The Kiama Lions Club held a special presentation on 27 February to honour Hilton Bloomfield and Jon Phipps for their efforts in raising funds for the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation. The Foundation is currently working to provide a mobility walker for a five-year-old child in Kiama Downs, with support from local clubs, including Minnamurra, Shoalhaven Heads, Jervis Bay, and Bomaderry. These walkers, which cost approximately $7,500, offer children the freedom to move independently.

Foundation National Registrar Danny Richardson presented the awards in recognition of Jon and Hilton’s commitment since 2023 to collecting and auctioning stamps to support children in need of mobility walkers.

Jon and Hilton, affectionately known as the stamp men of Kiama, have worked together to collect stamps and played a vital role in this initiative. 

Receiving recognition for their efforts was unexpected for Jon Phipps and Hilton Bloomfield, but they see it as more than just an award. 

Acknowledgments like these provide a platform to highlight the importance of the cause, attract volunteers who share their vision, and raise awareness of the impact the stamp drive has in funding mobility walkers for children. 

Through their dedication, they have not only raised essential funds but have also inspired broader community involvement in this life-changing initiative.

Adding to the significance of the evening, Hilton and his wife Jan celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, a milestone that deserves recognition in its own right.

Hilton and Jan Bloomfield celebrated both their 60th wedding anniversary and Hilton's recognition of services

During the event, Lions Club members inducted a new member, Cheryl Emin, into their ranks. Additionally, the club is preparing for a vision screening initiative this Sunday, demonstrating their continued commitment to supporting the community.

One particularly exciting development is the upcoming auction of a rare stamp, a Penny Black from 1840, which could potentially raise more funds in a single sale than the club has ever achieved through barbecues.

This highlights the significant impact that the stamp collection initiative could have on future fundraising efforts - so don’t be slow! 

Check out those stamp collections lying around your place and donate them to the Lions club to further their cause in the community.