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A special day for many of our Club’s members and volunteers, making and serving meals to families with children at Wellington Hospital.

Ronald McDonald House relies heavily on community-driven support. The Lions’ contributions—whether through local fundraising or international volunteerism—play a vital role in sustaining these services. The work of Lions clubs ensures families can stay close to their hospitalised children without the added burden of accommodation costs.

This programme, known as “Recycle for Sight,” collects used eyeglasses, refurbishes them, and distributes them to people in need—especially in the Pacific Islands.

Lions Clubs across New Zealand and globally accept donations of prescription glasses, reading glasses, sunglasses, and frames (both plastic and metal). Children’s glasses are especially needed.

We collect the glasses and send them to a process centre where they are inspected for damage (scratches, cracks, loose screws), cleaned using ultrasonic washers, measured for prescription strength and packed for redistribution.

Like Lions Clubs around the world, we actively engage in street appeal collections. The street appeal format not only raises vital funds but also fosters direct engagement, allowing passersby to learn about the causes Lions support and the impact of their contributions.

Because we operate locally, our club can tailor appeals to urgent needs – whether it’s supporting a family facing hardship, funding equipment for a hospice, or contributing to national campaigns like Ronald McDonald House. Through these efforts, Lions Clubs embody their motto: “We Serve” – turning everyday generosity into lasting change.

Lions Clubs play a vital role in disaster relief worldwide, responding swiftly to natural and humanitarian crises with funding, supplies, and volunteer support. Through the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), they provide emergency grants, coordinate local aid efforts, and help communities rebuild after events like floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and cyclones. Whether it’s distributing food and water, offering shelter, or restoring infrastructure, Lions are often among the first to mobilise and the last to leave – ensuring long-term recovery and resilience.

Most recently, members of the Waikanae Lions have proudly worked alongside members of other clubs to support the provision of goods and services after the impact of Cyclone Gabielle in the Hawkes Bay.