Nov.
1998 N5 Convention - Cheque Presentation
The District 201 N5 Lions Convention went extremely
well, with lots of fun, along with the business
sessions and informative presentations. One of the
highlights for many was the appearance of a little
girl with a very big smile in her recently acquired
Hart Walker.
The Lions from City of Ryde club had particularly
proud smiles on their faces, as their club assisted
Magdalena with funds for her Walker. It obviously
required a great deal of concentration to keep
moving, but the smile, as usual, said it all.
Magdalena Karvouriaris and her parents Nicky and
Mario were in attendance, along with Richard
Spencer, CEO and Rob White from the Spastic Centre
of NSW to receive a cheque for $65,000 which had
been raised by Australian Lions for the Hart Walker
program.
This made a total of $165,000 as a result of the
efforts of Australian Lions, through the Lion Mint
Australia program and individual club donations.
Ralph Faren-Price, Multiple District Lion Mint
Chairman emphasised the fact that our clubs' support
of the MD Lion Mint program has helped to achieve
this great result. Multiple District council
Chairman Franz Mairinger had the honour of handing
over an oversized cheque to Magdalena, whilst
Richard Spencer took possession of the real thing.
Executive Officer John Powell pointed out that some
of this amount was received by Lions as a result of
other organisations and members of the public who
had seen our video, and held fund-raising functions
to support the program.
I
think Magdalena was more impressed when Lion Michael
Morley, Executive Officer of Quest Life skills
Australia presented her with a Q Bear. 'Q' is short
for Quentin, a super cuddly bear who is the mascot
of the Lions Quest skills for Growing program,
helping our primary school children to develop
essential Life and citizenship skills.
The presentation evoked a great sense of pride, a
lot of emotion from many, and a new determination to
ensure that
all the children waiting for Hart Walkers have their
chance as soon as possible.
The final chapter was played out following the
presentation, when the delegates voted unanimously
to adopt the Australian Children's mobility
Foundation as a District Project, and to submit a
motion to the delegates at our National Convention
in Brisbane to approve "The Australian Lions
Children's Mobility Foundation" as a Multiple
District Project.
Congratulations Lions.
Footnote:
The total raised by Lions prior to the establishment
of the Australian Lions Children's Mobility
Foundation in Brisbane in May 1999 was $350,000. As
of November 2005, Lions and the Australian Lions
Children's Mobility Foundation have assisted with
funding for 465 Hart Walkers which have been fitted.
Approx 410 more children who were not suited to the
Hart Walker have also been funded for other types of
Walkers. |
