The Hear Me Roar! Project involves a few initiatives.
Gift Bags/Packs
Our Lions Club purchases and puts together gift bags for chronically and terminally ill patients. Gift bags include items such as lip balm, pencils, adult colouring books, journal/note book, beanie/scarf/socks, lollies, moisturiser, hand sanitiser, puzzle book, pen, shower loofah etc. Items vary.
Multipurpose Cushions & Port Pillows
Round and Heart shaped cushions are also made by our Lions Club. We purchase material, cut, stuff and sew the cushions for patients. The cushions are multipurpose and can be used under arm, under forearm, neck and chest.
Small port pillows are made by members of our Lions Club. We purchase material and Velcro, cut, stuff and sew small pillows that can be attached to seatbelts. These port pillows help cushion port/incision/surgical sites when in a motor vehicle to help provide comfort.
Other Initiatives
The project is expanding to include handmade book bags that are filled with second-hand books and donated to patients.
Our Lions Club has also started receiving handmade dressing gowns, beanies and elastic headbands for children that will also be donated.
This project is aimed at thousands of patients in South Australian hospitals dealing with various illnesses and undergoing a wide variety of treatments. We launched the project at the Northern Adelaide Cancer Centre at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in May 2016. The project was launched in the Kate Hill Ward at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital in September 2016.
We believe this project will be of great benefit to patients. Over time as the project grows, this project will extend to other South Australian hospitals and patients.
The idea of the Hear Me Roar! Project came about when a Lion member came across a blog written by a woman undergoing chemotherapy treatments. She wrote about what she was going through, the support she received and items she was given that were useful or made her smile. She also wrote about items that weren’t too helpful (but it was the thought that counted).
This Lion has known several people who have fought through various illnesses, supporting them through the ups and downs of their illness and treatments. There are so many South Australians who do not have a big support network, if one at all, so this Lion started researching what she could do to help in any way, even just to make patients smile.
The original idea was to gather both useful items and items that would make people smile, pack them into gift bags and deliver them. But the idea grew after coming across useful items and projects online from around the world.
The project grew to include multi-purpose cushions that are bright and happy and are there to help provide a bit of comfort to patients whether they are undergoing a particular treatment like chemotherapy, or just need something to help make them more comfortable. Port Pillows also became a part of the project after reading about, and talking to, patients who find it difficult and/or painful wearing a seat belt.
The project idea was presented to friends and fellow Lions at The Lions Club of the City of Adelaide. The project was accepted by members and the club … and the Hear Me Roar! Project was officially born and become a Club Signature Project in early 2016. The project has grown and continues to do so.
This project is fully funded and supported by the Lions Club of the City of Adelaide. There is no cost to the hospitals, patients, or their families.
The Hear Me Roar! Project is all about making people smile, feel appreciated, and be supported.
For the cushions and port pillows we need:
Material (100% cotton)
Stuffing (polyester fibrefill)
Sewing Cotton
People to spend time sewing and stuffing
For the gift bags, we need items such as:
Travel Hand Sanitiser
Sorbolene
Travel Tissues
Beanies and Scarves
Chewing Gum
Lollies & Chocolates
Body Lotion & Moisturiser (non-scented)
Books / Notebooks / Journals
Adult Colouring Books
Pens & Pencils
Lip Balm
Puzzle Books
Hand Held Games / Puzzles
Stress Balls
Sleep Masks
Soft Toothbrush & Toothpaste
Project Co-Ordinator: Petrea Stacey
Phone: 0410 625 005
Email: pstacey@forerunner.com.au
Mail: PO Box 139, Walkerville SA 5081
Club Website: adelaidecitylions.org.au