Lions Clubs Of North Queensland’s “Adopt A Family’ Program To Support Flood Recovery

Members of the Ingham Lions Club gathered at the park before the Ingham ANZAC Day march. Photo sourced: Ingham Lions Club

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The Lions Clubs of North Queensland are making a significant impact on families affected by the devastating floods of February 2025 through their ‘Adopt a Family’ initiative, supported by grants from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). This program aims to assistfamilies who have faced the hardships of natural disasters, providing up to $1,000 per family to help with the purchase of essential items like white goods, bedding, and other necessities from local suppliers.

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The Lions Club of Ingham has proudly received two grants from LCIF following the flooding, enabling them to aid families in their recovery efforts. The geographical reach of this initiative spans from north of Tully to south of Ingham, focusing on those who are in the process of returning to their homes after remediation works.

Since the first grant was awarded in late July 2025, Lions Clubs have successfully assisted 261 families – of approximately 850 individuals – with a total outlay of $224,374 to local suppliers. This financial support has been crucial in enabling families to resettle into their residences, fostering a sense of normalcy after the disruption caused by the floods.

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The generosity of Lions members from around the globe has fuelled this initiative, with donations directed to LCIF specifically for disaster relief efforts. Local Lions Clubs, including Ingham, Lower Herbert Halifax, Cardwell, Tully, and Mission Beach, have played an instrumental role in processing applications and facilitating payments to suppliers.

The support extended by local hubs in Ingham, Tully and Cardwell, as well as the numerous local suppliers, has been invaluable. The Lions acknowledge that the success of this program would not have been possible without the friendly and knowledgeable assistance from these groups.

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As the need for assistance decreases, the Grants program has concluded at the end of this March and applications received by Lions up to and including 31 March 2026 will be processed.

President of the Ingham Lions Club Silvia Poggio said the program brought much hope to the families.

“The “Adopt a Family” program stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for those affected by the floods, demonstrating the power of community support and international solidarity through the Lions Clubs. As the program is now completed, it leaves behind a legacy of compassion and collaboration that can inspire future efforts in disaster recovery.”

This initiative stands as a testament to the spirit of community and resilience, demonstrating how collective efforts can significantly impact those in need during trying times. For more information on the ‘Adopt a Family’ program or to seek assistance, please contact your local Lions Club.

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Contributed with thanks by the Lions Club of Ingham, Pat Lynch Secretary

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