Lions start their Christmas Raffle

DESPITE last week’s overcast and threatening skies, the Torquay Lions Club has started selling tickets for their Christmas Raffle.

On December 4, Lions president Patricia Blane and Torquay Bendigo Bank Torquay manager Shane Downing helped set up the raffle outside the bank in Gilbert Street,

As is customary for the bank’s managers, Mr Downing bought the first ticket.

The Torquay Lions Club expects the Christmas hamper, carefully selected and arranged by Ms Blane, will be a popular raffle.

“The Christmas hamper is valued at more than $600,” she said.

“Look for our ticket sellers and try your luck knowing you are helping someone who needs a little support.”

The winning ticket will be drawn outside the Torquay Bendigo Bank on December 22 at 3pm.

According to Ms Blane, the Torquay Lions Club had undergone a busy period leading up to summer in Torquay.

“We have had a heavy six months since I became president in July.

“We have raised thousands of dollars with our sausage sizzles and our Lions Train enabling us to assist the community through local, state-wide, national and international projects.

“But we don’t just sit back over the summer.

“As well as our raffles running through to Australia Day, not long after dawn on New Year’s Day 2018, Torquay’s Lions will be working along the foreshore clearing rubbish left behind by revellers.

“We aim to have the beach from the Torquay Surf Club to Cosy Corner cleaned and safe for beachgoers from no later than 8am. It takes a big team of Lions to complete the task but it is one we are happy to do.”

The Torquay Lions will also run their Summer Raffle from December 26 to January 25, and its annual Charity Bowls Day on January 12.

Ms Blane thanked the Torquay people for their wonderful support of the Lions Club throughout the year.

“We are so grateful to the locals who always seem to be there to help us raise funds whenever we ask,” she said.

“On behalf of the Torquay Lions Club members, we wish everyone a joyful Christmas, a happy New Year and may everyone remain safe over the holiday period.”