion Tanya Johnson with Rosewood Ambulance Officer, Monica
These booklets act as a one-stop-shop for an individual’s medical records and personal information, including current medication and emergency contacts. In the instance of an emergency, the Emergency Medical Information Booklet provides paramedics access to all of the information that they require quickly, in order to best treat the patient.
Over 20 years ago, Lions Australia, Rotary and South Australia Ambulance Service combined to launch the Emergency Medical Information Booklet. Since then, over 1.4 million books have been distributed across Australia and they have saved many lives.
Members of the Rosewood Lions Club will visit the residents bi-annually to ensure that all medical information within the booklets is kept up to date.
You can find out more about Rosewood Lions Club here.
Lions Hero – Frankie Tang
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaLion Frankie Tang’s trademark is his smiling face. His strength lies in his leadership abilities and his cheerful disposition. He actively encourages the members of the Lions Club of Melbourne Chinese to further their own management skill by attending Lions leadership training programmes.