Since 2022, The Glen Innes Highlands Lioness-Lions Club have coordinated ‘Hellies Christmas Drive’ – named in honour of a well-loved and valued community member, Hellen Jennings.
For 15 years Helen had coordinated a similar drive for under privileged children in the Glen Innes area. The proceeds from this drive were always and will continue to be dispersed through the office of Glen Innes Youth and Family Support Service.
In 2025 with the support of Squadron Energy Sapphire Wind Farm promotion began in September. Collection points were set up at local schools and businesses – Carelle’s, Glen Innes High School and Public School, and the Glen Innes Bowlo.
Items donated by the ever generous Glen Innes community or purchased using funds donated by Squadron Energy Sapphire Windfarm were collected, organised into bundles by local school staff , and then wrapped by Glen Innes Highlands Lioness-Lions Club members. Any remaining monetary donations were then used to purchase grocery cards and vouchers from local stores to ensure families would have a family dinner at Christmas time.
The gifts were then ready for dispersal by Glen Innes Youth and Family Support officers before Christmas.
The members of the Glen Innes Highlands Lioness-Lions Club would like to extend their sincere appreciation to;
- Hellie’s family and friends for their support and encouragement
- Squadron Energy Sapphire Windfarm for their sponsorship in 2025
- the ever generous community of Glen Innes
- local school staff and families for promoting and supporting this initiative
- staff and management of Carelle’s for their advice and generosity
- local clubs/organisations/individuals who contributed to ensure this drive can continue into the future
This project provided many children with a sense of family and community at Christmas, supported local businesses in the Glen Innes LGA, supported the staff of the Glen Innes Youth and Family Support Service in providing for under privileged families, allowed the members of the Glen Innes Highlands Lioness-Lions Club to work collaboratively on a project and promote the ethos of Lions Australia, and of course ensured recognition and honour of a long standing community member – Mrs Helen Jennings.
Our Club members look forward to continuing this project well into the future and hope that ‘Hellie’ would be pleased with our work.
Project Coordinator: Lion Leonie Lee
