A new washing machine is expected to make a world of difference for the Tauranga Breast Cancer Support Service.

The service unwrapped their nearly donated machine from the Otumoetai Lions this morning.

From left: Otumoetai Lions secretary Kevin Jagusch, Tauranga Breast Cancer Support Service service manager Helen Alice, and Otumoetai Lions president Lionel Raven. Photo: Chris Callinan

The machine was donated as part of the global Lions effort to complete 100,000,000 good deeds ahead of their 100th anniversary next year, says Otumoetai Lions secretary Kevin Jagusch.

'We got involved with Breast Cancer Support Services in Tauranga through another Lion, rang them and they gave us a list of what they needed.”

The washing machine was on the list as an essential item for helping the Support Service with some long-overdue onsite laundry.

'We provide massage services for our clients every Friday and at the end there's always a basket of used towels,” says Breast Cancer Support Service Manager Helen Alice.

'We've always had to take them home over the weekend – this will allow us to wash them onsite.”

As well as the washing machine, the Lions also donated $200 to Helping Hands, a service the Breast Cancer Support Services offers to people with a breast cancer diagnosis.

This service is available to relieve some of the stress that comes with the diagnosis, and can be spent on anything which will assist the person - from family meals to medicine and petrol vouchers.

Speaking directly to Kevin and Lions president Lionel Raven, who had dropped the washing machine off, Helen thanked them for their efforts.

'It's a small thing which makes such a big difference.”

'We're a small charity organisation and it's the support of organisations like yours which keeps us going.”

The Otumoetai Lions are currently looking for new members, but as Helen chipped in, the Breast Cancer Support Services are not.