Below are just a few of the projects
Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions
have undertaken over recent years
There are many more which will be featured from time to time.

2016 Young Ambassadors Competition

2015 Young Ambassadors Competition

Mobility Clinic

$11,096.20 has been raised for Diabetes Youth

$9,051.20 RAISED FOR KIDNEY KIDS

Strides Lions Walk for Diabetes Sunday November 28th 11am

Old Money is valuable

2013 Wild Westie Fun Car Rally

HEART CHILDREN RECEIVE $7,626.10

Our Winning Young Ambassador

Race night for Henderson Riding for Disabled raises funds

SAUSAGE SIZZLE AT
BLOCKHOUSE BAY LAST SATURDAY OF MONTH
Now selling vege sausages and hash browns

Last Saturday of the Month 9am Mainstreet

Elevating awareness of our Lions Club in the Bay, interacting with passersby, having a chat, while providing a tasty treat. Fundraising and offering opportunity to become a Lion.

Delicious gourmet cooked sausage and onions on bread with choice of sauces to personal taste. Now also selling vegetable sausages and hash browns to cater for our diversified community, many who do not eat meat.

All profits go to Community Projects. Sometimes on sale an eclectic selection of pre-loved books with something for everyone one from 50c each, most are $1 with some top notch ones around $2.

The photos below are looking back a few years.

Helping young children with mobility issues with clinics for Lions Child Mobility Foundation

Three generations. Smiles from Mum Andrea as at the Lions Mobility Clinic, Specialist Physio Sue makes an adjustment to tAmira's Hart Walker, while Gran Natalie looks on with wonder.

They walked with Amira so more Kids can
Amira our poster girl was at Blockhouse Bay Primary School for Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club’s “Walk for Kids” on Sunday 16 October 2016 as many in the Bay joined in the walk of 10 laps of the school grounds, approx 5k in distance.

This walk was for everyone, adults, children, groups. The main walk was a 10 lap circuit of the attractive School Grounds, but no matter how many laps, it was the fun aspect and joining together of children and adults in a mornings activity for a brilliant cause that counted.

Even a special course for Amira and other children with Walkers was provided. The Principal of the school Neil Robinson brought some pupils on board to participate. Several visited the last Mobility Clinic that Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions hosted for CMF and met Amira and others and saw for themselves how they could be given the gift of walking. To see more go to http://bhb-l-lions10-10-10.weebly.com/

Amira is a fighter overcoming mobility handicaps

This wee young lass had everything going against her. Amira was born with Trisomy 9 Mosiac Global Development Delay, Microthalmia (small eyes) and Hypotonia (low muscle tone). With the love and dedication of her mother Andrea and family, they have nurtured her and sought ways to enhance her life.
This search led to the Waimauku Lions Club and NZ Lions Clubs’ Child Mobility Foundation (CMF) who gave support and guidance in assessing her needs.
Amira first came to the Lions’ Clubs’ Mobility Clinic in March 2014 to be assessed for a Hart Walker and stole everyone heart from the beginning. Amira was found suitable to be fitted for the walker and so measured and then the fundraising began for this remarkable equipment Comprising of around a thousand parts and costing nearly $10 000, which includes the twice yearly checkup and adjustments. Twice a year NZ Lions Clubs’ CMF brings in a specialist Orthotist and a special Physio from Australia to examine, measure and fit the Hart Walkers to children at clinics in Blockhouse Bay, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
The Hart Walker provides hands-free mobility and allows children with Cerebral Palsy and other mobility issues, the opportunity to experience walking, often for the first time in their lives. Health benefits can include improved circulation, respiration, digestive system, muscle control and improved balance and co-ordination. Social benefits include a positive personality change, increased self esteem, better interaction with others and better social communication.
Once children are used to the walker, they can become very manoeuvrable. The difference a Hart Walker makes in the life of a child with cerebral palsy can hardly be imagined. They are transformed from dependent to independent, in a flash; from a life spent mainly indoors to something more closely resembling a “normal” childhood.
Andrea reached the goal set, with many fundraising projects by the Waimauku Lions, and ongoing assistance from CMF including help setting up a Give a Little page.

In March 2015 Amira was fitted into the equipment and immediately the effect was obvious. She stood upright for the first time by herself and could move around on her own. Although sight impaired she can now enjoy many of the freedoms others take for granted. To see a video of Amira’s Story go to https://youtu.be/oDXyz444P4U
Mum Andrea was delighted with a request from CMF to use Amira as this years “poster child” in promoting awareness for the“10-10-10 Walk for Kids for the difference CMF has made for Amira. The walks have raised funds for NZ Lions Clubs’ Child Mobility Foundation (CMF) to help more children and were held by Lions Clubs throughout the country mid October.

Amira’s mother Andrea delighted that Amira can stand alone and move around the room.

See videos how NZ Lions Clubs Child Mobility Foundation helps the children

Amira's Story

Mobility Clinic: The Children and their Hart Walkers

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2016 ZONE 7 YOUNG AMBASSADORS COMPETITION
Organised by Imm Past President Janelle Collins and Secretary Alan Gray on behalf of 202K District Youth Committee

2015 ZONE 7 YOUNG AMBASSADORS COMPETITION
Organised by Imm Past President Janelle Collins and Secretary Alan Gray on behalf of 202K District Youth Committee

District 202K-Central Youth Person, Past President of Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club Janelle Collins with the
contestants for Zone 7 Lions Clubs Young Ambassador 2105.
Left to right, Josephine Beswick of Kelston Girls High, Shanley Greedus of Sunderland College, Frances Paongo of Kelston Boys High,
Guari Prabhakar of Lynfield College, Sione Robertson of Kelston Boys High and Eva Zhu of Avondale College

Lions Clubs' Young Ambassadors:- always winners.

Local high schools with suitable candidates available, were recently invited to put them forward to compete in the Lions Zone 7 Young Ambassadors Contest by the team of District 202K-Central Youth Person, Past President Janelle Collins and Secretary Alan Gray of Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club. They had taken up the challenge of organising the event at short notice with the endorsement of their club.
Entrants eventually came from Avondale College, Kelston Boys High, Kelston Girls High, Lynfield College and Sunderland College,
Three judges interviewed the students and assessed their CVs on the Sunday, prior to the Wednesday Awards Dinner hosted by Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club. The judges led by Past District Governor Christine Ford were, Lorraine Wilson QSM, JP, well known in the West for service to the Trusts and the community plus Virin Gomber Motivational speaker and author.
The judging was based on the students’ community work, leadership attributes past and their potential, gleaned from the personal interviews, CVs, school reports and finally at the dinner in front of 60 Lions, parents and teachers, their presentation skills as speakers.

As usual in these contests the standard of contestant was very high and posed a real challenge to the skills of the three judges.
While much deliberation went on behind the scenes, an Odd Shoe Parade was held to raise funds and awareness for Camp Quality, where children with living with life threatening cancer have a fun week away at camp, which also giving respite for parents.
Eventually a fitting winner was found.

Gaura Prabhakar of Lynfield College was judged Lions Clubs Zone 7 Young Ambassador of the year, receiving a voucher for $1000 to be redeemed for educational studies or resources from Organiser Imm. Past President Janelle.
Eva Zhu of Avondale was awarded 2nd place with a voucher $400 to be redeemed for educational studies or resources.
Sion Robertston was award 3rd place with a voucher $300 to be redeemed for educational studies or resources.
There three remaining contestants were awarded $50 Whitcoulls vouchers for books.
Lion Janelle wished all the contestants the very best for the future.as she presented the prizes.
Gauri the winner will also go on to compete in the Grand District Finals 11th October against Young Ambassadors from possibly 10 other zones from Northland to Coromandel.

The prize money presented was made possible by donations from, Avondale, Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield, Eden-Epsom, Henderson, Kelston, New Lynn, Pt. Chevalier, Te Atatu, West Auckland and Mt Roskill Lioness Clubs. With additional sponsorship of goods and donations from New World Green Bay and Grays’ Print & Copy Ltd.
Gauri has proved to be a very accomplished young lady with achievements a mile long, and it can be seen why she was the overall winner. As well as being a prefect she is on the school Board of Trustees as Student Representative and Chairperson for the Human and Environmental Rights Group (HERG), plus Lynfield College’s Feminist Club to name just a few. With regards to sports, she has played hockey for the past 5 years and participated in Dragon Boating since 2013. Selected as High School Ambassador for UN Youth (United Nations Youth) she was sent as one of the Lynfield Delegations to Rotary’s Model United Nations Assembly.

Once again a student from Lynfield College takes the honours as Young Ambassador following in the footsteps of other preceding her over many years

By coincidence Gauri had approached the Lions recently for assistance after was again selected as UN delegate, now as one of 22 who will attend The Hague International Model United Nations in 2016 as a delegation, and will also travel to the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA and Geneva, Switzerland and have the privilege of visiting other important diplomatic locations, such as Paris, Rome, Vienna, Berlin, and Amsterdam. .

Blockhouse Bay-Lions had no hesitation in providing $500 towards her considerable expenses and Club President Robert Findlay presented her with the cheque. We all wish her every success in the future. This young lady will go far, even to the United Nations at the Hague, US and other diplomatic location with the assistance of $500 presented by President Robert Findlay on behalf of the Lions Club of Blockhouse Bay.

At the close of the Awards Lions Youth Person Janelle saluted the high caliber of the entrants and paid tribute to the youth of today who in the media often get such a bad rap, but from her’s and the Lions experience there are so many wonderful young people out there achieving so much. It was such a pleasure to organise the evening and to meet the entrants, [parents and teachers. Janelle also paid tribute to the Judges and the many hours besides tonight they spent in interviewing and assessing their qualifications. She presented each of the judges with a big bag of food and other goodies kindly donated by Tim of Green Bay New World as appreciation. Finally the Lions and visitors were thanked for coming along and supporting the event and the supporting clubs whom without their support it would not have been possible.

Contestants with Zone 7 Chairman Pen Coster

The Jufges Past District Christine Ford, local Trustee and Community Stlwart Lorraine Wilson and
Motivationalist Virin Gombre had a might hard job selectng the winners, and afterward were proud to pose with them.

Proud parents and teacher share the glory of the Young Ambassadors

HOSTING NZ LIONS

AUCKLAND and REGION MOBILITY CLINIC

Helping to provide the gift of mobility to many children by hosting and catering for children and their parents or caregivers at the twice yearly Mobility Clinic.

Children come from afar as Kaitaia and Tauranga at times to be fitted with a Hart Walker. A remarkable piece of equipment that supports disable children and allows them to walk. These need to be adjusted as the child grows and so also attend the clinic where the Hart Walkers are adjusted to suit by trained Orhontist Stuart and assistant who fly in from Sydney.

Read the full story of the Lions Clubs New Zealand Child Mobility Foundation here.

To see video of a Clinic and fitting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G-S2fTXMeA

Megan is just one of many children benefitting from the gift of mobility from New Zealand Lions.

$11,096.20 has been raised for Diabetes Youth

Yet again another succesfull project co-ordinated by Lion Lianne Sloane in conjunction with Westfield St Lukes whereby $11096 was raised for Diabetes Youth.

Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions later had a great Dinner meeting in the May 2013 with Craig Sumpton of Diabetes Youth as Guest Speaker. An intimate number of members present, soaked up the very interesting talk relating just what the dedicated parents who make up the organising group behind Diabetes Youth do for their children. Detailing the trials and tribulations of coping with very young children diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, managing their insulin, injecting and helping them adjust to life depending on managing their body's chemistry. Many including were not fully aware of the impact of having young children and even in to teens suffering Type 1 in the family. Craig's talk believe it or not, was around 30 minutes, but the time went fast with the interesting and informative subject matter covered. We all however were at the end of the evening fully informed and knew that the clubs donation of $11600 would be well spent.

$9,051.20 RAISED FOR KIDNEY KIDS

Westfield St Lukes and Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club raised $9,051.20 for Kidney Kids in Association with Westfield St Lukes over Christmas 2010. This will enable Kidney Kids to provide support and information for families who have children with kidney disease.

Blockhouse Bay Lion Lianne Sloan recently visited local Blockhouse Bay residents Andrea and Michael Spears who fully support the Kidney Kids organisation.

As a new mother Andrea was given a Kidney Kids pamphlet by a close friend which disclosed some of the symptoms of children with urinary reflux. At two weeks old Michael had symptoms which indicated to her that a visit to the doctor was needed. After a urine test was done it was quickly established he had a urinary tract infection and was referred to Starship. At eight weeks of age it was discovered he had Grade 4 (moderately severe) urinary reflux and would require treatment. If he had not had this treatment he would not be here today. Andrea’s message to parents is that it is not normal for babies to have urinary tract infections and that they should request a urine test.

Two years later and Michael’s body had healed itself without an operation being necessary – a real miracle – although he will still have to have annual checks until he is fifteen years old. For many children with kidney disease this does not happen and the support of the Kidney Kids organisation is particularly required. For Andrea having people who knew what she was going through, who could give advice and listen to her was very important. Michael is now nine years old and Andrea is often the one giving information and support to other families who have children who have urinary or gastric reflux.

Through experimentation Andrea discovered by using a foam seat which reclined helped Michael with his gastric reflux and now the Reflux Comfort Feeder is helping many other new parents who have children with gastric reflux.

Both Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions and Westfield St Lukes are delighted to have supported Kidney Kids as they continue to help many families in Auckland and throughout the country.

DIABETES AWARENESS and SCREENING

Diabetes Awareness has been a major project of Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions for many years. Supporting the original District Project and now allied with many other clubs in alliance with the McCosh Trust who purchased the District Health Van. More info here

In November 2010 we organised the Strides Promotion in Craigavon Park. Some opposition from Gypsy Carnival but in turn it brought a few more people to see the Diabetes food ingredients display.

OLD MONEY COLLECTION

The Old Money Collection is winding up for the time being. It has been a great ongoing project and Ray has done a splendid job in organising it whilst all the members who have devoted hours to sorting can get satisfaction from the knowledge that all that money will help with youth projects. Be interesting to learn how much we have collected.

Thanks to all who supported our 2013 Rally shown below

A great spot to finish the 5th Wild Westie Car Rally
It was an awesome Wild Westie Rally run by the Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions for the Community Patrol that finished at Whatipu. 18 cars this year, full of enthusiastic families, supporters and many newbies. The community through the Lions and Patrol will benefit from the funds raised. Thanks to all the sponsors and helpers. The rally threaded through the bays, Green, Wood, French, Titirangi, Laingholm, Cornwallis and Huia taking the drivers and passengers to many new sights, before heading over the ranges to Wild West Whatipu for BBQ lunch. Thanks to the efforts of Lions and patrollers participants enjoyed a wonderful day and garnered some great prizes from the sponsors. These were won by a variety of entrants including the Landers family who won first prize last year also for highest numbers of correct answers on the itinerary.

After the BBQ an eager crowd await the prize giving near Whatipu Lodge.

Lions President Janelle awards Landers family top prize 2nd year running for getting correct answers to the questions on the many locations passed. (crop photo to suit)

HEART CHILDREN RECEIVE $7,626.10

A joint project between Westfield St Lukes Shopping Mall and the Lions Club of Blockhouse Bay has led to $7,626.10 being donated to Heart Children New Zealand Inc. in February. The funds were raised from donations from generous shoppers during the gift wrapping service at Westfield St Lukes Shopping Mall over the Christmas period.

Both Blockhouse Bay Lions and Westfield St Lukes staff were happy to support Heart Children New Zealand Inc. which recently celebrated their 25th year of supporting children with heart conditions and their families. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in young children with 12 babies being born in New Zealand each week with a heart defect. Other children develop heart disease through rheumatic fever, cardiomyopathy or Kawasaki disease. Every year 450 open heart surgeries take place on New Zealand children with a thousand children a year being treated at Auckland’s Paediatric Cardiac Unit at Starship Hospital, the only unit of its kind in New Zealand. Heart Children provide support and useful information to families, supply anti-coagulant machines and medical alert bracelets and run camps for the youth to have fun with children with similar stories to their own with medical staff close at hand.

Lion Lianne Sloan, Westfield St Lukes staff Jacqui Baigent, Simone van Delft and Matthew Thorne (“Monty” the Monkey) and Kate Souvorova and Liz Beck from Heart Children NZ visited Auckland’s Paediatric Cardiac Unit at Starship Hospital recently and met some of the families supported by Heart Children. The help received by the families from Heart Children is appreciated and makes life easier for them, especially for those a long way from home.

This was the 5th year of the partnership between the Lions and Westfield St Lukes Shopping Mall with over $27,000 being raised for Ronald McDonald House, Camp Quality, the Neonatal Unit at Auckland Hospital, Starship Hospital’s Cancer Ward and Heart Children New Zealand Inc. Already work is started on next year …

LIONS CLUBS YOUNG AMBASSADORS AWARD

This award is open to our Community Minded Young Citizens, where contestants are judged on service, communications skills, attitude and goal.

Hemisha congratulated by District Governor Colin Tywman on winning Zone 6 Young Ambassadors Award

Hemisha is a year 13 student from Lynfield College

Hameesh with her proud mother and flanked by Region Chairman Nancy Prentice and Club Secretary Alan Gray

LIONS CLUBS YOUNG AMBASSADOR SHINES AGAIN

Champion Lions Clubs' Young Ambassador Hemisha is third from the left, flanked by District Governor Colin Twyman, Youth Activities Anita Moore and the seven other competitors

Hemisha Prya who recently won the local zone finals of the Lions Young Ambassadors competition in West Auckland has gone onto win the whole District finals at the 202K Lions Clubs Annual Convention in Whangarei. In turn winning a $2500 grand prize to further her education. Hemisha won against stiff competition by seven other finalists from the area Northland to Thames.

The judges were impressed with her extensive C.V., her community involvement and leadership abilities. Hemisha's final speech sealed the verdict with many a tear being shed by the audience.

Sponsored by Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club in both competitions she is a student of Lynfield College, attaining many honours and awards there. The Lions are proud to sponsor her and will encourage and mentor her further. They are hopeful she will become their youngest Lion.

Hemisha with (left to right) Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club President Dennis Karl, Secretary Alan Gray, her Uncle.

Hemisha delivers her speech

Hemisha makes her acceptance address with other contestents at the rear

The Lions Young Ambassadors of the 21st Century Award
program is part of the Lions Opportunities for Youth
initiative. The mission of Lions Opportunities for Youth is:
To provide the young people of the world with opportunities
for achievement, learning, contribution and service,
individually and collectively, through sponsorship of activities
identified as best practices in the field of youth development.

A good outcome to the RDA fundraising

(To see the actual evenings highlights scroll down)

There were smiles all round when Norma Hayward of Henderson Riding for the Disabled shown here with rider Aimee Gray, received a cheque for $4538 from Alan Gray Secretary of Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions Club. This was the outcome of a successful "Fun Racing" evening organised by the club with assistance from Henderson Lions on the night.
Young Aimee's improving motor skills and confidence since receiving special training by RDA inspired her grandparents Barbara and Alan Gray to get their Lions Club in behind the campaign to help build an all weather arena. This will then enable pupils to be taught all year round.
The cheque is going into the special Arena Building account of Henderson Riding for the Disabled.
If any one wishes to donate further to help build the arena call Norma Hayward 813 3030.
More information on www.hendersonrda.org.nz

A Winning Night at the Gallops

Henderson Riding for the Disabled Scores with our Fundraiser

Blockhouse Bay-Lynfield Lions in partnership with Henderson Lions Club held a fun night of Horse Racing on Saturday 31st October at Blockhouse Bay Community Centre

This was in aid of the Henderson Riding for the Disabled and their goal of building a covered all weather arena. Go to http://www.hendersonrda.org.nz/?page_id=7 and read all about the aims and achievement of this splendid organisation then learn about the arena at http://www.hendersonrda.org.nz/?page_id=54

A fun night was had by over one hundred guests at the "Races".

The race card had six events including "hurdles". Six horses in each race vied for positions. The horses were auctioned prior to each sponsored race and jockeys appointed from the winning bidders. The "tote" was opened and punters placed their odds.

The race commenced with the roll of the dices or is that deuces, any way each coloured dice represented a horse and what ever number came up that was the squares run. Exact numbers were requiired to jump the water course or hurdles and at the finish. So even a front runner could miss out if a 2 was required and 6 came up.

Sound complicated? Never mind everyone soon got the hang of it and cheered from the sideline. Some good money was won and some was lost. But the winners on the evening was Henderson Riding for the disabled. Provisional figures put the money raised for the covered arena at $4538. Plus as a result of inspiration from this promotion Titirangi RSA have donated another $500.

Thanks must go to Barbara Gray who initiated this project in discussion with Norma Hayward then brought it to the Blockhouse Bay- Lynfield Lions Club via Lion Alan. Norma addressed one of our meetings and we moved to adopt a fundraiser for the covered arena. This was then driven by Lion Lianne Sloan who did most of the organising in consultation with the club, and assisted by Lion Nancy Prentice to get sponsors. Pres Dennis Karls employer Tegel adopted lead sponsorship role followed by others listed below.

Henderson Lions came aboard early on with their special skills in running "Race Evenings". So then the rest was upto the patrons who in the end made the evening a success by coming along to support us.

Many means were used to publicise, including flyers, posters, local paper articles, Events in Auckland web site and Facebook. The latter interestingly enough drew a response from PDG Jim and Lion Sue Jaggers in in Oregon America who has a disabled son, and wished us well and regretted that they could not come.

See the photos after a word from our sponsors!!!