Leeds Lions need new members. They are a voluntary organisation who meet in Leeds once a month to discuss how to raise monies and, importantly how to spend it. As members are volunteers, the money they raise goes directly to where it is needed and not to pay staff.
They are part of Lions Clubs International, the largest voluntary service in the world.
This club has been in existence for over 61 years and still have founder members among it’s number. They raise funds to help both individuals and charities such as Martin House, St Gemma’s, The RNLI, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and recently L.G.I Children’s Ward.
Public Relations Officer, Caroline Fields says, “We are an ageing Club and could do with some new blood. Young or old, male or female, it doesn’t matter. If they are willing to help and also want to make new friends then this for them. Our time is spent fund-raising and having fun doing so. We go bag packing at supermarkets, can collecting, collect donated food, hold raffles, have market stalls and whatever else we can think of to bring revenue. New members may have new ideas.
We do many things with the money we collect, including an annual senior citizen’s Christmas Tea Party with the Lord Mayor at Leeds Civic Hall providing tea and entertainment for over 120 guests. People come year after year saying it is the highlight of their festive activities. Also, a monthly Dementia Café meeting where Lion Laura makes buns and cakes for everyone. This group is increasing in numbers monthly. Other members help Laura with the washing up and some go along just to talk to patrons which is appreciated by all. My Mum had dementia and I know what a difference a one to one conversation can make and, along with some musical entertainment, it gives sufferers a real lift. Folk who attend go home much happier.
We also provide ‘Message in A Bottle’ – a small plastic bottle which is available from any G.P’s surgery – people write details of their medication and health problems and put it in the bottle. This is kept in the fridge. A sticker in the window tells paramedics to look in the fridge for the bottle. It costs nothing and is a service Leeds Lions provide.”
Caroline says that Leeds Lions have many things in the pipeline at the moment and so, if you would like to help by becoming a Lion, ring Caroline Fields for further information on 0113 2886393. She says, “We may be Lions – but we won’t bite!”
