WHO ARE THE LIONS? WHAT DO LIONS DO?

Listen to this article

Local people are now aware of the existence of the Vera & District Lions Club; many ask the questions who are the Lions? What do they do?

The Vera & District Lions Club was initially created by a few local residents all of which at some time in the past had been members of Lions Clubs in the UK. Our numbers in the past 12 months have grown to 30 members and countless valued, supporters throughout the area.

Lions Club members come from all walks of life they are manual workers, managers, directors, house wives, service personnel just ordinary people like you and I from a wide variety of backgrounds all bringing their individual skills together. With one common objective – To look after the needs of those less fortunate than ourselves in our local community.

Lions club are split into two main areas, which are – fund raising, to generate the cash needs of the Club, and welfare.

Welfare covers a multitude of services to the needy. For instance in the last year we have purchased a specialist wheel chair for an elderly lady that otherwise would have been totally house bound. We purchased much needed software and books for the children’s refuge in Vera. In association with the Vera Red Cross we purchased Christmas presents for a large number of local children that otherwise would not have had a present at all. Many people will be aware of Rick who used to collect money in the Vera area, Ricks health was deteriorating mainly due to his living conditions and he needed to return to the UK The Vera & District Lions Club paid for his flight took him to the airport, met him at Gatwick and took him to a centre in the UK. The club is also becoming increasingly involved in providing food for the hungry throughout or area. The local welfare needs are enormous and we have are striving to help as many local people as possible. Vera Lions have collected over 1000 pairs of spectacles for people in various countries that would otherwise not be able to see clearly.

The fundraising committee has organised a busy programme of events for the year. The events include A Valentines Quiz In Bedar, our games / race night will be touring the bars in the area the next appearance will be at the Blue Parrot in Vera Playa early March. The Half Marathon that for circumstance had to be cancelled will now be a 10k fun run. This will take place in Early April and be supported by a Craft Fare, Bar-B-Q and band at the Vera Hotel. The Craft Fare will be the first of a regular monthly Craft Fare to be held at the Vera Hotel on the first Sunday of the month. Our programme also includes the last night at the proms, so dig out your DJ’s and flags, Oh does anybody have a Spitfire for a fly past? Other forthcoming events include A Bowls tournament, and an Open Golf Trophy.

The Vera & District Lions Club meets at the Vera Hotel on the first Wednesday of the month at 6pm. If you are aware of somebody that needs our assistance please contact our Welfare Chairman Glyn on 670816332. For more information on Vera & District Lions Club and Lions International contact Roy on 634326573, or email veralions@mail.com.