
Take Pride in the Lions…
This week I’ve finally got round to getting more detailed information about one of the fundraising groups you’ll have seen around town. The Lions are represented on the Christmas Fayre Steering Group, so I see them each month for that, but I wanted to find out more about the work they do locally and how the Lions as an organisation works.
Internationally, they were formed in 1917 in Chicago, by Melvin Jones, who thought that successful businessmen could put their “drive, talent and ambition” towards improving their community as well as their businesses. In 1925, Helen Keller* attended the Lions Clubs International Convention and challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” This became the focus of one of their programs along with other health issues such as diabetes, and they also feel strongly about supporting youth programs.
In Wisbech, the club was started 46 years ago. It is run by volunteers, with subscriptions covering admin costs. It’s not just businessmen these days, all are welcome and in fact Wisbech has had several female presidents.
The health program includes “message in a bottle” which is a brilliant idea that I didn’t realise was managed by a voluntary group. A container with essential health information is kept in the fridge, with stickers on the fridge door and at the entrance to the property, so that emergency services know it’s there to find.
For the youth program locally, there’s a regular competition in 11 schools across the area to design a poster. The winners and honorary mentions will be on display in Tesco from 17th to 22nd September, so make sure you have a look.
I am grateful to Bill Batrick for helping me understand more as to why and how they do what they do: their history, and the dedication to the ethics and purpose of the original group from over 100 years ago showed me there’s more to the Lions than I realised. I just enjoyed seeing them at all our events, the fun games they make and their happy faces! (Which is of course commendable in itself.)
Bill also said: “In general the club supports local causes [rather than large charities], the club likes to support youth organisations as they are the future”
Contributing to local, small, charities makes sure the money raised stays within the community that gave it, an important detail that we can all appreciate.
If you would like to find out more, go along to a meeting at Mendi’s, Old Market, on the first Wednesday of the month, 7.15pm, everyone welcome.
*If you don’t know of Helen Keller, she is worth researching, do look her up.
See also: www.lionsclubs.org
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