MEDOWIE Lions Club members have had one of their busiest years yet, giving more than $54,000 back to the community while clocking up thousands of volunteer hours.
Club president John Tunbridge said members completed 181 activities and made 86 donations throughout the year.
“This year has been one of the most productive, impactful and busiest in the history of the Medowie Lions Club,” Mr Tunbridge said.
Together, members contributed 8,388 volunteer hours, with their activities estimated to have reached more than 39,000 people.
Driver Reviver was once again a big part of the year, with volunteers handing out 3,346 cups of tea and coffee and 925 food items over 14 days.
Back in Medowie, Bingo raised more than $17,000, while Bunnings barbecues brought in more than $16,000.
There was plenty happening on the environmental side too, with members planting or caring for 151 trees and collecting 5,590 cans and bottles for recycling.
They also collected an incredible 944,913 plastic lids and aluminium ring pulls, helped by Bingo players who regularly brought bags of recyclables along.
More than $18,000 went towards hunger relief, including Foodway, school hampers and support for local schools, preschools, aged-care facilities and community groups.
Another $10,325 supported mental health causes, with donations also going towards childhood cancer research, wildlife rescue, the Rural Fire Service, BlazeAid, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and youth programs.
Mr Tunbridge said the $54,746.26 given back was the highest amount the club had ever donated.
“Every member should feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved together,” he said.
One of the club’s next fundraisers is its second High Tea on Saturday, 19 September, raising money for childhood cancer research.
Around 60 people are expected to attend the event, which will feature a fashion parade, raffles, and plenty to eat.
“We’re hoping to get 60 guests,” Ann Byron said.
“They’ll be served a glass of bubbles on arrival, and then they have unlimited tea and coffee, and we have tea plates with savoury and sweet on it.”
Mrs Byron said guests were encouraged to dress up and have a little fun with their outfits.
“Oh, of course. Dressed up. Try and get a bit of headwear,” she laughed.
Lions members will also be doing the catering themselves, making fresh sandwiches and baking for the day.
The High Tea runs from 10am to 12pm, with tickets costing $45.
For bookings, contact 0422 744 293
By Althea GUINSBERG
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