Fundraising the highlight of tenure

THE Lions Club of Mount Gambier has donated more than $32,000 to projects and organisations in the past 12 months.

The total was highlighted by retiring President Martin Vercoe in his final address at the club’s 62nd changeover dinner.

Donations included $5000 each to Sunset Kitchen and Wet Noses, and $1000 each to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Mount Gambier Community Christmas Lunch, Mount Gambier Cancer Support Group and Mount Gambier Breast Cancer Support Group.

“What a busy year for the Lions Club of Mount Gambier with many projects being undertaken,” Mr Vercoe said.

“Without members, and our partners’ support, these projects would not have happened.

“A new project recently ratified by the Board, and now up and running by Lion Lorraine Watson, is ‘Blankets of Love’ where she has been making blankets and donating them to various organisations around the Mount.

“As a follow on, Lion Trevor Jacobs proposed we run a blanket drive.

“We have amassed a large quantity of clothing, blankets new and old, bedding and towels to be distributed to Vinnies, AC Care and the Salvation Army,” he said.

The club’s new leader is Allen Woodham OAM who also served as president in 2020-21 and has held other senior positions including Treasurer.

Mr Vercoe presented a James D. Richardson Honour Award to Jill Austin in recognition of her work to introduce children’s vision screening in local schools as well co-ordinating Bunnings Barbecues which are a major fundraiser.

Life membership was awarded to Brendon Hirth who joined Lions in 1979 and is past club president, was the longtime manager of the club’s catering team at the SE Field Days and continues to have hands-on involvement with many projects.

A Melvin Jones Fellowship was awarded to Haydn McPherson who has given 39 years’ service to the club and community.