Jona Vaughan Home residents were spoilt with lunch and a visit from members of six Lions clubs from the greater Durban area on Saturday, 12 September.
“As district 410C zone 7 chairman, one of my goals was to task our clubs to work together and participate in zonal projects for the benefit of the community,” said Helen Toward.
One of these projects was the Jona Vaughan Home. Members from Amanzimtoti Lions, Kingsburgh Lions, eThekwini South Lions, Durban Central Lions, Durban Host Lions and Durban South Lions combined their efforts to give the 80 residents a little bit of happiness and cheer.
“The residents had a wonderful time and were treated to a lunch with light entertainment from our Lions clubs. This project proved to be extremely successful and also gave our individual clubs the opportunity to work together and share good fellowship with each other while serving those in need of a little kindness.”
The Jona Vaughan Home was built by Lions and remains a signature project for the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti.
The late Bert Tunmer, a charter member of the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti, had a son, Jonathan Vaughan Tunmer who had cerebral palsy. Bert searched in vain for a specialised facility within the area for parents of children with similar disabilities.
In 1974 he formed a committee with other Lion members of his club with the idea of starting a residential home for the physically and mentally challenged. Over the next 11 years, land was obtained, plans were drawn up and the building began.
The home opened in 1985 with 15 residents and was named the Jona Vaughan Home after Bert’s son. Today the home is administered by Durban and Coastal Mental Health with specialised staff, and caters for upwards of 80 residents.
“Amanzimtoti Lions carry out regular monthly maintenance at the home, along with other help and support when needed and every Christmas each resident receives a present provided by the Lions Club of Amanzimtoti,” said Helen.
