Lions clubbringsjoy to flood victims

Stefan BRADLEY

FAMILIES affected by flooding in the state have been treated by the Victorian Lions Club to afreeholiday as part of the Licola Flood HolidayProject, allowing them the opportunity to partake in fun activities in Licola, Sale and Seaspray.

Licola Wilderness Village has been owned by Victorian Lions Clubs for morethan 50 years.

It is mainly used to provide holiday camps for disadvantaged children.

Recently, because ofstaff shortages caused by COVID, some camps have had to be cancelled, leaving the Licola Village empty in January, except for afew staff.

In recent months, many Victorian towns have been devastated by flooding.

Many townsfolk have been forced out of theirhomeswithalmost no possessions, whilethoseon theland havelost crops, livestock and farminfrastructure.

They have suffered not only loss,but despair

In Rochester,hundreds of families have left their flood-damaged homes,and many arelivinginsheds,caravans or motel rooms.

Most will not be able to move back into their homes for 12-18 months.

An idea was bornthat the vacant Licola village could be used to provide free holidays to flood-affected families, to give them an experience that they couldnot otherwise have, to give them some hope,and to let them know that people careaboutthem.

The initiativehappenedrelativelyquickly

Lions District 201V6 second vice district governor,Geoff Turnbull, said the idea was proposedacouple of weeks before Christmas.

“This looked like it would be amiserable Christmas, and then this event came along and it’s the reset (those affected) needed,” he said.

Last week, the Licola Flood Holiday Project became areality.

Around 70 people from 18 families were transported to Licola, along with Lions volunteers, for afive-day holiday.

Families weregreeted on arrival with a video message fromLions International president, Brian Sheehan, from the USA.

After dinner, there was acircus performance from Wacky Wombat Entertainment.

All families weregifted sheets, pillows, blankets,bath towels,beach towels and more, which they can take back home with them after the holiday -and alot moretoo.

Tuesday, January 10 was afun-filled day of activities in Licola,such as the flying fox, climbing wall, canoeing, the giant swing, archery and more-plus accesstothe swimmingpool, trampolines, bike riding and many moreactivities.

The next day was abus trip to the beach at Seaspray, followed by abarbecue at Sale BotanicGardens beforereturning to Licola.

Thursday,January 12was another action-packed day of activities, with ablue light disco in the evening.

Upon departurelast Friday, families werepresented with Kmart gift cards, and vouchers from McDonald’s and KFC, as well as ‘back to school’ backpacks (filled with schoolsupplies),courtesy of Wangaratta and Morwell Big W.

The SeasprayGeneralStoredonated lollies and chocolates for the kids.

The families may have left Licola, but took generosity with them.

The reaction to the camp has been overwhelming, with the flood-affected families truly appreciating the experience.

“Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, we arereally grateful. Abreak away from all this is just what we need,” one participant said.

“Thank you so much for your generosity! My kids arevery excited to come on this trip,” said another.

Someparticipantshoped toreturnto Licola in the future.

Therewerearound 40 people who wanted to attend, but for various reasons they were unable to come at this time.

As aresult of this and demand from other flood-affected areas, the Lions Club are hoping to run asecond holiday in March.

Mr Turnbull said the Lions Club and the LicolaWilderness Village arevery happy to raise awareness for flood victims and provide relief.

“Wewould certainly welcome donations. Contact your nearest Lions Club and they’ll help you out,” he said.

The Lions Club thankedall those who attended and everyone else who made the project possible, including all their members; LionsAustraliaCouncilchairman, Steve Boyce; Chairman of the Australian Lions Foundation, Tony Benbow;Wacky Wombat Entertainment; Matt Joyce from Wangaratta Coachlines; Esso Australia;and the Licola Wilderness Village staff.