FOR half a century a group has been serving Wokingham and the surrounding area, raising funds for worthy causes in the borough.
To celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year, Wokingham Lions Club is making 50 donations of £500 to support local Wokingham charities and community organisations.
Charitable groups are invited to apply for one of these funding opportunities.
Debbie Slay, from Wokingham Lions Club said: “The organisation was formed in 1974, so this is our 50th anniversary.
“We’ve decided to make the whole of 2024 our special year, and we’ll celebrate by giving out golden awards to 50 charities throughout the calendar – around four per month.”
To qualify, charities must have a registered address in the Wokingham Borough Council area.
A registered charity number is also essential, and groups must also have up-to-date accounts and annual returns with the Charity Commission, or be able to prove their community status and send accounts if requested.
Preference will be shown to grant applications that seek to provide a new activity or service rather than covering general running costs
Lastly, the organisation must be happy for Wokingham Lions to publicise the grant and its purpose.
Wokingham Lions Club undertakes to handle all information provided in compliance with their Data Protection Policy.
The organisation arranges numerous fundraising events in the borough, including Wokingham’s May Fayre, its Winter Carnival, Spring and Autumn Wokingham Walks, and regular comedy nights and quizzes.
They will also hold a Wokingham Car Rally in June, and a new event, The Wokingham Swimathon – also in June.
“It’s a growing organisation,” said Ms Slay.
“We have a number of Lions who have been with us for a long time, some of them 30 or 40 years, but we’ve also had some new members join us last year.
“It’s a great way for people whose children no longer need them to always be around, or for recent retirees, to enjoy giving something back to the community.”
For information about the club, and to apply for a Golden Award, visit: www.wokinghamlions.org.uk
To check a registered address lies within the borough, log onto: www.gov.uk/find-local-council
And to check accounts and returns, go to: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
