Lennox Head Lions Club has received two awards presented by the immediate past Lions District Governor Nicole Phillips.
The first award was to the club for ‘Dedication and Empathy during the floods of 2022’ and a Community Service Award to member Derek Audus.
Janelle Gaggin, President of Lennox Lions, said she is extremely proud of the awards which were given as a result of the huge flood relief effort the club has undertaken this year.
‘As a result of direct donations of funds and goods, fundraising and grant applications we have dispersed $150 000 to flood affected people in our region and we have forged significant relationships with the flood hubs,’ she said.
‘Every member has done their part and there has been a huge effort by a small group of members in delivering and administering those funds.’
Derek Audus is one of those members who works behind the scenes, applying for grants and coordinating activities. As chair of the Flood Committee at Lennox Lions, Mr Audus ensures that all funds and goods received are delivered to the target communities as soon as possible. To date 90%, of everything which has been received has been distributed.
Team effort
‘I am proud to receive the award, but it has truly been a team effort,’ said Mr Audus. ‘We are blessed with a group of people who do much more than roll sausages. I am just one cog in the wheel.’
Ms Gaggin said that it was pleasing to receive the awards in 2022, given that this is the 20th year of operation for Lennox Head Lions.
‘During that twenty years we have received ongoing support from our community. We couldn’t do it without them,’ she said. The club says the awards will be proudly displayed during the twenty year celebrations later this year.
Meanwhile there is an ongoing need in the region, with 1,400 people still in emergency housing and many more camping out in their homes. Lennox Lions says it has no intention of slowing down now.
They are fundraising through their regular BBQs but also have three big fundraisers coming up: The John Mitchell Charity Golf Day, The Town and Gown Art Show at Lennox Head Public School on 16-18 September, and sale of the Lens on Lennox Calendar later this year.
