While many people around the country prepared themselves for a Christmas marked by the traditional Christmas feast and exchanging of gifts, the Eden Lions Club decided to demonstrate the true spirit of Christmas by giving of their time to collect much-needed food for the many underprivileged people of George.
Over a period of four days, Eden Lions volunteers manned trolleys at the Pick n Pay in Knysna Road, asking shoppers for contributions of non-perishable food items.
The Eden Lions approached Child Welfare to assist with the packaging and distribution of the food to needy families and organisations in the Eden district.
This was the second year that the Eden Lions have undertaken to do a food collection during December and this time the project was also supported by the Knysna and Noll (Oudtshoorn) Lions Clubs.
In its first year, the Eden Lions collected seven tons of food, which was well above the target they had set. This time, due to the disastrous drought being experienced in Beaufort West, the collection was expanded to include water. The target aimed for was 10 tons of food and water.
As always, the people of George and surrounds opened their hearts and their wallets to share the Christmas spirit with people for whom Christmas would usually be a sad and hungry time of the year.
The following Lions Clubs responded generously to the plea by the Eden Lions to assist in the collection of water for Beaufort West: Lions District Office (R25 000), Knysna Lions (R5 000), Eden Lions (R4 000), Swellendam Lions (R2 000), Noll Lions (R660).
In total, a phenomenal 30 tons of food and water was collected during the Tip-A-Ton collection.
This has far surpassed any expectations and proves once again that the residents of George really do care.
The Eden Lions Club would like to thank each and every business and individual who played a part in the awesome success of the Tip-A-Ton project.
For any further information on the Eden Lions Tip-A-Ton Project or on how you can become a Lion and make a difference in the community, contact Lion president Carl van Blerk on 082 826 0731.
Donations towards this and other projects can be made directly into the Eden Lions Bank Account: Eden Lions Club, FNB - George (210114), Account number: 622 350 45045. (use your name or business name as a reference). www.edenlions.org.za
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The Tip-A-Ton Truck, kindly sponsored by Tippeton Trucks, is the official symbol for the Tip-A-Ton of Food Project.
