CARING, supportive and determined are three words used to describe Lioness Club of Mount Gambier members who have gone out of their way to help those in need for the past 40 years.
A part of Lions International, the club operates autonomously from the Lions clubs formed by men, choosing their own projects to support.
Celebrating the anniversary this June, members have looked back on their time with the community group and the achievements made over the years.
“Our longest running project is the library delivery program, which we have been doing right from our inception,” member Wynne Turner said.
“The Mount Gambier Library puts together suitable books and we deliver them to those that are housebound.
“Then there is the hospital packs which are filled with toiletries and given to people who come in by ambulance and do not realise they are going to stay.”
Helping wherever they can, members volunteer regularly at the Sunset Community Kitchen, knit beanies for people going through chemotherapy and undertake the Look Good Feel Better project run by the cosmetics industry.
“We invite guests who are going through cancer treatment to a little afternoon tea where there is a beautician and a wig supplier to help them feel more comfortable in their own skin,” Ms Turner said.
“It also provides a bit of an outlet for the people who are going through the same thing.”
Like most service groups, the Lioness club members spend much of their time fundraising through barbecues and garden days.
They can also be seen at community events including the South East Field Days, Relay for Life and eisteddfods and school events such as the Lions Youth of the Year and Mad Minute contests.
However, Ms Turner said one of the most important parts is they support each other.
“I joined 30 years ago when I was recently widowed, it was a very non-threatening place for a single person who was used to being part of a partnership and all of a sudden was a lady on her own,” she said.
“It was to make myself go out and do things, but the ladies were very welcoming and I made great friendships over the years, as have many others.
“We support each other as well as supporting the community.”
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the local club, Ms Turner said they were hoping to invite as many former members as possible to a special event next month.
“Because we have been going for 40 years, lots of ladies have come and gone over time,” she said.
“We have certainly lost touch with people who have left Mount Gambier, but even of those that are still here, many have moved homes.
“While we have done our best to trace them, we know there are some out there that we have not been able to contact.
“We encourage those who have not already received an invitation to take this as a personal invitation and come along and join us.”
The Lioness Club of Mount Gambier will hold a high tea at Mount Gambier City Hall in celebration of the 40 years on June 2 from 3pm to 7pm.
Contact Beryl Mahoney on 0407 553 196 to confirm attendance.
