HISTORY:
For some years Bangalow Lions supplied food vouchers for needy folk through the local St Vinnies. Unfortunately, Bangalow St Vinnies folded due to facilities and safety concerns.
A couple of years ago, a Lions member David Noakes, observed a number of women sleeping in cars near toilets in Piccabeen Park, Bangalow.
A small committee was formed to explore what we could do. We understood it may take time to earn the confidence of these people. Hence our signage. We appeared for 2 hours, twice a week for over a month before one of the ladies approached us. That was the breakthrough!
For some years Bangalow Lions supplied food vouchers for needy folk through the local St Vinnies. Unfortunately, Bangalow St Vinnies folded due to facilities and safety concerns.
A couple of years ago, a Lions member David Noakes, observed a number of women sleeping in cars near toilets in Piccabeen Park, Bangalow.
A small committee was formed to explore what we could do. We understood it may take time to earn the confidence of these people. Hence our signage. We appeared for 2 hours, twice a week for over a month before one of the ladies approached us. That was the breakthrough!
HOW DOES IT WORK:
The food vouchers are for $50 and can only be used at Foodworks in Bangalow. The staff at Foodworks are familiar with the program. Vouchers can only be used for food, no cigarettes or alcohol. Foodworks give us a 10% discount.
WE have a policy that we don’t judge. If anyone has the courage to reach out for help, our roll is to provide help.
Initially we were handing out 6 to 8 vouchers per week. A cost of about $20,000 per year. Our club, together with individual donation could afford this.
GOING FORWARD:
We are dispensing 12 to 20 vouchers per week. Annual cost of over $40,000 is beyond Bangalow Lions to fund on its own.
Bangalow Lions are committed to $15,000 per year. Individuals are contributing $8 to $10,000 per year, and recently Byron Services Club donated $10,000.
It is a great project, providing nutrition, assistance, together with a social connection. We have been able to find work and accommodation for some younger people who have requested our help.
A number of people have written, or dropped in, to tell us how we helped them through a dark time in their lives.
In 20 years in Apex and 40 years in Lions, this is the most rewarding project that I have been associated with.
Thank you
Neil Sowerby
Bangalow Lions Club
The food vouchers are for $50 and can only be used at Foodworks in Bangalow. The staff at Foodworks are familiar with the program. Vouchers can only be used for food, no cigarettes or alcohol. Foodworks give us a 10% discount.
WE have a policy that we don’t judge. If anyone has the courage to reach out for help, our roll is to provide help.
Initially we were handing out 6 to 8 vouchers per week. A cost of about $20,000 per year. Our club, together with individual donation could afford this.
GOING FORWARD:
We are dispensing 12 to 20 vouchers per week. Annual cost of over $40,000 is beyond Bangalow Lions to fund on its own.
Bangalow Lions are committed to $15,000 per year. Individuals are contributing $8 to $10,000 per year, and recently Byron Services Club donated $10,000.
It is a great project, providing nutrition, assistance, together with a social connection. We have been able to find work and accommodation for some younger people who have requested our help.
A number of people have written, or dropped in, to tell us how we helped them through a dark time in their lives.
In 20 years in Apex and 40 years in Lions, this is the most rewarding project that I have been associated with.
Thank you
Neil Sowerby
Bangalow Lions Club
