By Sharon Challenger
(December 8, 2020) — Did you know that there are over 48,000 Lions Clubs with 1.4 million members around the world? The clubs form a network of people worldwide who work to serve those in need in their communities.
It might surprise you to learn that in 1925: Helen Keller was honored as the “First Lady of Lionism.” Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” at the international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. (https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/hellen-keller) The Lions Clubs International accepted her challenge and have continued to support her wishes to this day.
Service is their guide star, (archaic 1 : a star that leads or guides especially north star. 2 : one that serves as an inspiration, model, or guide.) Service to others has a two-fold benefit. It provides members with opportunities to improve the lives of others, and it changes the way they look at the world. By serving others less fortunate than ourselves, we get a different perspective on life. We begin to feel more positive about our own life’s circumstances.
When we think of the Lions Clubs, the topic of Vision comes to mind, yet the Lions work on others causes as well. I was surprised to learn that they have five Global Causes they focus on: Vision, Diabetes, Environment, Hunger, and Childhood Cancer. Each Lions Club can choose what their focus of service will be.
Locally we have The Haddam Lions and The Killingworth Lions. The Haddam Lions have been serving for more than 70 years, and the Killingworth Lions had their 50th anniversary in November 2020. That’s a combined 120 years of service to our communities!
What are they working on? Many things, in spite of the difficulties and restrictions the pandemic has put upon us. They will not be deterred!
Haddam Lions – Mike LaFleur, President
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HaddamLionsClub
Website www.haddamlionsclub.com
Recent & current fundraising events:
- November 2020 The Haddam and Higganum Liberty Bank branches partnered with the Haddam Lions Club to raise money for the Haddam Food Bank. Every dollar raised was matched 25% by the Liberty Bank Foundation. They raised $2,334 which went entirely to the Food and Fuel bank of Haddam.
- The Haddam Lions are selling lawn signs to help promote “PEACE ON EARTH” this holiday season. The cost is a $20 dollar donation, and they will place it for you in your yard or drop it off to you, whichever you prefer. If you are interested in ordering a sign please Email the Lions at haddamlionsclub@gmail.com.
- The Haddam Lions will, for a suggested donation of $10, help with the disposal of your Christmas tree.
- The Lions are in the planning stage to have a donation drop off site (possibly HES if they can get permission) where people may donate shoes and coats. Possible dates would be after Christmas. All funds raised will go towards the Haddam Fuel Bank.
- The Haddam Lions prepare 24 Christmas food baskets for families in Haddam. In addition, they help stock the Haddam Food Bank throughout the year.
- Being good stewards of the community, the Haddam Lions donated $500 to the 2020 Haddam-Killingworth High School Holiday Telethon, to support the Nathaniel B. Field Memorial Foundation. They want to encourage people in our communities to support this Telethon. The production will air live on Comcast Channel 18 and Frontier Channel 6090 and at this webpage http://holidayshow.rsd17.org/ on Wednesday December 23rd from 8 AM to 11 AM. Encore presentations will air daily from December 23rd to January 4th at 8 AM and 7 PM. Viewers can call in their pledge to (860) 554-5490 during the broadcast – operators will be standing by to take your phone calls. For every donation of $25 or more, you will qualify for great gifts from our Fish Bowl Drawings during the live show.
Annual Haddam Lions Events:
- Duck Race: They have been conducting a duck race for the past three years with the profits going back to the town. Last year the proceeds went to the Haddam Food and Fuel bank.
- Classic Car Show: The Classic car show brings the “Good Ole Days” to the Haddam Meadows with Classic cars. Cars from the 30’s up to the 00’s bring so much joy to enthusiasts that come from near and far.
Killingworth Lions – Nancy Keyes, President
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KillingworthLionsClub
Website: http://www.killingworthlions.org/
On June 3, 2020 Ms. Keyes was installed as Killingworth Lions’ first woman President in their fifty-year history. In 1987, Lions Clubs International was the first service club organization to admit women into their membership.
Recent & current fundraising events:
- Annual Christmas Food Drive will be on December 12 & 19, 2020, at Recycle Way by Transfer Station in Killingworth.
- The Annual Christmas Tree sale will be on Saturday & Sunday December 12 & 13, 2020 at the Killingworth Market parking lot Rt 81 & Rt 80.
- photo by:Greg Wind
- KW Lions plan to help the PTO at KES purchase equipment for a new playground. The KW Lions put in the original wooden playground behind the school 30 years ago, but it has deteriorated and needs replacement.
- Annual Pig Roast at Parmelee Farm. The purpose of the event is to introduce community members to the Lions. It provides an opportunity for people to decide whether or not they would like to join the club. Around 22 people attended the outdoor event this year.
- The Annual Easter Egg Hunt (2021 might have to be a drive by event depending on the pandemic status.)
- Collecting hundreds of eyeglasses to be recycled.
Covid-19 has made it a difficult time for charitable organizations to have any fundraiser events. “You have to be so careful on how you do things,” said Keyes.
The 50-year anniversary of Killingworth Lions was in November 2020. They had hoped to celebrate the event but may reschedule if the virus subsides and the vaccine progresses. As of this moment however, they do not know if a celebration will be possible.
Yet, we can all celebrate by saying, “Thank you, Haddam Lions and Killingworth Lions for the work that you do and continue to do to improve the lives of others.”
If you are interested in learning more about either the Haddam Lions or the Killingworth Lions, please reach out as both Clubs would love to welcome in new members.
“Only a life lived in the service to others is worth living.” Albert Einstein
