An Island gas station will host this weekend's `mane' event -- a major fundraising drive by Hamilton Lions.

The charitable group will hold their annual Gas-O-Rama fundraiser at Terceira's Gas Station on North Shore Road in Smith's.

And Hamilton Lions president Chris Hopkins urged the public to let their gas tanks hover near empty until Saturday when they can support the endeavour.

"If you're going to get gas, get it at Terceira's Gas Station on Saturday,'' he said. "That's the day to get gas.

"There will be free popcorn and balloons for children and there will also be a car wash.'' And some high profile drivers will be filling up their gas tanks this week to drum up awareness for Saturday's event.

Governor Thorold Masefield will purchase gas on Tuesday and Premier Jennifer Smith will fill up her gas tank on Wednesday.

Opposition Leader Pamela Gordon paid a visit to the station yesterday in a bid to show her support for the event.

In 1969, then President of the Hamilton Lions Club, Teddy Chapman, together with Leon Stubbs approached Malcolm Ralph Terceira with the idea of Lions manning the gas pumps at his Shell gas station for a day for the benefit of charity.

This is the 26th year for the annual fund raiser which has raised thousands of dollars for a number of charities over the years including the Sunshine League and Child and Family Health.

"Terceira's Gas Station on North Shore Road lets us use the gas station and all of the profits from the gas sales will go toward charity,'' Mr. Hopkins added.

This year The Adult Education School, The Reading Clinic and Windreach Bermuda Trust will benefit from the fund raiser which kicks off at 7 a.m.

The Adult Education School is an alternative education institution which gives students of all ages a second chance at success, while The Reading Clinic provides tutorial services for students.

And Windreach Trust Bermuda provides children and adults with physical, mental and learning disabilities the chance to become equestrians.

"It would be nice to raise about $15,0000,'' said Mr. Hopkins. "We will also hold a raffle which is a big money maker.'' Among the prizes up for grabs in the raffle include: Two airline tickets to London, England; Two airline tickets to anywhere in Canada; A 13-inch colour television set with remote control; A mountain bike; A fax machine; and A cellular telephone.

Raffle winners will be drawn at 7 p.m. on Saturday, after the gas pumps have closed.

The $5 raffle tickets can be purchased from any Hamilton Lions Club member, or from Bermuda High School or Saltus Leo Club members.

Mr. Hopkins also said individuals could purchase tickets from himself by calling 292-6374.

Li-on up for gas : from left to right: Malcolm Terceira, the Hamilton Lions Club mascot and Hamilton Lions president Chris Hopkins get ready for this Saturday's Gas-O-Rama fundraiser at Terceira's Gas Station on North Shore Road in Smith's.