Eastbourne Lions Club could be forced to close after 50 years

The charity, which has been around for more than 50 years, is calling for volunteers to help it continue to support the local community.

Like many organisations it has struggled with fundraising due to covid-19, and some members are of an age where they can no longer hold key positions.

Secretary Alec Stephens said, “Where there’s a need there’s a lion. We look after the people other people don’t.

“Throughout lockdown we have been working. We have helped people this week who have had a flood in their house and lost all their things. We paid for them to be replaced.

“We’ve also done a lot of work with Citizens Advice. They signpost people in desperate need. One man who was sleeping on the floor, we managed to source a bed and a fridge for him.”

The Lions helps causes like the air ambulance and blood runners.

Then there’s the Heart Beat Campaign which has been providing public access defibrillators across Eastbourne and making sure they are looked after.

“We want to keep that going,” said Alec, “If people suddenly find they have got some time on their hands, please consider joining.”

If you are interested in volunteering for Eastbourne Lions, contact Alec on 01323 511247 or Richard Cook on 01323 760449.

You can also visit the website eastbournelions.org.uk

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