A pride of Lions descended upon Avalon Guest Manor on Saturday, July 20. Ready to embark on a new journey.
Newcastle Lions Club held its induction on Saturday, with the new president being selected for the upcoming year.
Stepping down as the current president for Newcastle Lions Club, Zarina Luck reflected on the projects which the club was involved with throughout the past year.
“Looking back at the last year, my heart is filled with joy and gratitude. Joy for how we have been able to serve and make a difference in our community.”
The 2018/2019 projects which made a positive contribution to the community include:
- The 2018 Mandela Day food collection and distribution,
- Arbor Day, where yellowwood trees were planted at Lincoln Heights Secondary School
- Newcastle Club Annual Golf Day
- 20 mattresses donated to Raphah Centre
- R5 000 monetary donation to the Mozambique Lions, following the cyclone which affected the country
- The Brightsight project which saw 34 pairs of glasses and 47 eye tests provided to the less fortunate
- The Newcastle Lions Club gin evening
These projects, alongside other projects to aid the needy within the Newcastle community, reflect a successful year for Newcastle Lions Club.
“I am grateful that we have been able to do these things together. As well as the friendships and relationships which we have built and strengthened in doing so. To the Lions ladies, it has been a privilege to get to know each of you better and working with you in different ways. Thank you for sharing your lives with me. Through the crises we all have in our lives from time to time, you have all been willing to get involved and serve where you can. Thank you,” said Zarina.
With the Newcastle Lions Club showing continuous support, as the outgoing president, Zarina extends a further thanks to the club’s officers. Each ensuring they fulfilled their respective duties to the best of their abilities.
Furthermore, Zarina also thanked those outside the Newcastle Lions Club for always extending a helping hand.
“Quinton Boucher, in your personal capacity and as editor of the Newcastillian for the promotion and coverage of our events, as well as always being available and enthusiastic towards the Lions Club, thank you.”
A further thanks also goes out to Vernon van der Merwe, Daniel Couper and Christo Brockmann of Round Table and Majuba Rotary respectively. “It has been an absolute pleasure working with you and your organisations. You have helped, encouraged and challenged us.”
With Nicolette Baney taking the reins of Newcastle Lions Club, she is already eager to take on her leadership role.
“I am looking forward to the year ahead and the fantastic people I will be working beside, I have big shoes to fill and would Like to thank both Lize Smith and Zarina Luck for the excellent way the club has always been managed.”
As the new president for Newcastle Lions, Nicolette touched on the organisation’s first project of the year. “Our first project of the year is done and dusted. For the Pick n Pay Food Forward Mandela Day Drive, we decided to join forces with Majuba Rotary, the Round Table and the Freemasons. And sorry ladies and gentlemen, but we will be knocking on your door a whole lot more and we hope you will be knocking on ours.”
At the food drive, Nicolette says a staggering 2.7 ton of food was collected over the three days. Food which helped scores of people with meals.
“I hope this is a sign or a fantastic year ahead. I can honestly say, although our club is small, we all live by the motto of we serve and I am looking forward to working with all of you and our prospective members.”
Moving to greater heights in service, the Newcastle Lions Club is sure to make a positive contribution to the community.
With the induction focusing on the organisation’s achievements and goals, the members and their guests also enjoyed an evening of socialising and good food.
Well done to the Newcastle Lions Club for all they do for the community.
