THE Koroit Lions Club has honoured Geraldine Edar for her outstanding contribution to the community.
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At its annual changeover dinner on Monday night, the club presented Ms Edar with the Ian M. Stockdale Humanitarian Award.
This awarded recognised Ms Edar’s work in the foundation and leadership of the south-west Alternative Schoolies group.
Established in 2010, the schoolies group has travelled to the Philippines annually, where it has built a library, classrooms and an orphanage at a village primary school.
The group will set off again in late November.
Ms Edar said she was thrilled with the Lions club award.
“I was so surprised, I’m humbled to be given this award,” Ms Edar said.
“It is so special because the Koroit Lions Club, along with the Mortlake Rotary Club, have supported the alternative schoolies right from the very start.
“The Koroit Lions Club has always been there, they have been our lifeline on many occasions, they really understand the importance of what we do.”
The alternative schoolies group has regularly included students from Koroit in its number.
Ms Edar has also been heavily involved in the Koroit community through her work as youth development officer for Moyne Shire Council.
In her 12 years in this role, Ms Edar has driven a number of community projects in the town.
The changeover dinner also featured the naming of a new executive for the Lions club for 2018-19.
Wayne Bryce has taken on the role of President.
He will be joined on the executive by Jan Rissman (vice-president), Bruce Lowenthal (secretary) and Blake Allen (treasurer).
Mr Bryce moved to Koroit five years ago and joined the Lions club a year later.
“I came off a farm in Caramut and I was keen to get involved in the community in Koroit,” he said.
“I knew some people in the Lions club so I joined up.
“It’s a really strong club, it is very active and has been well run for a long time.
“We have 31 members and they have all found their niche, they all contribute to make the club successful.
“We have a good revenue stream through the op shop with money from that going back into the community.”