MIDHURST LIONS

THE MIDHURST LIONS CLUB

Who are we?
Lions Clubs International is a worldwide organisation of people who enjoy helping others less fortunate than themselves

With a membership of approximately 1.3 million in over 45,000 clubs in 200 geographical areas. Lions International is the largest service organisation of its kind in the world. There are approximately 900 clubs in Britain, where Lionism has been serving communities of all sizes for over 50 years.

A Lions Club has no full time organisers and all the work is done in our spare time with the support and help of our partners and families

What do we do?
Locally our scope is wide; our aims are practical and our service is needed, and includes:

1. Assisting communities and families in distress and giving help to housebound people.
2. The provision of equipment and teaching aids for physically and mentally handicapped children and adults.
3. Provision of hospital equipment. Sponsorship of Medic-Alert.
4. Encouragement to young people to get involved with community service.
5. Financial support for other local charity groups and organisations.
6. Help in educating and sponsoring drug awareness schemes within the community.
7. Organising the collection of hearing aids which are renovated and sent to third world countries. We also join with other clubs in sending many hundreds of pairs of used spectacles to the third world.

Internationally Lions horizons are much wider than the boundaries of their own country. They are in partnership in service with Lions throughout the World.

The true meaning of friendship can be discovered world-wide through Lionism. At home and abroad, there are always fellow Lions to call upon for fellowship and if need be, practical assistance.

Exchange visits with other countries are arranged for both young people and adults. Cultural Youth Centres are operated in various countries to encourage young people in International Awareness.

The International Bond of Caring Is The True Essence of Lionism.

The first International objective of our organisation is to create and foster a spirit of understanding and co-operation amongst peoples of the world. Participation in International projects takes place to achieve this aim of Lionism.

“Clean Water” is still the desperate cry from Indian and African villages to stop the tide of disease. Lions Clubs world wide, rich and poor alike, have sponsored and sunk water wells over the two Continents and brought health and joy to thousands.

“Eye Camps” have given back the sight to many thousands of sufferers of Cataracts and Glaucoma.

Used spectacles are collected, sorted, calibrated and then dispensed in Third World countries, offering the chance of improved sight to many thousands.

Finance, food, blankets and temporary shelter have been provided to victims of famine, earthquakes and volcanoes. Lions clubs have sent assistance direct, or through donations to the Lions Clubs International Foundation, which also helps clubs with community projects which are beyond their own financial resources.

Why Do We Do it?
We are people who care about others. Our ideal is one of service as a group to others without regard to race, religion, politics or the personal interests of our members .

Our motto is “WE SERVE” and from the outset of our organisation the emphasis has been on service, in all forms, to the less fortunate members of any category in our community.

We ask for no reward but get great satisfaction from the knowledge that we have provided help and happiness when this has been needed .

How Do We Do It?
For most of our projects we need money and this is raised from the general public. Midhurst Lions Club makes most of its money from it’s Father Christmas Float and the Midhurst Town Carnival. We also hold Themed Evenings and Quizzes and a number of other very enjoyable events.
Being a Lion is fun.

The Benefits
Lionism must be looked upon as a constructive form of relaxation. Working together on fund-raising and community welfare projects can be tremendous fun. In addition, there are happy social occasions to which members invite their family and friends. These may include Skittles Evenings, Barbecues, Treasures Hunts, Dances and Dinner Nights,

Administration Costs
The complete cost of administering our Association, at all levels, is covered by our members’ subscriptions, which are kept as low as possible. We are not allowed to deduct any percentage of the money raised from public functions for our administrative needs. It all goes to Charity!

Membership
Midhurst Lions meet twice a month, mostly in the evenings. Membership is open to those who are prepared to devote some of their spare time to community service and to help the club achieve its objectives. From 1917 to 1987, membership was for men only but today women are warmly welcomed and encouraged to join. Midhurst Lions has 14 lady members.

For further information, or if you are interested in becoming a Lion, please telephone:

The Lions Club of Midhurst

Lion Eric Stratford	Margaret Balchin,
Tel: 01730 814868	Tel: 01730 815061
Email: ericstratford@uwclub.net	Email: marbalchin@aol.com

' The Lions Club of Midhurst Page " is sponsored by Violet Designs, Midhurst, West Sussex Tel: 01730 810059. We just try harder to give exceptional service and prices.

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