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Elim Night Shelter and Job Creation: The garden exists for the purpose of producing fresh, quality vegetables to feed hungry people, of which is cooked with in our Covid Kitchen Hunger Relief programme. The use of the vegetable garden led to job creation for residents at the shelter, and the garden is currently under expansion.
Elim Garden Spirits are always high at the Covid Kitchen!
Hunger Relief: Last year, our Covid kitchen prepared and provided hot-cooked meals to over eight thousand adults and children, the majority of whom are homeless and live in neighbouring areas,and we are hoping to steadily increase these numbers this year. The kitchen activity is funded by our Lions Club and Lion Peter Lynch in Chicago. The kitchen is run by a member of the club who is a university catering student. Six to eight volunteers, all of whom are friends, most of whom are students, are willing to give up a day weekly in order to prepare these meals for needy folk. Volunteers are always welcome every Wednesday!
Follow this Facebook link to see our short movie about the Covid Kitchen!
https://www.facebook.com/peter.lynch.9883/videos/4250563878361949
Club members making nutritious sandwiches at their quarterly “Sarnie Jams” at the Merriman Lions Community Centre
District 410A CHC Project Red Cross Children's War Memorial Hospital: This project was co-funded by Lions Clubs International Foundation, District 410A (now 410W) clubs, District 410A Projects Fund, individual Lions and a commercial concern on a 50/50 basis to a total expenditure of SAR400000.00. This unique contribution gave the Lions District 410A naming rights for two patient/doctor consulting rooms.The new facilities are larger, airy, light and welcoming giving both child patient and their families an opportunity for confidential discussions about their child’s diagnosis and treatment.
Childhood Cancer is the newest International Service Pillar which was wholeheartedly embraced by the sole project convenor, then CHC District Chairman PDG Clive Fox of Merriman Lions Club, who set out to show that the Lions Organisation could make a meaningful contribution to this world famous children’s hospital.
Despite a tough economic climate the SA funds were raised and banked and an application made to LCIF* for the balance which was duly approved and thus Lions have made a lasting and essential contribution to the welfare and benefit of numerous child patients at this outstanding teaching hospital which serves Africa and beyond.
When asked for a comment, PDG Clive said “it is one of the most fulfilling projects I have ever researched, motivated and undertaken. It certainly wasn’t easy to raise the funds and sadly there were a few sceptics who believed it could not be done. However, I loved proving them wrong and find great personal satisfaction in having made it possible! There’s a lot more that our District can achieve in this portfolio as needs are great and go far beyond supplying meals etc” The project enjoyed a number of international visitors including PID Phil & Lion Heidi Nathan of MD105 and, most importantly, International President Choi, PID Chiti and their wives. All contributor’s names appear in the CHC Unit Foyer on a smart modern glass panel wall display – Kindness Matters!
Child patients and guardians in the colourful, cheerful reception are/waiting room,and donor recognition over the door of each Consulting Room.
Humanitarian Aid Shipments: Apart from over 34000 BTE Hearing Aids and Audiology Equipment, seven shipments containing millions of dollars worth of medical equipment, medical supplies, educational items, children’s toys and books, household and sporting goods were imported from the UK. A highlight of the supplies were thousands of handknitted premature baby outfits (no bigger than the length of a table knife) which were given to Premmie Baby Units at hospitals country wide. Every item was distributed free to medical facilities and needy causes across the country
Help to Hear: In six years 30 000 pre-tested hearing aids have been imported from the UK and distributed to local hospital based audiology partners. They are issued at no cost to children countrywide.
Hearing Aid donations are solicited from the public with the assistance of retail outlets supported by advance media coverage
Disaster Relief: As the first District Club to introduce Lions Alert as a project and to implement ”Disaster For A Day” in association with the City of Cape Town and the Emergency Services we have maintained our involvement by liaising with Disaster Management , Goodwood in times of crisis.
Wheelchair Loan Scheme: Mostly imported wheelchairs are loaned out to those who cannot afford to hire or buy.
General: All Lions Clubs International Service projects plus those listed at the foot of the first page.
Fundraising: Lions Christmas Cakes, Longest Cake (102m), Bingo, Treasure Hunt, Steak Nights, Steak and Karaoke Nights, Whisky Tasting, Theme Evenings, Wine Tasting and Charity Auctions. Of course, the Covid 19 pandemic and lockdowns have seriously affected local public fundraising efforts resulting in some reduced community service.
Members Status: Home to 23 Lions, male and female members, the youngest of whom is 20!
Club Status: Our club prides itself on the fact that we continue to support Lions Eight International Pillars of Service:
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Still unsure about joining the Lions? Head over to our Photo Gallery for more pictures of our projects!
