THE Lions Club of Soldiers Point have celebrated the year that was at their annual changeover dinner.

The changeover dinner was a busy night of donations and appreciation, as well the induction of members into their new positions by guest Lion Bob Findley from Raymond Terrace Lions Club.

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Bob Findley spoke briefly about the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Foundation of which he is District Trustee, and which has donated $12 million for research into childhood cancer since 2008.

With assistance from grant money from the Australian Lions Foundation, the Soldiers Point Lions were proud to present Rebekah Wilson from the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) with a cheque for $2,000.

The funding will enable Associate Professor Paul Tooney to purchase a much-needed Fluorimeter to examine the DNA in Brain Bank samples with the aim of customising treatments for individuals with brain cancer.

Joe-Ann Williams, the Community Liaison Officer from Tomaree High School, accepted a voucher for $100 towards a Year 12 Special Recognition Award.

Year 10 Student Ebony Lock, recipient of the Harding-Miller Scholarship, thanked Lions for their support of $5,000 per year and was congratulated on her achievements to date and her unwavering commitment to her studies.

President Jayne Kilbride and Treasurer Cheryl Millar of the Tomaree Community Hospital Auxiliary presented the Lions with a certificate of appreciation for their donation of $3,445 for two bed-chairs and their continuing collaboration in obtaining vital equipment.

Newly-inducted Lions President Lesley Wright praised the small club for punching above its weight.

“Funds raised for 2022-23 total $14,532, with 83 percent going to the local Nelson Bay community,” Lesley Wright told News Of The Area.

“In addition to the donations mentioned above, the club also supported prizes for local primary schools, food and care packages for the Yacaaba Centre and the Tomaree Neighbourhood Centre, the Tomaree Prostate Cancer Group, the Koala Hospital, and our aged care facilities.”

The remaining funds have gone to various causes in Australia, such as the tragic Hunter Valley bus crash and NSW floods.

International disaster relief and causes such as vaccination of children, prevention of blindness, and alleviation of hunger in developing countries have also been supported.

For further information regarding Soldiers Point Lions Club, email Soldierspointlionsclub@gmail.com or ring 0490060943.

By Marian SAMPSON