The Beneficiaries

In 2020 the beneficiaries of the Car Rally proceeds were for people impacted by the bushfires and the Kokoda Track Foundation. In 2021 the major beneficiary is Respite Camps for kids with special needs and their families. The 2022 major beneficiaries have been nominated as Diabetes awareness along with Respite Camps for kids.

Diabetes
Diabetes is a serious complex condition which can affect the entire body. Diabetes requires daily self care and if complications develop, diabetes can have a significant impact on quality of life and can reduce life expectancy. While there is currently no cure for diabetes, you can live an enjoyable life by learning about the condition and effectively managing it. 

There are different types of diabetes; all types are complex and serious. Lions with the help of Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) are working to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the lives of those living with diabetes. By working together, we can make an impact on the diabetes epidemic and help reduce the prevalence of diabetes and improve the quality of life for those diagnosed.

Respite Camps
Each year, the Lions Club of Park Orchards and other Lions Clubs, in partnership with Interchange Inner East & InterchangeOuter East, facilitate special needs family respite camps at the Licola Wilderness Camp in the Gippsland high country. 
Respite for families with special needs children is critical. The demands on parents are physically and mentally exhausting. Siblings can also be severely affected, being deprived of quality family time and the parental attentionthat would normally be shared more evenly. They often miss out on activities such as family holidays, having friends over to play, and dining out. The entire family needs respite, to provide breaks before they become exhausted, sick or overwhelmed. 
The family camps provide activities and new experiences for special needs children, siblings and parents – independently and together. The camps provide them with an opportunity to relax and have fun, but also to reconnect and share experiences with others in similar circumstances. 
At the camps some of the activities families have the opportunity to participate in are, archery, mini golf, abseiling, canoeing, flying fox, giant swing, basketball, cycling, hiking and indoor games/sports.