Somerset West Lions
NPO Number 031-763
PBO Reference 930 011 764
Clubhouse GPS Location:
34o 04' 56.31" S and 18o 51' 12.14" E
International Relations
When 17 year old Birchwood Community High school student Charlotte Smith asked Birchwood Lions Club for a little help with a project, little did they know what an outstanding and thoughtful young person they had found. The Birchwood School has a special relationship with Groenberg Secondary School in South Africa and Charlotte, who plans to become a sports teacher, has travelled to the Groenberg school on two occasions to assist with the development of sporting activities for disadvantaged children. Charlotte visited a nearby orphanage during her last visit and was dismayed to discover the lack of facilities there. Many of the children are disabled and have a restricted quality of life. Charlotte became determined to do something about the situation. The name of the Orphanage is 'Agape' which is Greek for 'Love.' Charlotte hopes to offer them more than love and presented the Lions with a 'wish list' of sports equipment which she considered would increase the childrens' quality of life. There was, however, a major problem. The cost of shipping the equipment to South Africa. Quick thinking, Lion President Ken Whibley, contacted Somerset West Lions Club in South Africa and they were more than pleased to assist. The South African Club sourced the equipment locally and the Birchwood Lions sent hundreds of pounds to pay for the items. The Lions also equipped Charlotte with high visibility sports vests and a Lions Club fleece. Charlotte has raised extra funds for her projects by sponsored cycle rides. She has also been supported by Frontis Housing, Thomas Risley Church and Halton Night Stop. Charlotte said, "My dream is to teach the children sports that they have never seen before and to develop their skills and self-confidence. I want them to believe in themselves." Ann Bright, Headteacher of the Birchwood School commented, The Lions global contacts with Somerset West Lions is groundbreaking and who knows where it wll lead." Charlotte visited South Africa in August and spend two weeks at the orphanage and one week at Groenberg School. She also visted the Somerset West Police Trauma Unit, Little Angels School, Good Hope School, Helderberg Street People’s Centre and the projects in Sir Lowey’s Pass Village.
Somerset West Police Trauma Unit
Little Angels School
Good Hope School
Soup kitchen in Sir Lowey’s Pass Village
MD410 Convention 2011
PCC Hennie and Petro at the PDG Dinner with PCC Dudley Godfrey
PCC Hennie and Petro at the Welcome Evening
PCC Hennie and Petro at the Theme Evening - "Al that Glitters.."
Midyear Conference 2010
Winning the Trophy as the best dressed club, depicting the theme "PUT YOUR HAT ON" at the Midyear Conference 2010 at Goudini Spa
The Trophy!
The Lions Club of Somerset West hosted a childrens party at the Little Angels Home for Physically and Mentally Children in Somerset West. See the Little Angels page.
We have a few items coming:- Book Sales every week at Southey's Vines; Bargain Box; Golf Day. See the completed Amazing Race page and the Trolley run under Projects!
Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 205 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.
