By Isle of Wight Observer
An Island fund-raising charity is looking for more volunteers to help with its many events.
Janet Freemantle, president and treasurer of Cowes Lions, said: “The Lions are ordinary people who do amazing things to help others less fortunate than themselves both here and overseas.
“But we need some help! The Cowes Lions Club is one of more than 45,000 clubs in 200 countries.
“It’s part of the world’s premier community service organisation, known as Lions Clubs International with over 1.4 million members.
“Sadly, in Cowes our numbers have dwindled to just five. We really need some new members to join us – to share our fun when fund-raising, to make new friends and to help those in need. Our motto is ‘We serve’ and that is exactly what we do.”
Janet, a member of 15 years standing, added: “We fund-raise at various events on the Island throughout the year. We recently spent two very successful days at the Wolverton Garden Fair where we pitched our bespoke Cowes Lions gazebo, and ran our Pot Luck card game where ‘everyone’s a winner’! At Christmas, our fund-raising doesn’t stop! We’re usually allowed to place our wonderful sleigh and reindeer, with Father Christmas, outside a local supermarket. Everyone loves to come over, say ‘hello’ and have their picture taken with Santa and his helpers – sometimes our cuddly ‘Lion’ joins us.
“At our monthly ‘business’ meeting, we discuss the organisation of our fund-raising events, and democratically decide where the money can be best spent. Every penny we raise goes directly to charity; no percentage is taken for administration.
“We also hold monthly social meetings to further cultivate the friendship among Lions. This can be an informal lunch, a cream tea or perhaps a trip to the pub for ‘a pie and a pint’. Being part of our pride in our community creates fun and fellowship.
For more information, email coweslions@yahoo.co.uk or visit Cowes Lions Facebook page.
Mal Butler