SEVERAL weeks ago, well-known Moree resident Leonie Livingston donated a valuable work of art to Moree Lions Club to use as a prize in the club’s annual Christmas raffle.
On Sunday, Leonie celebrated her 88th birthday in fine style – by personally handing over the painting to the raffle winner, Tanisha Murphy.
The painting, Potato Vine, was purchased in Sydney about 10 years ago.
In early 2022, Leonie joined Moree Lions Club to help the organisation in her own special way.
“We bought the painting a long time ago, and I decided to give it to the Lions Club to raffle,” Leonie smiled.
“I can’t do very much, but I like to help in other ways and donate items that can be raffled to raise money for the community.”
Through Moree Lions Club, Leonie also made a donation to Guide Dogs Australia – with the blessing of her rescue pooch, Lou – and footed the tab for the recent Lions’ changeover dinner.
Raffle winner Tanisha Murphy was surprised and overjoyed when told she was the new owner of Potato Vine.
“I bought the ticket at the Jellicoe Park Moree Markets – at the Lions barbecue – and forgot all about it,” Tanisha said.
“I got a phone call to say I’d won a raffle and thought, what raffle? This is fantastic. I haven’t figured out where I’ll hang it at home – it’s a lot bigger than I expected,” she laughed.
Moree Lion Beth Hearn said Leonie loves helping Moree Lions in her special, philanthropic way.
“Since joining Lions, Leonie has discovered how not-for-profits work for the community and she really enjoys helping in any way she can,” Beth said.
“We always run a raffle at Christmas time, and Leonie kindly donated a piece of Aboriginal art she purchased quite a few years ago.
“We sold $2500 worth of tickets, and Leonie wanted to present the prize to the winner.
“In the last 12 or 18 months, Leonie has really stood up as a Lions member in Moree. She comes to our meetings and enjoys taking part in our discussions and learning about our group, and how we work together for the community.
“Leonie helps in a lot of different ways but also gets quite annoyed because she can’t help in a more physical way,” Beth smiled.
“It’s wonderful for Leonie to donate valuable prizes like this painting, especially on her birthday – she’s an amazing lady.”
Moree Lions Club has over the years raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Moree community.
“We’re a group of like-minded people who want to help others – wherever there’s a need, there’s a Lion,” Beth said.
She said joining Moree Lions Club is a rewarding experience, and stresses age doesn’t matter.
“We’re not just a group of old people,” she laughed.
“There are plenty of young people in Moree Lions, and there is always room for more.”
Interested?
Moree Lions Club members will be at Moree Ag Supplies and Steel Twilight Christmas races from 4pm on Saturday, December 20 as well as Jellicoe Park Moree Christmas Markets the following day. Beth and her fellow Lions have all the information needed about joining the team.
