Though only a relatively small club, the Lennox Head Lions are contributing to the big job of supporting flood-affected people on the North Coast.
From day one they have been assisting evacuation centres feeding people in Lennox Head and Ballina.
Lennox Lions member Christine Stores said the need was obvious and overwhelming so the Lennox Head Lions Club embarked on a plan to provide as much support as they could manage.
Since then they have managed to raise and distribute over $100,000 to people displaced and living in Lennox Head, Woodburn, Wardell, Broadwater, Bungawalbin, Coraki, Ballina and farms and properties between.
Ms Stores says that money raised has come from individual donations and from significant events run by local groups as diverse as the High Tea Ladies, Her Waves Surf Contest and The Arts Collective. ‘We have been further supported through the Australian Lions Foundation.
Humbled by the trust
‘The Lennox Lions have been humbled by the amount of trust placed in them to distribute their donations and its small band of willing and enthusiastic volunteer members ensures that every dollar raised is targetted to provide the greatest benefit.’
Though a small group with only 25 active members, the Lennox Lions have been active in each community providing direct support through the provision of vouchers that can be used in local businesses and/or hardware, petrol and grocery stores. But with the arrival of winter, the focus has been on the provision of quilts and pillow sets, heaters and gas cylinders.
Collaboration with other groups
Lennox Lions have also been successful in establishing two valuable collaborative programs. The first is with Hunter Valley Resort, Pokolbin which has made a significant donation of 55 beds. Lions worked with Goonellabah-Wollongbar Lions Club to have these beds distributed to families across flood-affected areas throughout the North Coast, including Ballina and Woodburn.
Another partnership involving ‘Pillow Talk’ has resulted in quilts and pillow sets being donated and distributed to many people still living in tents or other temporary accommodation.
Raised over $100,000
Ms Stores says the community response has been overwhelming. ‘We could never have imagined when we sent out the first request that we would raise over $100,000. We are very grateful for our local support. It’s been more work than expected especially for the small group spearheading our assistance packages, but the grateful responses from individuals and Hubs has made the task easier.’
Ms Stores says the Lennox Lions have no intention of slowing down now. ‘The needs are ongoing and while the Lennox Lions have the funds to distribute they will work with local communities to provide some relief to those who continue to face hardship.’
Charity Golf Day
Their next big fundraising efforts include a Charity Golf Day to be held on August 28 at the Byron Bay Golf Club and the ‘Town and Gown Art Show’ in Lennox Head in September.
‘Assistance from service organisations like ours is important because it is immediate, doesn’t involve red tape and can be tailored to local needs,’ says Ms Stores. ‘Our response in each community has been different depending on their local needs. That has been highly appreciated by Hub organisers as well as the flood-affected community.’
You can find out more by visiting the Lennox Head Lions Club Facebook page or their website or you can call 0414 308 082 or email: [email protected].
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