CaringKids feature at the 106th Lions International Convention, Melbourne Australia
The 106th Lions International Convention was held in Melbourne, Australia in 2024. Nearly 10,000 Lions attended this event to connect with Lions from around the world.
The Convention was an opportunity for Lions and Leos to recognise another year of serving communities in need. Delegates were able to take part in local service projects, hear from inspiring key-note speakers, attend seminars, and enjoy live entertainment and performances.
Australian service projects featured at the Convention
The CaringKids booth was an opportunity for us to share the impact of the national Lions in Support of CaringKids Project (2023-2026) with Lions from across the world, and Australia-wide. From July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, more than 390 million people world-wide were helped by 1.4 million Lions and Leos.
The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International, also awarded more than $45 million in grant funding to support the compassionate works of Lions. CaringKids received a Lions International grant in 2023. This grant provided CaringKids with funding for operational costs, equipment and toys. The impact of the grant, together with donations from over 100 Australian Lions Clubs via the national ‘Lions in Support of CaringKids Charity’ project led to an increase in the support and number of Joy Boxes reaching young carers, from approximately 400 Joy Boxes in 2023 to close to 800 Joy Boxes created and delivered to young carers in 2024.
Margaret Skagias, CaringKids CEO and Lions CaringKids Chairperson, Sabine Sabek, CaringKids Board Director and PDG Elvio Munzone OAM, Lions CaringKids Coordinator were on hand at the booth to connect with Australian Lions Clubs and Lions Clubs from across the world.
Lions delegates asked questions about young carer Joy Boxes and we shared information about why it is important for Lions and Leo’s to recognise and support young carers of family members living with a disability or illness as part of their service in the community.
Georgia Bailey, International Leo of the Year 2024-2025, and 2023-24 Australian Leo of the Year Lions was also in attendance. Georgia leads on Media enquiries for the Lions CaringKids project. Leos are the youngest members of the Lions organisation and are devoted young people who realise the power of taking action in the community to serve others.
Following the Convention, later in the year, we were extremely fortunate to have the Lions International President (2024-2025), Fabricio Oliveira visit our toy workshop to see first-hand a Lions service project. He recounted a story about the impact of receiving a gift of a toy when he was a child, and he shared words of encouragement for our efforts.
To find out more about the impact of Lions across the world visit Lions International
Want to make a difference and serve your local community? Find and join a Lions Club near you 🦁
