Lions roar for help

The San Remo/Newhaven Lions Club needs your support.

The club has been part of the fabric of San Remo and Newhaven communities for over forty years, but a shortage of members is now threatening its future.

Hampered by covid restrictions, health issues and the loss of valued members who have left the district, the club is now putting out an urgent plea for new members.

“If the club is to continue in its present form we need local support,” said club president Michael Newton.

“There is no binding commitment, members contribute only where they can. We meet on a monthly basis, around ten times a year, and have a range of social and fundraising activities each four to six weeks.

“There is a great deal of satisfaction to be had working in a collective group, identifying a need and making a positive difference, where it’s needed. I would urge anyone who can make this small commitment to get back to me, ” said Michael, who can be contacted on 0432 115 334.

Since forming over four decades ago, the club has raised and distributed in excess of $800,000, much of which has been channelled back into the community.

Now only a small club, it is often said it punches above its weight in light of achievements in recent years.

It is hoping the community will step up and help it continue its important work.

The club is running a membership information night, at the San Remo Recreation Centre, 1 Wynne Road, San Remo, on Wednesday, April 13 at 7.30pm, with tea, coffee and a light supper provided.

“All will be made most welcome, including those who may considering joining, or just want further information about Lions,” Michael said.

“This meeting could determine the fate of the club. It would be sad to lose something that has achieved so much, over such a long period.”

To assist with catering numbers, anyone interested in attending on April 13 is asked to contact Michael on 0432 115 334.

The club has always actively supported the local community over many years. Annual disbursements to the SES, the San Remo Fire Brigade, the Recreation Centre, plus the San Remo and Newhaven primary schools and the Kindergarten are welcomed and appreciated by those groups.

“Carols by Candlelight, a Lions club initiative, is a feature on the local calendar and a huge task we are happy to coordinate,” said Michael.

The club has always been generous in supporting victims of natural disasters. The recent bush fires in East Gippsland, flood relief in NSW, and the cyclone emergency in WA, being some of the most recent.

These causes, plus the “need for feed” project, that saw Lions clubs from this district come together and deliver much needed stock feed to drought stricken farmers both here and interstate, form part of the Lions philosophy “Lions, Making a Difference”.

The Lions club sponsor a Smith Family child, and provide funds to send disadvantaged children to holiday camps in rural Victoria. They donate to Kids Cancer Research, and the Cord Blood foundation.

“These are just a few of the worthy causes, we have supported over the years and hope to continue doing so. It wouldn’t be possible to list the many more groups or individuals who have been helped along the way,” Michael explained.

“At every turn the San Remo/Newhaven Lions Club is helping make a difference where it’s needed and desperately needs the support of the community to continue.

“Now, at this stage in the clubs long history, is the time to get involved,” said Michael.