Lions raise $8000 for adult literacy
A group that helps adults with literacy says a generous donation will allow them to support students in a range of ways.
The Nelson Host Lions Club has given Adult Learning Support (ALS) an $8000 cheque from funds raised during its annual golf tournament.
ALS manager Cameron Forbes said the funds would be used to support its Driver Licence Theory course, Work Fit course and its Parenting and Life Skills course for young mothers.
‘‘We’ll use the funding to buy some vital resources including computer software licences, classroom furniture and learning resources.’’
Forbes said one of the tools it purchased was a software licence which meant people with dyslexia could find out about their condition for cheap or free, as opposed to paying upwards of $800 with a psychologist for same information.
Previously the centre had only had paper screening tools.
ALS runs a range of literacy and numeracy-based programmes. Its support is usually free and is personalised to each learner.
Forbes said even a small price would be too high a barrier for the people who most need support.
Forbes said it was a pleasure working with the Lions and it was the most money ALS had made before with a fundraising activity.
‘‘And we greatly appreciate that.’’
He said an ALS student Raewyn Lindbom who was also a member of Nelson Host Lions recommended the centre as worthy golf tournament recipients.
Raewyn was dyslexic and went to school in the 1970s when there was huge shame about her education.
She was initially so nervous at studying at ALS and if tutors saw her in the community she would proceeds tell them ’’don’t you tell anyone how you know me’’. She now champions ALS.
Nelson Host Lions Club president Don Kelly said the Lions had raised $283,000 in the 33 years it had run the golf tournament.
Kelly said it was great to support a group like ALS who were so appreciative of the funds and had a clear plan of how they wanted to spend it.
He thanked the Nelson business who sponsored teams in the tournament.
For more information visit adultlearning.co.nz or email info@adultlearning.co.nz.