Bellingen Community Health Manager Jo Butler, Lions President Grahame Maddeford, associate club member Pauline Murphy, club Treasurer Jim Forbes, Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Lisa Slater and associate club member Cheryl Hughes with the portable oxygen concentrators donated by Lions Club of Bellingen.
Lions share the love with a ‘roarsome’ donation
Jan 29, 2024Just a couple of weeks after donating a $6268 vaccine fridge to Bellinger River District Hospital, the hard-working members of Bellingen Lions Club have returned with a $13,161 donation of three oxygen concentrators.
The compact devices will bring independence, freedom, and improved quality of life to patients experiencing breathing difficulties.
The hospital’s Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Lisa Slater said the Bellingen Lions Club was a long-time supporter of the hospital and its patients, and she thanked them for their continued commitment.
“We are truly humbled by the support we receive from our community, and the Lions are a vital part of that support network,” Ms Slater said.
“They work hard, lead by example and are magnificent at bringing others along with them in their charity work.”
The Lions Club was quick to thank the community for supporting its quest to donate the portable oxygen concentrators, especially C.ex Coffs Harbour and Australian Lions Foundation.
Spokesman Jim Forbes said C.ex Coffs had generously supported the Lions’ ambitious project of replacing the hospital’s vaccine fridge and providing the portable oxygen concentrators through its ClubGRANTS program.
The C.ex grant, combined with community funds from the Lions Christmas Raffle and the sale of Lions Christmas cakes and puddings, was generously matched, dollar for dollar, by the Australian Lions Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation providing financial assistance and support for community welfare projects.
Mr Forbes extended the club’s gratitude to the many businesses in Bellingen and the Bellinger valley who supported their raffle with generous prizes.
Bellingen Community Health Manager Jo Butler (left) and Executive Officer/Director of Nursing Lisa Slater (right) with associate Lions Club member Pauline Murphy, club Treasurer Jim Forbes and President Grahame Maddeford. The hospital’s old oxygen concentrators (on the left) will be replaced with the more compact devices donated by the Lions Club of Bellingen.