Fund-raising Projects

The Waikanae Lions Garden Trail is a popular annual event that takes place every January, showcasing the beauty of local gardens and green spaces. The Garden Trail is one of Waikanae Lions’ biggest fundraisers with proceeds supporting a rotating roster of community programmes.

An ever-popular event for the Kapiti Coast, this concert features the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band performing a mix of classical, jazz, and contemporary music.

Held at Southward Theatre, it’s both a fundraiser and a celebration of band music musical excellence.

The event often includes acknowledgments of service and community spirit.

Held annually in September, this event supports local gardeners while raising funds for Lions projects.

A variety of general and specific products are sold ranging from sheep pellets and blood & bone, to lawn, citrus and tomato fertilisers, amongst others.

Each year, members of the Waikanae Lions Club gather to help a local distillery , The Bond Store, to peel lemons for use in their popular limoncello and citrus-infused gin. While not widely known as one of our fundraisers, this event is a great example of the club’s grassroots support for local businesses. It’s informal, fun, and often involves a bit of banter and shared refreshments.

A major fundraiser and community favourite, the Book Fair offers thousands of pre-loved books at bargain prices.

Jointly managed by the four Kapiti lions Clubs, the Book Fair draws book lovers from across the region and further afield.

Proceeds support local charities and Lions initiatives, while unsold books are often donated to schools or repurposed for future events.

A festive tradition, the Lions Christmas Cake Sale features rich fruit cakes sold in branded boxes.

Cakes are available at Lions market stalls, local events and directly from club members with proceeds going to community programmes.

Golf for Good Mini Golf is a joint initiative by the Kāpiti Rotary Club and the Combined Lions Clubs of Kāpiti including the Waikanae Lions Club.  Located in Mazengarb Reserve, Paraparaumu, it is New Zealand’s first internationally designed 18-hole mini golf course with a putting-green style layout. Effectively  built “by the community, for the community,” Golf for Good channels all profits into local causes. https://golfforgood.org.nz/

The Waikanae Lions Club has actively supported Ronald McDonald House Wellington through fundraising events like the Waikanae Garden Trail, while Lions Clubs globally contribute through volunteer service and financial donations to local Ronald McDonald Houses.

Many Lions Clubs partner with RMHC chapters to provide volunteer support, meal preparation, facility maintenance, and financial donations. These efforts help RMHC offer free accommodation and support to families during paediatric hospital stays.