The Grafton Lions Club is committed to helping its community by making the Clarence Valley, a better place for all of us to live in. It has recently come to our attention that our local hospital is in desperate need of new medical equipment. For this reason, the Grafton Lions Club is currently working towards raising $60,000 for the Grafton Base Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It is our hope the money raised will be used to purchase two BiPAP (breathing) machines at a cost of $39,000 each. These machines are urgently needed in ICU at the Grafton Base, as the current machines are outdated and cannot be supported by the manufacturer. Lion’s International is willing to assist in this quest, by offering to match us dollar for dollar. In an attempt to raise $30,000, we recently held a BBQ at Bunnings and a successful Mother’s Club raffle, raising $1,400. Our next planned event is a Black Tie Dinner/Auction, to be held August 20 at the Jockey Club, Grafton Race Course from 6pm (this coming Saturday). There are still a limited number of tickets available at $110 per person, and the evening includes a four course meal, beer, wine, soft drinks and entertainment. Tickets in aid of the Grafton Base Hospital Intensive Care Unit can be purchased by contacting Denise 0417 043 910. Dr Judy Banko