Heathcote Lions helping others

The recent Heathcote Lions annual changeover dinner celebrated a year of achievements and more than five decades of co-ordinating the local collection for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal.

President, Lorraine Speirs, said the Appeal was the services club’s their first major project 51 years ago.

“I am pleased to report that Heathcote Fire Brigade have agreed to take over the co-ordination of the Appeal next year which is great news,” she said.

Ms Speirs said this was just one area that the small, but dedicated, pride of local Lions had supported over the past twelve months.

“The Lions Club donated over $40,000 this past year to various projects, organisations and community groups which included $5,000 to Rochester Lions Club to assist with the town’s flood recovery,” she said.

“Each year the club donates two $300 awards to Heathcote and Holy Rosary primary school students to assist with their transition to Secondary School.

“In appreciation of Lion, Greg Speirs’, effort in collecting for 43 years and co-ordinating the Royal Children’s Appeal for 36 years, the awards to the schools will now be known as the Greg Speirs Awards.”

The Lions also organised the monthly bush market at Barrack Reserve, a skin cancer screening van in October and the carols in the park in December.

Ms Speirs was returned as president for another term with vice-president Frank Dailey, secretary and treasurer Daryl Wallace, membership chair Chris Cail, and Lion tamer Ian Davey.

Heathcote Lions are actively recruiting new members and anyone interested in joining them should call Lorraine Speirs on 0409 133 194.