General News
1 July, 2023
Lions Club boxing for charity
Let’s make a difference together - the Dimboola Lions Club is on a mission to transform your old cardboard into a source of hope and joy, so rather than simply tossing it in the recycling bin, consider donating your cardboard to the local Lions...
Let’s make a difference together - the Dimboola Lions Club is on a mission to transform your old cardboard into a source of hope and joy, so rather than simply tossing it in the recycling bin, consider donating your cardboard to the local Lions Club where it will be turned into valuable funds for charities in need.
The Lions Club has requested that community members tie up their bundles and drop off the cardboard at the depot located at 14 Hindmarsh Street, just a stone’s throw away from High Street, but they have your back, even if you’re without wheels.
Lions member Louis Catania emphasises, “ If you don’t have a car, just leave your bound cardboard in a pile on your nature strip where we can spot it as we drive by.
”But your support would be immensely appreciated if you can tie it up and drop it off.”
And guess what? The Lions extend the same warm welcome to your old newspapers too.
Jan John, the tenacious Lions Club secretary, said that they’ve been collecting cardboard for an astonishing 45 years.
However, with the advent of recycling bins, the once abundant supply of cardboard has become scarcer.
At the depot on Hindmarsh Street, five Lions work on packing and stacking the cardboard, but on Saturday mornings, with the addition of volunteers coming to lend a hand, the packing crew can grow to 15.
The cardboard is compacted into large bales and stored in the club shed until there’s enough for a truckload.
It’s trucked to Visy in Melbourne who buy in bulk from the Lions, but the endeavour comes with its share of challenges.
The cost of renting a truck to transport the cardboard weighs heavily on the Lions’ finances, amounting to a daunting $1400 to $1500 per trip.
“The price Visy pays us for the cardboard fluctuates, making it challenging to cover the truck expenses,” Louis said.
“Thankfully, the Council has stepped in to provide support. Hindmarsh Shire Council subsidises us at a rate of $140 per ton.”
The Lions Club not only collects cardboard but also maintains a special collection trailer at the Riverside Holiday Park for paper and aluminium cans.
In their unwavering dedication to our environment, they collect and store - not sell - soft, clear plastic as a protective measure.
Let’s salute the Lions for their commitment to a brighter, greener future, and band together, donate our cardboard, and help the Lions help those in need.