The club built its first cubby house in 1997 and hoped to raise $10,000 for the NBN telethon, but the project eventually ­doubled its goal and raised $21,600. 

In the 17 years since, the cubby houses have raised about $10,000 on average each year and netted $170,000 for Maitland community projects.

The latest raised $8000 and was delivered to a Dungog ­family on Christmas eve.

“The kids were happy to see it,” charter member Gary Parsons said.

“It makes you feel pretty good.”

The cubby house travelled to shopping centres across the Lower Hunter and the tickets were snapped up by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, from far and wide.

Previous winners have come from across the region and one cubby was even delivered to Tasmania.

Mr Parsons lent his hand to the construction of the first house in 1997 and the 17 that followed. 

“The funds we raise are donated to various, mostly local, charities including Newcastle’s Ronald McDonald House at John Hunter [Hospital].”

Mr Parsons said the cubby houses and the club have been just as rewarding to him as they are to the community. 

“It keeps me active, I’ve always been a bit of a workaholic and these houses are the big yearly fund-raiser for us so I’m very proud to be a part of them,” he said.

Pictured with the cubby house are six of the seven East Maitland Lions Club charter members from 1974. 

Ken Rowland was absent.