A new Lions Club is set to bring community service closer to residents in Kensington, Factreton and Maitland.

The Kensington Lions Club will officially launch with 23 charter members who will be inducted during a charter night celebration on Sunday 4 October.

The significance of the ceremony is that the names of the new charter members will remain documented in the charter.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organisation, with more than 1,4 million members in over 46 000 clubs across 200 countries.

The organisation is dedicated to community service and leads humanitarian projects.

Heather Lee, a global extension team member for Lions Clubs International, said the establishment of the club is the culmination of several information sessions held earlier this year.

Lee said there was a need to establish a club in Ward 56, which includes Kensington, Factreton and Maitland.

Community service

“This is a dream come true. We had a vision to start a club here and we are so excited to see it being launched. We will service Kensington, Factreton, Garden Village and Maitland. Some of our new charter members are from Thornton and Pinelands.

“When standing in Bunny Street in Kensington, you can see Lion’s Head and that will be our logo on our banner.”

She explained that having a club in the area will help them reach and serve more people.

“We already had our first soup kitchen in the area even before this launch and we served quite a few people.”

Lions Clubs focus on key service areas including vision care, hunger relief, diabetes awareness, humanitarian efforts, environmental protection, youth development and disaster relief.

Local impact

Lee said through these initiatives, members work to support vulnerable communities, improve well-being and promote humanitarian service locally and globally.

According to Lee, the club will be beneficial to the community as it will enhance and support the work already being done by existing organisations and community initiatives.

Lee said the club is open to anyone above the age of 18 who would like to become a member.

One of the new charter members, Abdullah Carey said, being part of the new club was “a no-brainer.”

“I am excited and can’t wait for it to happen. I was encouraged when I investigated what they are all about.

“I discovered their purpose and the role that they play in communities. This is what the community needs and will add value to the area. I am looking forward to start serving in the community.”

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