Making Christmas wishes come true

For almost four decades, the Redcliffe Central Lions and Lioness Clubs have been granting Christmas wishes for older residents across the peninsula.

They are sharpening their tools, dusting off their work clothes and readying themselves for another round of tasks in the lead-up to the festive season.

Pioneering program

Redcliffe Central Lions president Ted Heyes says it was one of the first groups in Australia to run the program, which one of its members had seen in action in New Zealand 39 years ago.

Last year, its members granted 40 wishes. They ranged from gardening and mowing, window cleaning, washing and vacuuming cars, and doing small dump runs to handing out Christmas cakes, or arranging a fishing trip or a drive.

Spreading cheer

“At Christmas, a lot of people are on their own and can’t afford to buy stuff, so we try to give back to them. They’re all pretty happy. We get several thankyou cards each year.”

“We all get a big buzz out of it. It’s a real pleasure to give back to the community and for people that are in less fortunate positions than us,” he says.

Anyone interested in joining the club can phone Ted on 0414 512 444.

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