Leos leap into service Convention highlights - Lions Clubs New ...

BETHLEHEM-TE PUNA LIONS/ LMLCCTVan brings freedom to disabledBy Linda GeorgeWhen Stuart Gray was elected president of Bethlehem-Te Puna Lions Club in July last year, he decided thathe wanted to do something positive for Avalon Centre, where he works as a training co-ordinator, and moreimportantly, for the many disabled people the organisation looks after."I wanted to get a new van for Avalon. It'simportant to have a safe, reliable vehicle -something that isn't breaking down all thetime - for the disabled people."After considering various quotes, the clubsettled on an 11-seater Ford transit van.The Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs CharitableTrust contributed $10,000 and $28,000came from the Guardian Trust/LongmuirTrust. The remainder came from somehard, nose-to-the-grindstone fundraisingby Bethlehem-Te Puna club members.Avalon Incorporated provides trainingto people with disabilities - some of themodules include learning social skills,food shopping, out in the community, andtowards independence - all of which requiresome community participation and inclusion.Trainees are included in local performingarts, movie, swimming and beach days,picnics, field days, maintaining gardens atthe Te Puna Quarry and overnight trips awayto Auckland, Waitomo Caves, Coromandel.They volunteer at the Waipuna Hospice(gardening), Te Puke Recycle Centre,Meals on Wheels and collecting for HeartFoundation, Blind Foundation and CancerSociety street appeals.Handing over the keys to the new van."For our trainees this is often the onlyopportunity they get to access thesecommunity-based activities. It gives thema great sense of confidence, self-worth anda feeling of inclusion to be able to do whatmost people take for granted," says DebbieThomas, Avalon executive assistant andfunding manager.The three main areas Avalon offers itsclients are business enterprise (offeringpaid employment to 62 people withdisabilities - in kiwifruit and avocadogrowing, mail house, general packaging,woodwork, sewing and engineering),people support enterprise (personallife experiences through its creative,cooking, horticultural and day serviceunit) and training (offers the opportunityto achieve NZQA certificates and to givethem the feeling of being just like theirbrothers and sisters, who have achievedNZQA certificates)."Members of the Bethlehem - Te Puna LionsClub worked tirelessly towards this project,organising raffles and sausage sizzles.Parents, caregivers and Avalon traineesbought tickets and one parent gave a verybeautiful donation," says Stuart.As a bonus, it is good advertising forBethlehem-Te Puna club; its logo adornsthe new van.Avalon has 20 staff, and transports 120people with disabilities to its site, 20 kmoutside Tauranga, on 2.5 hectares oforganic kiwifruit and avocado orchard,each day - by van and bus.LION, South Pacific Edition | May/June 2012 22