by Jim & Phyllis Wilkins
The Lions Club mission statement is “To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.” When it comes to our motto of “We Serve,” Lions around the world have dedicated their service in many areas but two closest to Lions hearts have always been sight and youth programs. When an opportunity to assist in both of these areas at the same time presents itself it’s too good for a Lion to pass up. Building on a 14-year history of cooperation “Lions Clubs International Foundation is pledging $7.8 million to Special Olympics, expanding worldwide efforts to support the inclusion and well-being of people with intellectual disabilities.” The announcement was made at the recent 96th annual Lions Club International Convention by former NBA player and Special Olympics Board member Yao Ming, along with other Special Olympics Board members and Lion Clubs officials. “Through Opening Eyes, Lions already help provide vision screenings and eyeglasses to Special Olympics athletes. Now, Lions and LCIF will help create leadership opportunities for Special Olympic athletes, increase the health work of Special Olympics, conduct outreach to families for additional support and reach more young people through inclusive sports and advocacy programs,” (Lions Save Sight – www.lcif.org). It’s great for Lions to step to the plate and get a two for one opportunity to say “We Serve” in both the eyesight and youth arenas.
The Fairfield Bay Lions hold meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, which are always open to the public and visiting Lions are encourage to come by and say hello. If you are relocating to the Fairfield Bay area and are a former Lions or would just like more information about Lions, please contact our Membership Chair Lion, Mary Meadows @ 884-6388. Our regularly scheduled meeting was Thursday September 12 with dinner being served at 5:30 p.m. and the meeting with our speaker Doug Laundry began at 6 p.m. Please join us for BINGO on Monday evenings with the doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the first game beginning at 6 p.m. Remember to be kind to yourself and all those around you.