New Lions president prepares for a busy year

WHEN introducing her new team for the coming year, Torquay Lions Club president Tricia Blane alerted the club to another year of hard work.

“We have had a successful year helping and supporting people, groups and other organisations in 2017-2018.

“Last year our hard work paid off, but this coming year will be another active one for local Lions as we continue to live up to our motto ‘We Serve’.

Ms Blane was speaking at the annual changeover dinner of the Torquay Lions held at the Lions Village last month when her new executive team was installed for the next 12 months.

Lions Zone chair John Bell formally installed the team and inducted a new member for the club.

Ms Blane was proud to announce at the dinner that the Torquay Lions had distributed about $40,000 to local, national and international causes.

“We worked hard to raise those funds for distribution,” she said.

“Our regular sausage sizzles, summer raffles and other fundraising activities were strongly supported by the Torquay community and visitors to our region.

“Most importantly, however, the money raised from the community all went back to various communities in one form or another.

She pointed out that about 45 individuals and groups benefitted from Torquay Lions’ efforts.

“Our donations have ranged from $250 scholarships for students at local primary schools to $10,000 support for Foundation 61 in its work rehabilitating young men from drug and alcohol addiction.

“Funds went towards supporting childhood cancer research, prostate cancer research, leukaemia research, spinal cord research and many others.

“Disaster relief projects in Western Victoria and internationally, both received $2,000, and in keeping with our youth assistance aims we provided $3,000 to Camp Koala, a Lions youth camp in Queenscliff.

“Locally, the Lions have done a lot. Spring Creek House received $1,650, the Women’s Sharing Shed $1,000 and Bellbrae CFA $2,000. Many other local groups covering a diverse range of activities received funds to help them through the year.”

Ms Blane thanked the Torquay community for their continuing support of the Lions Club and pointed out that although hundreds of hours were involved in fundraising, the Lions received great satisfaction when they came to distribute the funds.

“That satisfaction is the driving force in our continuing efforts.”