Lions hard at work with many projects

The Mataura Lions Club manure drive is on again this year.

Club president Dianne Callaghan said the drive was the club’s annual fundraiser with proceeds going to support a variety of community projects.

"This year’s proceeds will be distributed to community groups including Mataura Scouts, Mataura Youth Centre and Otago/Southland Rescue helicopter," she said.

"The club had also been busy with a variety of projects this year. Every year the Mataura Lions Club has Toot for Tucker, a collection of non-perishable donated food items from Mataura locals. All items are delivered to the Gore Salvation Army to make up food parcels.

"Early this year we put a lilliput library in Kana St and we also presented our first annual citizen award, which went to Mathew Hoffman-Whyte for his volunteer work within the Mataura community."

Mataura Lions also sponsored Noah Berrio, who won Computer Capers, a Lions Club award. Noah attends St Peter’s College and entered his six-slide PowerPoint presentation on the topic of "Working together as one".

"In August, the Remuera Lions Club donated a pallet of citrus fruit, which was given out to the Mataura locals. We also made donations throughout the year to Suicide Prevention, Gore Walkers group, Lions skin cancer screening [service], Cyclone Gabrielle and helped two local families with medical costs.

"Our next project is to upgrade the herb gardens at the Mataura Community Gardens."

Mataura Lions have been rebuilding their club with new members and are very keen to serve their community.