Lions give auto group a much-needed lift

THE Torquay Lions Club has jacked up its support for the automotive group at the Torquay Community Men’s Shed with a critical donation towards their efforts to restore a donated car.

A 1978 Mini Clubman was donated by Gus Shea, a member of the Men’s Shed, for the group to restore to its original condition.

When the Torquay Lions heard the Men’s Shed needed a two-tonne trolley jack and vehicle dollies, first vice president Allen Osman moved quickly to purchase the items.

Men’s Shed president John Williams said the gift from the Lions could not have come at a better time,

“The automotive group are right at the stage when the trolley jack becomes an essential item in their project.

“The vehicle dollies make it so much easier to mover the Clubman at this time around the workshop”.

Mr Osman said he was delighted that the Torquay Lions Club had agreed to support the Men’s Shed and that he was able to present the jack and dollies to the Shed’s automotive group.

“We help many organisations around town and this is another donation that we know will be well used.

“The vehicle will be auctioned when it is restored to raise more funds for the Torquay Men’s Shed.

“This is a good example of the Lions helping an organisation to engage its members while working towards raising funds for its operations.”

Automotive group coordinator Gus Shea accepted the equipment from the Lions earlier this month.

“This equipment is valuable for our restoration program,” he said.

“We expect restoration to take 150 hours.”

Mr Shea said the group organised monthly outings for its members to visit various locations for anyone with an interest in motor vehicles of any era.

“For example, we have been to look at fire brigade vehicles, auto museums and other spots where there are one or more unusual vehicles which attract our attention.”