Hunter Business Lions Club donate vouchers to Northern Settlement Services and Nova for Women and Children

Hunter Business Lions Club has donated $800 worth of vouchers to two services that support women, families and migrants in need.

Lions volunteers this week provided Newcastle-based charities Northern Settlement Services and Nova for Women and Children each $400 worth of much-needed shopping vouchers to help support their clients.

"At Hunter Business Lions Club, we are dedicated to doing what we can to help those in need in the community. The current health crisis has had a significant impact on us all," said incoming Hunter Business Lions Club president Jenny Barrie.

"For women and children escaping domestic violence, particularly those from overseas on temporary visas, it is a very stressful time.

"We are very pleased to support local charities Northern Settlement Services and Nova for Women and Children and we encourage the wider community to do the same. The services and support these charities offer is vital particularly in these unprecedented times."

Kelly Hansen, CEO of Nova for Women and Children, said the vouchers were welcome as the organisation experienced a surge in demand for assistance from women on temporary visas, who are also escaping domestic and family violence.

"There is no financial assistance for women in this category and services such as Nova, and others, are trying to provide support where they can, but we are limited to the number we can assist," Ms Hansen said.

"Nova would like to thank all involved at the Hunter Business Lions Club for their fundraising activities, this generous contribution, and for supporting the women and children of our area."

Sharon Daishe, CEO of Northern Settlement Services, said the shopping vouchers would provide vital support to "those who need it most during these difficult times".

"One hundred dollars may not be much for most Australian citizens, however for someone without any source of income or government support, the vouchers will help to put food on the table," Ms Daishe said.

"It is sobering to know that especially during COVID there are classes of Visa holders experiencing extreme poverty on our shores. We thank Hunter Business Lions Club for their support."