THE Lions Club of Hamilton have nominated Ms Erika Murphy as the recipient of the Alan J Holding Community Service Award. Recognising hard work and commemorating community involvement, this award has fittingly been bestowed upon an incredibly deserving recipient this year.

Erika is a woman who has taken on many roles, and she is a boss in more ways than one.

Not only does Erika manage the eventful schedule of a self-employed woman, but she is a partner to her spouse and a mother to her three children.

Recipients for the Alan J Holding Community Service Award are nominated and awarded at the discretion of the Lions Club.

Erika’s nomination was inspired by her outstanding, long-term commitment to the community through service to a broad range of programs including the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Run for Kids, and local sporting groups.

Erika’s initial motivation for her involvement with the RCH was in appreciation of the support provided by the hospital to her nephew.

This motivation was only fortified when her 11-month-old child required a rapid transfer to the RCH after becoming increasingly affected by epileptic seizures that were intensifying in frequency and severity.

This transfer was the antecedent of Erika and her child’s journey with the RCH and led overtime to entail several major operations on her daughter’s brain.

A testimony to Erika’s grit, determination, resourcefulness, and creativity, she intensified her hospital fundraising activities beyond the traditional ‘tin rattle’ collections during the Good Friday Appeal.

Using social media to promote her innovative adaptation of activities such as bake sales and arts and craft sales to propel her fundraising goals, Erika has been a profound source of amazement for those around her.

Her benevolence knows no bounds as she has garnered an inspired assembly of support from family, friends, community members, small businesses, and sporting clubs who assist in her fundraising goals.

The imperative donations that Erika has generated are not only an incredible tribute to her success, but also a pertinent reflection of her honourable character and compassionate nature.

Over the last five years, not only have Erika and her team of supporters raised over $20,000 for the Good Friday Appeal, but she has also provided support and counselling to other families in the community.

In addition to her support of the RCH, Erika has also taken a leading role in fundraising for the Epilepsy Foundation and has raised over $10,000.

Erika’s desire to “give back” has provided support and opportunities for so many other families across our community.

Lions District 201V2 2nd vice district governor, Michelle Challis, visited the Hamilton Lions Club on July 27, 2022, to present the award and recognise Erika as the deserving recipient of the Alan J Holding Community Service Award and thank her for her contributions to the community.