Vera and District Lions Club Roaring Into 2023
For those who are unaware, The Lions Club (Liberty Intelligence Our Nations Safety) was founded in 1917 by a Chicago businessman Melvin Jones who wondered what would happen if people put their talents to work improving their communities. The organisation became International on 12th March 1920 when the first club was established in Ontario, Canada. As the largest humanitarian support organisation in the world, there are now at least 48,000 Lions Clubs in over 200 countries with an estimated 1.5 million members. The main purpose is to promote the principles of good citizenship and to take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community, to unite with the bonds of friendship, good fellowship and mutual understanding with a non-political and non-denomination stance.
Vera and District Lions Club was formed in 2011 and as 2022 drew to a close, after several events during the year, the Committee and Members worked hard and gave their final strength and stamina in order to bring in much-needed funds with the annual Jingle Bell Ball and helping at Iceland (Overseas) Supermarket.
The 3rd Jingle Bell Ball at the Irish Rover in Mojácar was a complete sell-out with 130 people attending, all of whom were ready to make the evening a sizzling success. The raffle table groaned with an amazing choice of prizes and the entertainment schedule was packed with a myriad of musical delights and the dance floor was never empty. Special thanks to Jack Law for ensuring the stage and sound was set, safe and at a perfect pitch. Also thanks to Lily Miles Kirby who spent hours gathering prizes, making vouchers and ensuring that even a winning tin of baked beans looked pretty on the table. The final performance of the year involved Leonardo and his Lion Volunteers helping shoppers every day for a week, pack and carry their pre-Christmas bulging bags to their cars.
President, Zoe Rylett with her Committee and dedicated Members, would like to extend roaring thanks and gratitude to all the supporters who have donated money, items or their valuable time and talents. Zoe added “These events raised 4,000€; such a stunning amount and some of this money will kick-start the huge mission ahead regarding major repairs required at The San Agustin Children’s Home in Vera.”
The Lions will also continue to support the Food Banks in Turre (run by the English Evangelical Church) and Vera (run by Amazonas Association – South American Community); currently assisting 1,400 families.
People may not be aware how far The Lions’ arms and resources stretch, which include helping individuals with hospital care, temporary rental accommodation, abusive situations, a huge range of mobility equipment, plus much much more.
Dave Turner
Dave Turner was more than happy to meet Vera and District Lions Club new President Zoe Rylett and swop ‘friendship banners’, especially as it meant joining their monthly meeting in Los Gallardos rather than on a cold, dark night in the small town of Market Deeping in Lincolnshire. Isn’t it just wonderful to know that by being a Member of this International Charity, one is able to meet clubs worldwide and to date, Dave has been lucky enough to personally visit and swap banners in Auckland, Hong Kong, St Lucia, Barbados and Cologne; to mention a few!
Just like Zoe, Trustee and former Treasurer, Dave joined The Lions when it became apparent that they wanted to get involved in their incredible charity work. Dave explained that the main charities they support are Brain Tumour Support, British Heart Foundation and MacMillan Cancer Research. However, he is particularly proud of perhaps their greatest achievement which was the construction of a ‘sensory garden’ for the charity SENSE supporting badly disabled children. Likewise, Zoe is passionate about what The Lions can do to help local communities. Apart from supporting the food banks in Turre and Vera, which currently assists 1,400 families, they consistently give aid to the St Agustin Children’s Home, Vera and are now on a mission to raise much-needed funds for major renovation work on the building which is 151 years old. There are many other avenues that these charities support, be it personal issues or indeed the local Air Ambulance in the UK. Each individual Club is aware of what help is needed. They are just ordinary people doing extraordinary things!
Dave and his wife first visited Spain in the winter months 13 years ago and their love affair with this region has continually blossomed. They return to the UK feeling refreshed and energised to face the year and raise money, preparing Giant Easter Egg Raffles, Carnivals plus Santa and his Sleigh. Their world-famous event is the Duck Race which saw 3,000 yellow plastic ducks released into the local river! “Ah!” thinks Zoe “Where can I get this many ducks and where can I release them?” Watch this space!
For further information:
Email veralionssecretary@gmail.com or zoerylett@gmail.com
Tel Zoe Rylett 639 036 051
Visit the Lions’ Charity Shop in Turre – All items welcome.
Donations and Standing Orders to Vera and District Lions Fundraising
ES19 3058 0186 3527 2000 7801