Lions in Support of CaringKids Charity - National Lions Project 2023 to 2026
Since 2019, Lions Clubs across Sydney District 201N5 have provided voluntary financial contributions and toy donations to support the distribution of CaringKids Joy Boxes to children with caring responsibilities across Australia. Joy Boxes are packed full of brand new toys, games, school stationery and sports equipment.
CaringKids is a registered charity founded by Lions Club of Coogee member Margaret Skagias, an experienced Social Worker, in 2014. CaringKids is proud to be a Lions Club of Coogee Project.
At the 2023 National Lions Multiple District Convention at the Gold Coast QLD the Category B: ‘Lions in Support of CaringKids Charity’ project was adopted from 2023 to 2026. Lions Clubs across Australia make regular voluntary financial contributions via the Lions Club of Coogee to fund the creation and delivery of Joy Boxes. Lions Clubs also donate goods, and host fundraisers to fill Joy Boxes with toys whilst raising awareness of young carers in their own communities.
The CaringKids Lions Project Committee attend District and National Conventions to raise awareness of the national project. Since 2023, the project has gained the support of 221 Lions Clubs and 4 Leo’s clubs (April 2025) with more than $150,000 raised. This is an outstanding effort on the part of all the clubs and their members who have all worked tirelessly to contribute to the success of this project since 2023.
The CaringKids Lions Project
In 2024, Joy Boxes containing approx. 32,000 items were delivered to 800 children aged 4 to 12 years caring for a family member living with a disability or chronic illness across Australia. Children and parents regularly send letters of appreciation and photos, with the most common feedback amongst recipients reflecting the joy brought to each child and their family, and the positive impact of Lions recognising their caring role.
CaringKids operate a Toy Workshop in Sydney, NSW and manage a team of dedicated volunteers that create every Joy Box to suit the age and interests of each young carer.
Joy Boxes feature the Lions Australia logo prominently on every box in recognition of the support of Lions. The CaringKids Lions Project provides a unique opportunity for Lions members to reach children and support families in need. Joy Boxes land on the doorstep of children in cities and towns across Australia throughout the year, and not only during Christmas. Children provide care to family members every day of the year, so the CaringKids Toy Workshop is open all year round.
With over 1,300 clubs and more than 20,000 members across Australia, where there is a need, there is a Lion. Lions are Australia’s largest service organisation. It promotes youth, supports medical research, provides aid to people with a disability, community services and disaster relief.
It’s an honour and privilege to have the support of Lions nationally, and to know that many more young carers will be recognised and supported in the coming years. Lions International have previously awarded CaringKids a grant to further support young carers, and Lions International President Fabricio Oliveira visited the CaringKids Toy Workshop in September 2024 to see the impact that Australian Lions Clubs are making in the lives of children caring for family members living with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, mental illness and terminal illness.
The Lions Support of CaringKids Charity Committee, Margaret Skagias (Chair, Lions Club of Coogee) Past District Governor Elvio Munzone OAM (Co-ordinator, Lions Club of Lugarno) Chris Aylmer (Treasurer, Lions Club of Coogee) and Georgia Bailey (Media, International Leo of the Year 2024) welcome you to contact us for more information and to request banking details for voluntary contributions.
Download the latest Lions CaringKids Project Brochure to share with your Lions Club members.
Category B: Lions In Support Of CaringKids Charity Project 2023-2026
201N5 District Project – Managing Club – Lions Club of Coogee
Project Committee
- Chairperson: Margaret Skagias, Lions Club of Coogee
- Coordinator PDG: Elvio Munzone, Lions Club of Lugarno
- Treasurer: Chris Aylmer, Lions Club of Coogee
- Media Enquiries: Georgia Bailey, Cessnock Community Leo Club, Australian Leo of the Year 2023
- Managing Club: Lions Club of Coogee 201N5
Lions Club Enquiries, Voluntary Contributions and Donations
Contact us to request Lions Club of Coogee bank details, shipping address or general enquiries.
How to donate to the project!
Donations for this project are made directly to Lions Club of Coogee bank account ONLY!
Lions in Support of CaringKids Charity Project Awards
Nominate a Lions Club or Lions Member for a Kindness Matters Award.
Scam alert 🚨: July 2024
We were alerted of an email scam targeting Lions Clubs requesting donations of funds be sent to a Bitcoin Wallet Address.
Do NOT transfer funds to Bitcoin accounts or reply to the email. Delete the email.
To obtain the Lions Club of Coogee Bank Account details, please send us a request for banking details and information via our contact form.
