Lara Lions Club 'We Serve'

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  • Lara Community Centre
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• Fundraising
  • Christmas Cakes
  • McManus Annual Charity Golf Day
  • Super Sprint Cycling Event
  • Lions Mints
  • Skandia Geelong Week
  • Australian International Airshow
  • Lara Heritage Festival
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  • Geelong Cemeteries Trust
• Youth
  • Leo's Club
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Leo's Club of Lara

District Governor Installs New Leo Executive

A hard working V2 District Governor Mary Harlow installed the new Leo executive, during many other duties during her visit to the Lions Club of Lara on Monday 27 October 2008.

District Governor's Visit

The Lara Leos Club had a visit from the District V2 Governor, Mary Harlow and the District V2 Leo Chairman, Ken Johnston at its last business meeting held Thursday 9 October 2008, at Bruno’s Pizza, Six Ways. Both Mary and Ken congratulated the Leos on their efforts. The Leos were very interested in hearing the different perspectives expressed by both Mary & Ken. After the meeting the Leos walked away with several new ideas and approaches as a result of Mary’s inspiration, encouraging the Leos to continue to be involved in making a difference to the community. As a result of the meeting $250.00 will be donated from Leos towards the LEHP foundation.

Leo's Club of Lara Report to District Governor 2008

This report has been requested by the current MD201V2 District Governor, Mary Harlow

Past Events:

Projects and Activities: Throughout 2008, the Leos have worked in conjunction with the Lions Club of Lara on various projects. Interaction on combined activities permits communication between the two Clubs and further develops the positive relationship between the Lion and Leo members. Projects such as the Centerway BBQ, Monthly Raffle, Lions Club of Lara v Lions Club of Little River Annual Bowls day, attending each others dinner meetings and social nights has resulted in members of both clubs forming life long friendships with each other.

Community Electrical Appliance Testing Day: Late last year the Leos organised a Community Electrical Appliance Testing Day. The Leos worked together with the Lara CFA to promote the importance of Safe electrical Appliances and fire safety. Local electrician Rob Wembridge assisted the Leos in demonstrating the affects of unsafe appliances, explaining the importance of regular appliance testing and to generate a general awareness of the dangers of unsafe appliances. Companies such as Bunnings Warehouse supported the Leos on the day by donating prizes for a raffle. Not only was the Community Electrical Appliance Testing day successful at endorsing the importance of electrical and fire safety but it also provided a foundation for the relationship between the Leos and the Lara CFA.

Lara Heritage Festival: At the Lara Heritage Festival this year, Leo members were involved in the community parade through the township, selling soft drinks alongside the Lions catering caravan and also took on the critical data entry for the judging of the car show. The Lara Heritage Festival was a great way for the community to observe the Leos in action and to advertise for prospective members. This year the Lara Heritage festival won the Regional Events and Tourism award and will now progress to the next level to be in the running for the State Finalist Regional and Tourism Award, which will be presented in Moe on 4 October 2008.  

Club Twinning: Lara Leos are currently twinning with the Alexandria Leo Club in Egypt. At the present time the contact between the two Leo Clubs is quite minimal because it does take some time for the Egyptian Leos to translate the e-mails. Despite the language barrier the Leos are looking forward to developing a stronger relationship with the Alexandria Leo club, communicating different ideas and learning from each other.

Fundraiser: Early this year the Leos organised a fundraiser, which consisted of selling chocolates door to door throughout the Lara community. The chocolate fundraiser rose over $500 for the Leo administration account.

Halloween Night: For the past 2 years the Leos, with the assistance of Lion members, have hosted a Halloween Night for the local Lara Primary School students. On both occasions, the night was successful and hopefully will now become an annual event, run by the Leos. Previously the Halloween night was aimed at Primary students in grades 4 – 6 and was held at Lara Secondary College. The Halloween evening usually includes a costume competition, BBQ tea, Halloween themed style games, muffin eating competitions, treasure hunt, piñata and finishes with a Halloween movie. This year the Leos are looking at altering the programme slightly to provide a more structured night and to keep the children entertained for the entirety of the evening.

Welfare: This year the Leos took on their first welfare case of a Lara woman living with a crippling disability which necessitated her to be on constant medication for pain. Her specialist only practiced in Melbourne and doctors advised her not to utilise public transport due to her collapsed spine. The Leos provided funding to allow the car she was given to be repaired and registered, to enable her to travel to Melbourne to receive treatment for her spinal injuries. In future, due to the unpredictability of membership numbers, the Leos may assist in welfare cases if a request is made from the Lions Club or a donation to a Lions Foundation.

Youth Exchange: This year the Leos had the pleasure of meeting two exchange students on the Youth Exchange programme with the arrival of Jean Leblond, a 17yo French student staying with Rob and Sue Eyton. Jean was sponsored by the Lions Club of Albertville Olypique in the Savoie Region. The Lara Lions Club also assisted Geelong Hamlyn Heights Lions with Jeff Cahn and Marion Meyer, hosting Annukka Loukola, an 18yo student from Finland for just 3 nights. Annukka was sponsored by the Lions Club of Peräseinäjoki, the town is about 400km from Helsinki.The Leos took Annukka on a small shopping spree and to a movie theatre to experience watching an English film. The Leos accompanied both Jean and Annukka out for an informal dinner where they all had the opportunity to relax and get to know each other. The Leos still have contact with both of the students through e-mail and Facebook.

Planning Events:

Mad Max Weekend: The Leos will be working with both the Lara and Little River Lions at the Mad Max Weekend from 10 – 12 October, assisting with the car parking of the event. A roster is currently being drawn up.

Kevin Hoffman Walk: The Leos are working together with students from the local Secondary College by assisting with the Kevin Hoffman Walk (see Lara Lions website). This will be an on-going project for the Leos as the City of Greater Geelong has now allowed more work to commence at Hoffman Walk. The Leos have provided some of the funding for plants and materials for this next stage of Hoffman Walk.

Airshows Downunder: Next year the Leos will be taking their place alongside Lara Lions, working at the camp site of the Australian International Air Show. The Leos also worked alongside the Lara and Little River Lions at the last Air show assisting at the camp site. It was here that the Leos decided to camp out as a team overnight and got washed out of their tent so spent the remainder of the night in the scout Hall with the Security guards. Overall it was an enjoyable weekend and the Leos are looking forward to being involved with the Air Show again in 2009.

Challenges:

Membership: The Leos current challenge is the lack of members. On 20 October, the Leos and Lions will be hosting a casual Information Night for the youth of Lara and surrounding communities who may like to become involved with Leos. The night will be held at the Secondary College.

Meeting Efficiency:

Recently, in order to increase members’ free time outside Leos, meetings have being reduced from one meeting a fortnight to one a month. Committee meetings have also being moved from an after school meeting at the St John Ambulance facility to a local Pizza Restaurant. Originally the Leos meetings started based on the Lions meeting pattern but due to the nature of youth and their lifestyle a meeting at the local pizza place was more appropriate and is being more successful. Along with one committee meeting per month the Leos also have a social night, which is just about having a fun and a relaxed night out! Activities range from a casual fish and chip night to disco bowling and karaoke. On these nights, Lions that the Leos have formed close friendships with, are invited and normally an enjoyable night is had by all, except for when the Lions had to sit through the Leos completely destroying the classic ‘Total eclipse of the Heart’ at a Kareoke restaurant. After just one month of alteration meeting numbers have already improved and a larger majority of members are becoming more active in the club.

Community Relationships:

The Leos have also developed a great relationship with the principal and staff at Lara Secondary College. Principal Lyn Boyle is very supportive of Leo projects and places a great deal of trust and responsibility on the Leos. On the Leo Halloween Nights the Leos have been left with the keys to the College and been responsible for securing the college after these events. Leo member Ash Hunt was also entrusted with the College’s sound system and PA this year for assisting with the technical aspects of the Lara Heritage Festival. The Leos look forward to further developing and maintaining the relationship with the Secondary College in the years to come.

Awards:

The Leos were also involved in the Tidy Towns Community Award last year, which Lara won!

Highlights:

The lifelong friendships formed with several of the Lions members

Making a difference in the Lara community by contribution of time and effort

Helping people in a fun and rewarding environment

Meeting new people and working together with other community groups and developing new relationships.

Learning how to adapt to situations and trying different approaches when something doesn’t work.

Leo Felicia Scoops the Pool at Darwin Convention

201 V2 District Governor Gordon Williams visit to Lara

Leos to the RESCUE

“It’s Cool Being a Leo” said Lara Leo President, Ebony Smith as she hands local Lara resident, Roz Fishlock a cheque to enable her car registration and third party to be renewed. “Being able to help someone who requires urgent assistance gives Leo members a sense of purpose”

The plight of local Lara resident Roz Fishlock became known to the Lara Lions Club some weeks ago. An urgent SOS came from Roz for assistance to purchase a small electric scooter with a fold up capacity to enable her some independence and to allow movement about her unit.

Roz has a crippling disability which necessitates her to be on constant medication for pain. Her specialist only practices in Melbourne and doctors advise her not to use public transport due to her collapsed spine.

Both Roz and partner Peter try to survive daily life on a disability pension and carer’s allowance. But recent medication costs have been over $500, and have left them both at times with no food.

The Leos have agreed to try and assist where possible with Roz. “We feel it is a great responsibility that the youth of Lara can be seen to support local people in need of urgent help” said Ebony.

“Our Leo Club’s motto is ‘working for the benefit of the community’ which is proudly displayed on our Club Banner”.

3rd Annual Little River v Lara Bowls Challenge and BBQ

2008 Plans and Ideas

New Members: Club needs more members. It was suggested to have an info session at the Heritage Festival, talk to the Scouts and Guides. Also advertise more in Newsletters, Happenings on the website etc. Also, a suggestion to initiate further activities that intrigue younger people.

Lara Heritage Festival: Felicia has completed the data entry database for the car show and together with Anthony are half way through double checking them.

Breast Cancer: It was suggested that the Lara Leos sponsor National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) as a permanent charity, similar to the Lions sponsoring Sight First 2. The Leos are also interested in going up to Melbourne periodically and volunteering in their offices and events. It was also suggested that at the Heritage Festival the Leos run a raffle that is sponsored by local businesses for Breast Cancer research. The Leos are also interested in selling breast cancer merchandise at the Heritage Festival. Felicia and Anthony will contact the Heritage Festival to seek permission. Felicia has done the research for the Breast Cancer and has the price list for the merchandise, and has organised a few donations from local businesses, for the raffle.

Relay for Life: The Leos are also interested in participating in the Relay for Life this year. The research has been done and it is a 24 hour event from the 23 Feb to the 24 Feb. The event is held at Beckly Park, and requires a minimum of 10 people per team, and you are able to stay the night in tents. The Leos suggested that weeks prior to the events, we walk around Lara and collect sponsorship for the event as a group, as opposed to getting individual sponsorship. It was also suggested that the Leos get a few of the Lions involved in the team also.

Fundraiser: It was suggested that the Leos have a fundraiser. Felicia did some research on Cadbury and Krispy Kreme fundraisers and the Club decided to opt for the Cadbury fundraiser because there is a better chance of success.

Royal Children’s Door Knock Appeal: The Leos have agreed to participate in the Good Friday Door knock appeal this year as opposed to the Heart Foundation Appeal. The Leos need to register over the net ASAP.

Leos Hats: It was suggested that the Leos arrange to purchase Leo hats and/or possibly jackets. Leos agreed to hold this off until the next  Committee meeting in 2008.

St Laurence: There was no interest to get involved with St. Laurence at this stage. The Committee will visit the idea again later in the year.

Youth of the Year: To be held on Monday 18 Feb at Lara Sporting Club, Leos to attend if possible.

Bowls Day: Wednesday the 23 Jan at the Lara Bowling Club. Bring your own food, drinks are available. It was also asked if Leos’ family members can play. Ebony and Anthony are definitely attending.

New Roles: It was discussed that Matt, Karla and Blake become executive members. Leos are happy to have their changeover with the Lions on the 23 Jun.

Easter Day: Leos wish to hold an event for the Easter Day holiday. Further discussion to be held.

Club Twinning: Communication from Lions Club of Alexandria, Egypt regarding interest in twinning with the Leo Club of Lara.

Electrical Appliance Testing (Leos)

It is now 10:00 on Sunday 28 October 2007 and the new Lara Fire Station held an Open Day too allow the public to inspect the new Station. The Leo Club of Lara decided to hold a Community Electrical Appliance Testing Day at the venue during the Open Day festivities.

Leos Halloween Evening (26 October 2007)

The Leo Club of Lara held a Halloween Bash on Friday Night at the Lara Secondary College for children who attend the three Lara Primary Schools. This year 36 kids attended and had a great time.

Along with the Leos were Zone 3 Chairman Eva Barwise and partner Lindsay Rogers, Lara Lions President Dennis Grant and Lara Lions Secretary Jeff Cahn.

The kids had a great time playing games, watching a movie and having sausages and drinks.

I keep forgetting that children at this age have so much energy and oh dear, my poor ears!!!!!

Lara's New Fire Station

Lara celebrated the opening of its new Fire Station on Sunday 16 September 2007, by the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, The Hon Bob Cameron MP - Member for Bendigo West.

Over 160 people filled the new station to witness the opening ceremony and be shown around the new complex.

Little River Changeover Visit

District V2 Changeover Dinner, 21 July 2007

Leo State Conference

 

              

Leo Club Chartered on 28 May 2007

Leo Sponsorship of U/17 Netball Team

Kevin Hoffman Walk

Part of the famous Kevin Hoffman walk that has yet to be developed has been handed to the Leos Club of Lara to plant and maintain.

Pictures below show the area to be planted and maintained:

Club Meetings & Membership

The Leo’s are currently seeking new members.

Are you between the age of 12 and 18 and want to meet some new people? Or would you like to participate in fun and rewarding activities  in your community? If you answered yes to the above questions then the Lara Leo’s Club is for you!

The Leo’s are a great group of people who have been existence for 1 year. In that time they have participated in many exciting projects including Tree Planting,  participating in the Lara Heritage Festival, conducting water surveys, assisting at the Australian International Airshows campsite at the Sporting Club, hosted a  Halloween Night  and much more.

The Leos also work closely with the Lara Lions. We meet every 2nd Thursday at 3:30pm at the St John Ambulance Facility in Lara to discuss relevant issues and plan more exciting projects. These meetings are a time to work together and where everyone can have their say and be heard.

If you are interested in joining the Leos or require more information, please don’t hesitate to contact the club via e-mail on laraleos@hotmail.com or contact Flick on 0437473-523.

The Leos look forward to hearing from you soon.

What's in it for the prospective Leo?        

• Leadership Experience
• Organisation
• Social Skills
• Self Esteem
• Decision Making Skills
• Teamwork
• Problem Solving Skills
• Career Possibilities
• Fun

  

What's In it for the Community?

• Creates awareness of community needs
• Helps improve community and youth relationships
• Enhances community development
• Improves quality of life for recipients and givers
• Helps the quality of life of others
• Opportunity for youth to volunteer service

Typical Leos Projects

• Fun
• Hearing
• Environment
• Citizenship
• Drug Awareness
• Public Service
• Youth Welfare
• Youth Exchange
• Health
• School Support
• Save Sight

For further details on the LEO's program in Australia, refer to the Multiple Districts 201 - Leo Clubs website.

Leos Representing the Lara Community

'2006 Regional Achievement and Community Awards' for the 2006 Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award (population over 5,000)

© 2006 Lions Club of Lara Inc. (MD 201 District V2 Region 2 Zone 3). All rights reserved.
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