Cheers to charity and community

The high tea is held every year by the Lions Ladies, to raise funds for a charity.

This year, that charity was Very Special Kids; the choice inspired by a personal connection to one of the group’s members, whose granddaughter has been using the service.

The organisation’s signature pink pigs sat in the middle of tables, filled to the brim with donations, overflowing even as pen took to paper to sign the cheque.

The original cheque of $3500 was only a glimpse of what was to come.

Another donation of $1000 tipped the scales, leading to another cheque being drawn up. Through this, and some proceeds from merchandise sales, donations reached an amazing $5000, an impressive community effort.

Very Special Kids supports children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses, working to provide support to them and their families through difficult times.

In 2023, the charity opened a children’s hospice home, a special second home and comfortable haven for the kids.

Numurkah teen Charlotte Hall was one of the first to step through its doors.

On Sunday, she took to the stage with her mum, Louise Hall, and volunteer Bill Hearn at her sides.

Charlotte Hall has lived with Labrune syndrome, a rare genetic brain condition that leads to a loss of brain function over time, since she was nine years old.

The crowd listened intently as the Halls shared how the charity had helped Charlotte, and provided invaluable support to her family during hard times.

Mr Hearn, who has volunteered for Very Special Kids for 28 years, not only brought ‘Penelope’ the pink pig along, but shared insight into the work done by the organisation.

“This left everyone in the hall feeling grateful that there is an organisation who can help families in these situations,” Lions Ladies secretary Bernadette Steward said.

“This was shown in their generosity in supporting Very Special Kids, enabling the Lions Ladies to make a generous donation of $5000.”