For the past 30 years the Lions Club of Emu Plains have roared with success, helping those within the local community who need it most.
The club, which was created by charter member John Choma in 1988, has grown to have 13 members, over 15 Friends of Lions and four Young Friends of Lions.
Lions Club of Emu Plains President, Alan Cooper, said the club wouldn’t be where it was today without the continued support of the local community.
“I think we’ve got an incredible community that is very supportive of Lions,” he said.
“We’ve got the whole of Lennox Village that back us, as well as our major sponsors like Jim Aitken and Partners.”
It is through this continued support the Emu Plains Lions have been able to give back to the community, regularly supporting the Nepean Cancer Care Centre, the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, as well as donating much-needed equipment to locals in need.
“Over the years we’ve always been proud to support the local community rather than the big sort of corporate stuff,” Mr Cooper said.
Celebrating the milestone anniversary with a dinner this Saturday at the Emu Sports Club, the club is set to present $2,000 to nine local charities to recognise their respective contributions to the local community, which include Penrith Community Kitchen, Barnados Penrith Children’s Family Centre and The Haven Nepean Women’s Shelter.
Mr Cooper said it gave the members of the Lions Club great pleasure to donate such important funds.
“It’s a fantastic feeling, we do support our local charities and whatever we can do for them and we’re proud of the fact that we’re Lions and we roar out west,” Mr Cooper said.
And with the members’ dedication for fundraising and advocating awareness in the local community not about to falter anytime soon, Mr Cooper was confident the club would still be strong come another 30 years.
“Emu Plains Lions have always run a tight ship in as much as we work together as a team to do what we can do to the best of our ability,” he said.
“I don’t know if I will be around,” he laughed.
“But I’m sure Lions as a whole will be.”
New members are always welcome.
Lauren Suttie
Lauren Suttie is the Weekender's General & Community News journalist.