IT’S something that makes the world go around and no, it’s not love … it’s money.
When finances are tight and funding needed, service clubs like the Lions save the day.
Bruce Richards is treasurer of Rosewood Lions.
He’s good with money and that’s important considering his role.
In the past year the club has raised around $76,000.
“We generate money from the community and our activities within the community,” he said.
“We have the op shop beside Rosewood Hardware which generates income that goes back into the community.
“Then we have the caravan tourist camping ground at the showgrounds, which we manage on behalf of the council and the State Government.”
There are other ways to raise money and that includes sausage sizzles and outside catering.
“It’s quite surprising how quickly funds add up,” he said.
“Recently there was a large amount of money sitting in the community account and the op shop account,” he said.
“With respect to the Lions, there are no funds generated from the community that go into our administration costs or things like computers.”
Money raised is kept in separate accounts and funnelled back into the community.
There are a number of bank accounts the Lions manage, these include the op shop account, tourist park and then there is the general community one.
When Rosewood Lions took over the op shop from Blue Care about four years ago, it was agreed all money raised from that facility would remain in Rosewood.
“We meet at the Bowls Club and make sure their facilities are up to date and if they need improvements, they’ve got the funds,” he said.
“We gave Kirsty’s Bird Sanctuary and Wildlife Rehab at Minden $1,000.
“The op shop account recently assisted the Grandchester Model Live Steam Association with infrastructure costs for around $13,500.
Lions support the Ipswich Prostate Cancer Support Group, an organisation that helps men suffering this deadly and debilitating disease.
“Some of the money goes into research, so you don’t see an immediate benefit from it,” he said.
“We support diabetic research, epilepsy and the Australian Lions Wellbeing Foundation that supports children who have cancer.
“We’ve donated $20,000 towards four research grants, that’s ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, melanoma and brain cancer.”
Bruce said there were many organisations that benefited from his club’s fundraising endeavours.
“Funds are raised and spent, we could go and spend those sort of funds again, and still not be broke but the important thing is the money going into the community and into areas like research,” he said.
“What we do need are new members, more people joining and being part of their local Lion’s Club.
“We understand times have changed and people’s time is tight.
“You don’t need to join to help, buying a sausage sizzle through us and supporting our events is also a big help and means we can continue to serve the community.”
