As families across the country feel the ongoing pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, the position of volunteers in building resilience and delivering support has never been more vital.
This National Volunteers Week (19-25 May), Lions Australia is celebrating the everyday superheroes who quietly serve their communities everyday. The organisation is also highlighting the benefits and many opportunities for Australians to get involved.
From flood and drought recovery efforts to local food drives, Lions volunteers are stepping in to meet growing demand to help people in need in the community.
Since the first club was formed in Australia over 75 years ago, Lions has grown to become Australia’s largest service organisation with 1300 clubs and over 25,000 members in towns and suburbs nationwide.
The organisation is now delivering a wide range of programs and initiatives across the country ranging from funding medical research into childhood cancer to providing support to the hearing and vision impaired, youth programs, skin cancer screening vans, medical assistance dogs, emergency and disaster relief programs and a myriad of local infrastructure and humanitarian projects in local communities.
Chief executive officer Rob Oerlemans says it’s never been a better time to join and the more people who get involved the bigger impact the organisation will have.
“We’re seeing the cost-of-living crisis affect more families than ever. Whether it’s financial stress, loneliness, or access to food or basic needs, volunteers are making a huge difference but we need more hands,” he said.
Lions Australia has therefore set a goal of 30,000 members by 2030 and 50,000 members by 2050.
“Whether you’re 18 or 80, whether you have an hour or a lifetime to give, you can be part of something that truly matters. Even one hour a week can create a ripple effect.
“Our goal is that the demographic makeup of our clubs matches the demography of the community in which they operate. We’re so proud to have a growing number of speciality clubs across Australia ranging from young Leo clubs, virtual clubs, ethnic clubs, special interest and autism clubs.
We have key focus areas and a number of fantastic Lions foundations. Whatever your interest and passion, Lions can help you make a difference,” added Mr Oerlemans.
For more information Lions and how to get involved visit www.lionsclubs.org.au
