THE Lioness Club of Mount Gambier has pledged to continue servicing the community despite uncertainty over its future.
It comes as Lions International – the governing body for Lioness clubs around the globe – will cease the Lioness program, encouraging existing clubs and members to continue under the Lions banner.
While the Blue Lake city’s Lionesses are yet to make a firm decision on their future after June 30, 2021, it is business as usual for the next 12 months.
Mount Gambier’s Lioness club is well known in the community for its extensive fundraising efforts and community service, holding several major fundraisers each year.
Now with a looming decision to make about its future after 40 years, the volunteer organisation remains committed to its community service mindset as COVID-19 restrictions ease.
Newly-inducted president Beryl Mahoney said the club’s 26 members were eager to reunite and have a positive community impact after four months of not meeting.
“The only thing which has really continued within the Lioness Club during COVID-19 is our hospital packs which one of our members provide to the Mount Gambier District Hospital,” Ms Mahoney said.
“These packs have essentials such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, a comb, shampoo and conditioner and are handed our to those who are in emergency care and need to stay the night but may not have the essentials with them on hand.”
Ms Mahoney said members had not met since March with last week’s annual changeover dinner the first time members had all come together during that time.
“There were a few times where we met up, had a take away coffee and socially distanced while we were down by the lakes,” she said.
“The members really appreciated this because for some of us the club is their only social outing they would have.
“Meeting together is our main social interaction and being able to work together in the community again is something we are all looking forward to.”
The Lioness club will now reinstate a number of services and fundraising including its regular delivery of library books to home-bound residents, conducting sausage sizzles and the annual Christmas raffle to raise funds for the community.
