General News
19 May, 2024
Volunteers Week: Service club shares its time to aid communities
FOR more the 50 years Inglewood Lions Club has been synonymous with enriching local communities and their projects. The club provides the drive behind Inglewood’s annual Australia Day celebrations with activities for all ages, none more eagerly...
FOR more the 50 years Inglewood Lions Club has been synonymous with enriching local communities and their projects.
The club provides the drive behind Inglewood’s annual Australia Day celebrations with activities for all ages, none more eagerly anticipated than the swimming races.
And that commitment to tomorrow’s community leaders and contributors extends to providing annual school scholarships and the Christmas toy run to schools in Inglewood, Bridgewater and Tarnagulla.
Club members are now also setting themselves a new goal in supporting and encouraging youngsters of the area.
They hope to form a Leo’s club this year. Leo clubs are a youth organisation of Lions Clubs International.
Leo clubs encourage youth to develop leadership qualities by participating in service activities, focusing on three core values: Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity.
Former club president Eddy Sydor is one of the group looking to champion youngsters in a new club.
“Every Leo club requires a Lions club to sponsor and initiate it, however the clubs themselves are youth-led,” Eddy said.
“There’s a real calling for a youth organisation in the area where young people can develop and be part of community projects.
“And Lions provides a wonderful way to be part of our communities, helping others and raising funds for important projects.”
Eddy said the club had already started spreading the message about forming a Leo club.
“There’s some enthusiasm out there ... young people are proud of where they live and looking for ways to be involved,” he said.
Inglewood Lions Club this year re-started the monthly markets in a new location, the lawns outside Inglewood Town Hall.
And members continue to raise funds with barbecues across the area.
“We often get asked to cater for functions of groups like Loddon Plains Landcare Network or visiting groups staying in the area for a few days.
“And if there’s a big clearing sale on, it’s a good bet that the Lions will be there serving up food and refreshments.”
Eddy said service clubs were an important part of country communities.
“I’m perhaps one of the younger members at Inglewood, only joining 10 years ago,” he said.
“But it’s great to be involved, being with other people and out and about in the community.
“Members give as much time as they are able ... there’s no demands to be at everything.
“When we are together, we have fun and enjoy each other’s company.
“That’s what makes joining Lions a good thing. We love to welcome new members!” Eddy says a Leos club will be part of strengthening future community service.