Got a collection of stamps gathering dust somewhere at home? Are you business that receives a lot of stamped mail? Well, Tamworth Peel Valley Lions Club will put them to good use.
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In a record fundraising effort across the country, Australian Lions Clubs have raised a whopping $52,000 from stamp collecting this year.
Proud to contribute to such a phenomenal effort, Peel Valley club member and stamp enthusiast Anne Sanders said after 27 years a Lion, collecting stamps for such a great cause would never get old.
"I have a bag of around two kilos of stamps here at home," she explained.
"It all goes towards such a great cause."
From bags of stamps from businesses to personal collections, Ms Sanders said even "a little packet of 10 from a little old lady is valuable to me."
Sent to the coast and sorted into saleable lots, the stamps are then sent to Philas, where they are included in the next auction.
We spend our time to do things people wouldn't necessarily think is profitable, but by doing this we can really serve the community.
- Peel Valley Lions Club president Julie Fleck
Every cent raised is then donated to the Australian Lions Children's Mobility Foundation to help with the purchase of walking frames for children born with cerebral palsy.
Peel Valley club president Julie Fleck said she was "immensely proud" her club had played a part.
"I am immensely proud of the work the club does. I think it's something the community can contribute to and isn't aware of the value of things they throw out," she said.
"It takes time to prepare the stamps. We spend our time to do things people wouldn't necessarily think is profitable, but by doing this we can really serve the community."
Since the project commenced 15 years ago the club country-wide has handed over more than $141,000 for the foundation.
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And it seems the movement is gathering steam, each year beating the previous record.
"We presented a cheque for a record $48,000 at the recent Australian National Lions Convention in Geelong," Lions Club Australia secretary Ross Paine said.
"2020 we raised $52K. This record can be proudly shared by all the clubs, businesses and individuals participating in this wonderful project."
At one auction alone, a total of 27.5 kilos of the 50c and over was sold for $3750. One box of eight kilos sold for $1600 alone.
To donate stamps to the cause, contact Ms Sanders on 0439 020 809, or reach out to your local Lions Club team.
