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Two more Pāpāmoa community groups will be boosted by a Lions-run weekday Bingo competition that encourages socialisation among local seniors.

Steven Jensen’s Pāpāmoa Lions Club launched their Bingo days at The Flying Mullet Sports Bar four months ago.

Funds raised from the weekly event, held Wednesdays 2pm-3.30pm, were first gifted to Blind Low Vision NZ and the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs Rugby League & Sports Club.

On August 26, at bingo, the Lions presented Pāpāmoa Food Hub with $2000. Next up will be Pāpāmoa Scout Group, Jensen said.

Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks said the $2000 would be allocated to purchasing fresh food – dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables – for parcels given to struggling community members.

“We were very pleased to hear that they selected us and that people from our community are recognising the work the food hub does,” Banks said.

Food insecurity is real

“People are starting to realise how much food insecurity there is, even in our community, and that there is somebody out doing something towards it. But the work all cost money – many, many thousands.”

Banks said $2000 would give somewhere around 45 top-ups to food parcels.

“That will see 45 Pāpāmoa families get those additional top-ups of fresh food we normally have to buy.”

Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks receives $2000 at Bingo from Pāpāmoa Lions Club’s Judy and Huck Taingahue. Photo / Supplied

Pāpāmoa Food Hub helped 863 people in the last financial year to March 31, 2026, Banks said. “This equated to distributing $77,900 worth of food, which was 13 tonnes.

“Our volunteers gave us 3400 hours of their time and drove 9500km – all for nothing. We’re 99% volunteer-based.”

Scouts to jamboree

In a letter requesting support, Ilka Sissingh said a Pāpāmoa group of 11 Scouts, aged 11 to 13, would use funds to attend the New Zealand Scout Jamboree at the end of this year.

“Jamboree is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Scouts of this age group, bringing together young people from across New Zealand to participate in leadership development, outdoor education, teamwork challenges, community building, and personal growth experiences,” Sissingh said.

To attend Jamboree, each Scout must raise about $3000. The group’s total fundraising goal is about $33,000.

“So far, the Scouts have already raised more than $7000 through their own hard work and determination,” Sissingh said.

Fundraising can be particularly challenging for those aged from 11 to 13 years because they were unable to take on official employment, she said.

“Instead, they rely on creativity, teamwork, community support and hands-on initiatives to work towards their goal. Despite these challenges, the Scouts have shown incredible commitment, motivation, and perseverance.

“We believe these young people truly deserve support because they are not simply asking for help – they are actively working for it.

“Through Scouting, they are developing into capable, community-minded young leaders who are learning the value of hard work, service and resilience. Receiving grant support would help ensure every Scout has the opportunity to attend Jamboree regardless of financial circumstances.”

Jensen encouraged more Pāpāmoa residents to get along to the 2pm-3.30pm Bingo sessions on Wednesdays at the Flying Mullet bar.

“How it works is we sell tickets to Bingo for $5 each and take 20% from every ticket sale thanks to the generosity of The Flying Mullet Sports Bar. We also sell meat raffle tickets while we’re there – and the funds accumulate.”

Jensen said the event was targeted at Pāpāmoa’s retired community – and numbers were increasing.

“The majority of attendees are over 60 and it’s a fun, affordable social outing for them and they enjoy it.”