100 years of service celebrated
"From our little children to our senior citizens, we ensured that nobody was forgotten!"
“It was such a pleasure to serve them, chat a while, and share our birthday party with them too!” said Sandy van Heerden, the Lions Club District Public Relations Officer.
The Lions Clubs International celebrated their 100th birthday on 7 June, and the whole month was dedicated to centennial projects – specifically to serve 100 people less fortunate than themselves.
“The challenge went out to all the Lions Clubs in our district (410B) and more than 700 members went to work – sharing and caring. From our little children to our senior citizens, we ensured that nobody was forgotten!” said Sandy.
Each clubs undertook a different project, and the Wilro Park Lions decided to double their efforts and paid a visit to the residents of the Donovan MacDonald Old Age Home in Maraisburg. “We did not invite 100 residents, but 200, to join us on 24 June to celebrate our birthday with us,” Sandy said.
Twenty four Wilro Park club members arrived at the centre bright and early to prepare soup and bread rolls to be served to the guests. “We set the tables, decorated the birthday cake and prepared the party table, unpacked and sorted 200 blankets – ready for our guests to arrive,” she said.
The party guests were not only spoilt with a nice cup of hot soup and a bread roll, they receive a slice of birthday cake and took home a warm blanket. “There are so many things we take for granted, but so many people have very little, and this gesture meant a great deal to them. We shared our time and gifts with these special people, who have been through so much in their lifetime. They, in turn, gave something special back to us – the gifts of their stories, smiles and hugs. We all went away from this project richer for having shared our Lions’ birthday party with them,” Sandy said with a big smile.
Should you want to know more about the Lions Clubs International, and how you can get involved to make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate, contact Sandy on 083 564 6388.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
