Without new members, the Lions Club’s long-time service to the local community, donating thousands of dollars to those in need, may not last much longer.
Local Lions Clubs at Emu Plains, Cambridge Park, Penrith and Mt Druitt have been dwindling in members for some time now, which is having a huge impact on the amount of support the organisation can give to charity organisations.
“Clearly we are limited in what we can do by the amount of money that is raised and our ability to canvas for funds is in itself dependent on the number of members we have and the amount of time we can devote to Lions activities,” said Cambridge Park Lions member, Charles Kennaway.
“Membership is slowly drying up. We are all getting older and less able to go out and do the work needed to raise the funds and the only way we can survive is to become more proactive in our work to attract new members.”
Among a host of other fundraising initiatives, the local Lions Clubs gather together at Westfield Penrith every Saturday morning to run the chocolate wheel and have been doing so for the past 30 years, raising an estimated $1.5 million for local organisations and people who may need a helping hand.
Cambridge Park Lions Club alone have supported many in the local community by donating to various natural disaster appeals, a number of charitable organisations and individuals who find themselves in difficulty.
“Without new members we will not be able to continue to do what we do best – help those less fortunate than ourselves,” Mr Kennaway said.
The Lions Clubs in the local area welcome all people who would like to become a member, providing they are 18 years or older.
“Lions are never expected to do more than they can do. Family and work commitments always come first. Lions continue to do much but with new members, new ideas and fresh enthusiasm, we can achieve a great deal more.”
For more information or to join a club visit the Lions representatives at Westfield Penrith, ground floor near the escalators closest to the supermarkets, on a Saturday.
