The concept of mateship is deeply rooted in the Australian community, and it manifests itself through the wide variety of charitable and service organisations, including the Lions Clubs. Since its inception in 2018, the Sydney Autism Community Lions Club Inc (SACLC) has distinguished itself not only from other service organisations, but also from other Lions Clubs in Australia and worldwide.

As the name suggests, the SACLC dedicates itself to the service of individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other neurodivergent conditions. However, the distinguishing factor for the SACLC is that service projects are proposed, chosen, and applied by individuals who, themselves, are neurodivergent or have close family members who are.

The SACLC has completed a variety of service projects and fundraising events which included a hackathon, buying a trampoline for a neurodivergent child, running a Pokemon Go Tournament supported by Niantic Inc., and many others. You can see more of their projects on their website.

In order for any Lions Club or service organization to perform services to the community, fundraising is essential, which is why the SACLC has partnered up with Return and Earn. This means that when you visit one of 23 selected Return and Earn Vending Machines throughout Sydney to deposit your glass, plastic, can or carton drink receptacles for a refund, you can now donate that refund to the Sydney Autism Community Lions Club, as follows:

1. Deposit your receptacles into the vending machine as usual.
2. Select Donate when finished.
3. Select ‘Sydney Autism Lions Club’.
4. Select Confirm Donation. A receipt will then be printed out.

By selecting to donate to the SACLC, you will be helping neurodivergent individuals all over Sydney access the care and services that they need. You can donate by visiting one of the below Return and Earn vending machines:

1. Westfield Eastgardens
2. Randwick Golf Club, Malabar
3. Westfield Bondi Junction
4. UNSW Kensington
5. Kings Cross Car Park, Elizabeth Bay Road, Elizabeth Bay
6. Strathfield Council Car Park, Churchill Avenue, Strathfield
7. Paddy’s Markets Flemington
8. SUPA IGA Meadowbank
9. Woolworths Marsfield
10. 1 Little Street, Lane Cove
11. Henley Community Centre
12. Macquarie Centre North Ryde
13. Rofe Park Hornsby Heights
14. The Centre Dural
15. Greenway Park Cherrybrook
16. Berowra Tavern, Berowra Heights
17. Golf Paradise Terrey Hills
18. 56-58 Glen Street, Belrose
19. Belrose Super Centre
20. Woolworths Balgowlah
21. Coles Manly Vale
22. Westfield Warringah Mall
23. Time and Tide Hotel, Dee Why