A GROUP of fundraising champions that channels thousands of pounds into Wokingham good causes had much to celebrate last week.
Wokingham Lions joined special guests at their annual celebration in Wokingham Town Hall, to share this year’s fundraising story and to distribute donations.
Newly appointed Wokingham Lions president Jennifer Rawsthorn opened the event, drawing attention to the group’s numerous and popular annual community fundraising activities.
“It’s wonderful to be able to celebrate all the things that Lions have been able to achieve, and the difference we’ve been able to make to people’s lives this past year,” she said.
“It’s been a very busy year, and none of it would have been possible without the help and support of the club’s dedicated members, their families, and their friends.
“The club raises money for good causes, yes.
“But the most important thing is that we have all been living out The Lions motto: We serve.”
A presentation illustrated Wokingham Lions’ many achievements this year, including: Wokingham Swimathon, Wokingham Walk, Wokingham Fireworks, May and Winter carnivals, quiz nights, Wokingham Music Club, comedy nights and Wokingham Classic Motor Show.
Some may not know that Lions also support individuals and groups through projects such as the distribution of Wild Tribe books to local primary schools (educational stories that teach children about the environment); visits to Marwell Zoo for Promise Inclusion, Daisy’s Dream, JAC, and Kimel Cafe families; and ReTec, which collects, repairs, and distributes unwanted laptops to people who need them.
Members also support community food collection though Lions Share collection bins of non-perishable foods for people in need, provide uniform items and help to run First Days Uniform Shop, and distribute Message In a Bottle health information capsules, white goods and baby equipment where needed.
This year, too, Lions transformed a dull outdoor space beside The CAMHS Phoenix School inside the grounds of Wokingham Community Hospital.
Thanks to their efforts, young people at the school can now enjoy an attractive garden and outdoor classroom.
And in local primary schools, Lions are taking Child Sight UK vision screening equipment, free of charge, to enable early detection of sight problems in children, while through The Lions International Foundation, the Wokingham club also supports Baby Lifeline, which provides midwifery equipment bags.
Following the presentation, past president Andy Goffin delivered the Wokingham Lions’ Gerry Aggett Award.
Named in memory of a much-loved and longstanding Wokingham Lion, it is given for outstanding community service.
This year it was awarded to Ian Wisdom, along with a cheque for £2,500.
Ian was praised for the work he does in running the annual Twyford Beer Festival, Wokingham Festival bar, and his numerous other fundraising efforts, which have generated more than £84,000 for male cancer charity Orchid.
Lastly, to celebrate the Lions’ 30th May Fayre held this year, 30 charity stallholders have each received £750.
Able to collect their donations in person were: 1st Wokingham Scouts, Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, Babies in Buscot Support (BIBS), Bracknell & Wokingham Districts Cats Protection, Building for the Future, Camp Mohawk, Citizens Advice Wokingham, CLASP, Crowthorne Musical Players, Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre, Dingley’s Promise, Fundraising for the World Scout Jamboree, Gibson’s Go Getters, Growing Places Berkshire, HomeStart Wokingham Disitrict, Kaleidoscopic UK, Ollie Young Foundation, Royal Berks Charity, The Cowshed, Wade, Wokingham & District Beekeepers Association.
Wokingham Lions Club describes itself as a group of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
Its annual celebration was a perfect illustration of the outstanding way in which it is fulfilling its aim – to serve.
For information, and to join the group, visit: wokinghamlions.org.uk
