The Mount Barker Lions are involved in a range of projects and initiatives.
Conquer The Summit Fun Run
Conquer The Summit is a charity fun run held in late March. The event has been held every year since its inauguration by the Mt Barker Lions in 2012. Since 2017-18 the event has been a joint project with the Mt Barker Rotary Club. All profits from the event benefit the Operation Flinders Foundation and local community organisations.
Participants run or walk 10 km (one-way) or 20 km (return) from the Mount Barker township to Mt Barker Summit - a picturesque route with a net climb of approximately 150 metres. Those seeking a less strenuous event can take a 5 km route through the award-winning Laratinga Wetlands. All participants are professionally timed and photographed.
The 2023 event attracted approximately 400 participants from all over South Australia, and raised over $10,000 for Operation Flinders and local groups.
BBQs
We regularly hold fundraising barbecues at Bunnings Mt Barker. From time to time, we also run special-event barbecues for local businesses and organisations.
Cakes
We sell Lions cakes all year round, but especially in the lead-up to Christmas!
Pricing (as of July 2023):
- $15 Standard cakes (1 kg)
- $19 Large cakes (1.5 kg)
- $15 Xmas pudding (900g)
- $2 Mini-cakes (snack-sized).
Community Directory
Every year we print and distribute a fridge-friendly Community Directory to residents of the Mount Barker district. The Directory provides a handy listing of reputable local businesses (about 35) and important community and emergency contacts. Businesses pay a listing fee ($300pa for 2023-24) which covers the cost of the project, with profits being reinvested in the community.
Since 2020-21, we have commissioned the Mount Barker Scouts to hand-deliver the Directory to homes within the Mount Barker township. This collaboration offers three benefits:
- It keeps costs down.
- It provides the Scouts with their own fundraiser.
- It provides an opportunity for young people to develop skills in leadership and project management.
Community Volunteering
We work with the Mt Barker District Council to maintain the popular LInear Trail through the township. Approximately once a month we perform a rubbish collection along the Trail. Occasionally we also polish up the bench seats and outdoor artworks.
Occasionally we also provide volunteer assistance at community events, such as the Mt Barker District Show held every March.
Community Sponsorship
Every year we provide financial support to a selection of community groups and charitable organisations at local, state and national levels. In addition, we occasionally provide once-off support in response to special-needs requests.
Note that it is our Club's policy that financial support is not paid directly to individuals. However, we can provide financial support to an individual via a suitable third-party organisation such as a school or club.
Recycle For Sight
Recycle For Sight is a Lions Australia project which collects unwanted second-hand spectacles and distributes them free to developing countries. Every year, we collect many hundreds of second-hand spectacles from the Mount Barker district and post them to the national Recycle For Sight distribution centre.
