AS bushfires continue to devastate communities across Australia, Mount Gambier Lions Club is playing a role in helping the nation rebuild once the danger subsides.
Building on the club’s tool drive initiative, which collects donated hardware items for bushfire affected communities, the membership is now raising money to help the Kangaroo Island community to purchase its own tools once the recovery process starts.
The change in concept follows a realisation that past fundraisers did not always deliver the tools needed on the ground, with club president Trevor Jacobs hopeful the money would also help boost the island’s economy.
“The people they know what they want,” he said.
“In the past unfortunately we have had equipment that was not suitable for what people needed, so the best way is collect money.
“A lot of items, like clothes and food are being donated, but what the people really need is the money to get back on their feet.
“This will also mean the money will be spent on Kangaroo Island as well, so it will hopefully help boost the economy and keep it in the community.
“By making cash donations, items such as chainsaws, post hole borers, fencing strainers and other items to repair and construct fencing, along with other necessary farm tools can be purchased, items not normally found in the handyman’s shed.”
Donated to the club directly or through the Australian Lions Foundation website, Mr Jacobs said 100pc of money raised would be presented to the community.
To get the ball rolling, the Mount Gambier club has already pledged $3000 and hopes to raise another $7000.
“Our Lions District has already received from the Australian Lions Foundation and allocated to recipients, grants totalling $67,000 to victims of the Cudlee Creek Fire,” Mr Jacobs said.
“Similar grants will soon be made available to those in desperate need on Kangaroo Island.
“The Lions Club of Kangaroo Island has already committed $40,000 to the cause, so we want to assist them.
“Lions Clubs International Foundation has committed $500,000 to the Australian bushfire appeal.”
On January 18, the club will also host a barbecue at Bunnings Mount Gambier to raise funds, with all proceeds donated.
“Unfortunately the South East went through the Ash Wednesday fires back in 1983,” Mr Jacobs said.
“The Lions Club of Mount Gambier received a lot of support from other areas of Australia to assist our community then, so we need to reciprocate and support them now.”
Cheque donations can be made via PO Box 990, Mount Gambier, 5290 until the end of February, and will be donated straight to the Kangaroo Island club.
