Lions Roar
Modern times , where innovation promised us more time for ourselves , but has proved the opposite , are causing havoc with charity organisations . Work commitments , families and a raft of sporting activities leave us with little time for volunteering . The Lion ’ s Service Club understands these constraints and is endeavouring to make it as easy as possible for those wanting to join the organisation . Membership numbers have dropped to four in the once vibrant club and Lions are inviting interested people to come along to a couple of meetings to see if they would like to become members .
“ As a Lion you can make a difference in your community ” says Bev Wilson , “ You will be part of a world wide organisation , carrying out community and humanitarian projects and you can grow personally and professionally by participating in programs , service projects and events .”
Internationally Lions have helped Tsunami , earthquake and flood victims . In Hay , residents have been aided with funds to acquire items for improved health , help when fire destroyed homes and financial assistance for medical treatments .
As fundraisers , Lions members can be seen doing a number of things all over the country . From the famous Lions BBQs , raffles and snow cones to Market days and Debutante Balls . Being a small in numbers club , the Hay Lions do not have the power to run big projects , so concentrate on smaller things .
Why should I become a member of Lions ?
In 152 countries across the world people from all walks of life join together to raise funds to help those who need it most . Lions are about fun , family and friendship . It ’ s about putting back into the community .
What will I have to do as a member ?
Meeting are held at the Lions Den on Lachlan Street , next to the tennis courts . Members meet on the 1 st and 3 rd Tuesday of each month . Members can attend meetings as often as they can . Meeting usually run for two hours , beginning at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start . “ Sometimes we are enjoying ourselves so much we don ’ t meet this limit ,” says Bev Wilson .
Members also join in at fundraising activities . Sometimes it will be selling raffle tickets , manning the snow cone machine at a fete or cooking a BBQ ; or helping with the physical side cleaning up a pensioner ’ s garden . Lions are free to help as much or as little as their schedules permit . Your time commitment is simply what you are able to give whatever projects are happening each month .
How much will it cost me ?
Your financial obligation as a volunteer Lion is $ 6.00 per meeting . At the end of some meetings the “ Lion Tamer ” will produce the ‘ Fine Box ’ which is usually a twenty cent donation . Fines are for fun and include a member reporting something silly they did , or funny infringements of protocols : it ’ s all light hearted and inexpensive enjoyment . Occasionally Lion ’ s members are asked to bring a plate to a meeting or bake a cake for a stall .
How does the money raised help our local community ?
School Scholarships for a year six student entering High School at Hay War Memorial receive a scholarship and a student continuing their tertiary education as well as book awards annually .
Medical equipment for locals , assistance for people to travel to get medical treatment , renovations to someone ’ s home to allow them to be cared for amongst family and familiar things .
Lions also help fund medical research for childhood cancer , prostate cancer and eye health for example .
How do I take the first step to becoming a member ?
For catering purposes phone 6993 1343 or 0427 931 343 then come to a meeting , on the first or third Tuesday of any month and say “ Hello ”. Once in the door Lions members will welcome you and bring you into the group .
“ We Lions would love to see you there .”
Local Lions : John Rizzo , Bev Wilson and Susie Parslow along with Brian Hill ( Zone 3 Chairman ) from Finely . The Lions recently held an information day at the Services Club and gained two new members .
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