The South Jersey Lions Clubs kicked off the New Year with a district meeting on Jan. 15, bringing together members from across the region to celebrate achievements, discuss service initiatives and – most importantly – raise critical funds for disaster relief.
Hosted by the Maple Shade Lions Club, the evening’s activities included the celebration of poster contest winners, young artists who promoted messages of peace and unity. The Lions’ district also welcomed a new club in Atlantic City, sponsored by the Hammonton Lions.
Guest speaker Sarah Thomas shared a heartfelt presentation on Camp Happiness, a program dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities through recreational experiences. Her words served as a reminder of the wide-ranging impact of Lions Club initiatives on individuals and communities, the organization noted.
Members at the district meeting also embraced the spirit of Crazy Hat Night, with past zone chair Milly Smith winning first prize for a hat with a fishing theme. The lighthearted contest spoke to the Lions’ camaraderie and enthusiasm for service efforts.
But the most pressing issue were the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles that have caused catastrophic death and losses. The Lions Clubs’ representatives at the meeting raised more than $1,000 in donations, matched by an additional $500 pledge and a $500 donation from the Maple Shade Lions, for a total of $2,000 in immediate aid.
Every dollar raised will go directly to those impacted by the fires as part of a broader response from the Lions Clubs International Foundation, including a $100,000 catastrophic grant to support relief efforts on the ground.
Rup Chakravarty, marketing chair of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club, was at the meeting.
“We discussed ways to serve a world in need,” he noted of the session, emphasizing the Lions’ relief efforts. ” … But together, we can do even more.”
Mimi Hadi, secretary of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club, also addressed the wildfires and relief efforts.
“The Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions are encouraging both members and non-members to contribute to the cause,” she emphasized.
District governor Terry Rosiak of the West Berlin Lions emphasized the broader impact of the clubs.
“We have 50 Lions clubs in South Jersey, which enormously impact our communities,” Rosiak explained. “Every club is involved in service activities, including vision screening in local schools … helping families put gifts under their Christmas tree and distributing food at food banks. Our motto is ‘We Serve,’ and Lions put it into action daily.
“When disaster strikes, Lions are usually the first to respond and the last to leave.”
“A donation to Lions Club International Foundation ensures that every dollar donated goes back out to help those in need,” noted Donna Freidel, a former district governor.
Online relief donations can be made online at https://www.LCIF.org. Mail checks to LCIF, 300 West 22nd St., Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523-8842. To support other Lions’ initiatives, donations can be made through the foundation at www.lionsclubs.org/en/donate.
