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
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.
Lion Hero – Patrick Tsang
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaSince the Sydney Defence & Emergency Services club was chartered, President Patrick has always been there to serve in all capacity, wearing many different hats. He is instrumental in the day to day running of the club, both publicly and behind the scenes with administration. Carrying the Lions’ brand, he also serves in the NSW Police, NSW SES, Justices of the Peace, and numerous other associations.
Hero Lion – Jason Li
/in Lion Hero /by JemmaCharter President Jason founded the Sydney Defence & Emergency Services club in 2016 and has been there for the members ever since. When the going gets the tough, the tough get going! He provided the environment where other Lions get to thrive under his leadership.
Belmont Lions Club Support Local Homeless Community
/in HUMANITARIAN, OUR STORIES /by Emily WilliamsBY EMILY WILLIAMS
Many of us take basic hygiene for granted. Belmont Lions Clubs have launched a new initiative to help those who aren’t so privileged.
The Club have recently launched a mobile laundry and shower facility based at Gateway Church in Pelican, available to anyone who needs it.
The service is funded by Belmont Lions Club who raised the money through BBQs and other fundraising campaigns.
In addition to free laundry and shower facilities, volunteers at the Church often provide visitors with food bundles and fresh veggies.
“Our mission of curing hunger and proving warmth, shelter and food all comes together with this project,” said longtime member of the Club, Deidre Schaefer.
The van hopes to bridge the social divide by improving access to basic hygiene for those experiencing homelessness.
Deidre Schaefer from Belmont Lions Club with local government members
Currently, it is estimated that there are over 800 people experiencing homelessness in the Newcastle area.
The Club were also able to purchase a generator using a grant awarded by the NSW government, meaning that the van can operate as a mobile service across the country.
“Anyone in need can call us and we are there” said Schaefer.
To learn more about the project, click HERE.