Horsham Lions: supporting good causes locally and around the world

Horsham Lions is seeking ‘community minded people’ to join its ranks in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
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In the first article we looked at the fundraising activities carried out each year by club members, including the Swimarathon and Christmas Collections which have raised tens of thousands of pounds for good causes.

This time, we looking at what that money is used for.

Swimarathon funds

Horsham Lions in action SUS-201208-141557001Horsham Lions in action SUS-201208-141557001
Horsham Lions in action SUS-201208-141557001

The Organisations and Charities receiving funds via The Swimarathon include:

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Kent Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance – Equipment for night flying (2 years)

The Hop Skip & Jump Centre for children with learning difficulties- Equipment for their Sensory Room.

The Butterfly Project, which supports young adults with learning difficulties – Ovens and cookers for their model Kitchen used to teach these young people to lead independent lives in the community.

Horsham Lions in action SUS-201208-141545001Horsham Lions in action SUS-201208-141545001
Horsham Lions in action SUS-201208-141545001

Chestnut Tree Children’s Hospice (2 Years).

The Jigsaw Trust for children and young adults with Autism - refurbishment of a children’s playground.

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Horsham Matters Food Bank - Emergency food parcels during the Pandemic.

Christmas Food Parcels and Presents

With the help of Horsham District Council Social Services, Saxon Weald and The Women’s Refuge, on average 50 local needy families receive food parcels and 100 or more of their children, up to the age of 16 years receive presents or vouchers. On average this project costs £3,000 each year and is raised through The Christmas Collections.

Colts Cricket 6-a-side Cricket Competition

This competition has been sponsored by Horsham Lions. It has been running since 2000 in conjunction with The Identilam Colts Cricket League. The competition is for Boys and Girls aged 14 years or under.

Go Type 1

Horsham Lions has supported Chloe Parrot who suffers from Type 1 Diabetes.

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Chloe has set up a charity to help children with Type 1 Diabetes. The Lions were so impressed with Chloe’s work they nominated her to enter Lions Clubs International Young Ambassadors Competition. Chloe won the District Competition where entries come from Lions Clubs throughout Kent Surrey and Sussex. Chloe gave a very creditable performance at the Multiple District Final. The other finalists came from the other 12 Lions Districts in the UK and Ireland.

Nature Hide at Warnham Nature Reserve

Horsham Lions Sponsored the new hide at the Reserve at a total cost of £5000.

OTHER LOCAL DONATIONS

In thee past four year, donations have also been made to causes including:

St Catherine’s Hospice

RAF Association

Friends of Horsham Park

Turning Tides

Orange Badge Mobility Service

Horsham Debt Advice Service

Strawford Centre Adults with Learning Difficulties: Cricket Coaching, Table Top Cricket Set and Easter Eggs.

Young Epilepsy

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Hi-visibility Jackets for Horsham Infant and Primary Schools.

Hi-visibility Jackets for Horsham, Brownie, Cubs, Guides and Scout Groups.

Oaktree Farm Centre.

Castlewood School – Projector.

Assisting local teenagers to go on community projects in the Third World.

National and International charities

As you can already see the majority of the funds raised are spent locally. However no more than 20 per cent of the monies raised are donated to Lions Clubs International’s District, National and International Projects and here are some examples.

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Sight First: This is the funding of Eye Camps throughout the third world which restore or prevent blindness.

Belarus Shoebox Appeal: This project sends presents to children in orphanages and equipment for those orphanages in Belarus.

Special Olympics: This is an event for disabled people.

Italian Earthquake and Haiti Hurricane.

District Youth Projects.

Lions Club International Foundation Measles Vaccination Appeal.

Water Aid: The provision of clean drinking water in third world countries.

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The Provision of Spectacles and Hearing Aids to Sri Lanka: In addition one of our members Lion Charmini visits Sri Lanka regularly and works with local Lions Clubs to distribute spectacles and hearing aids to those in need.

SOCIAL EVENTS:

Before the coronavirus the Lions members and spouses had a good and varied social program, which include:

Dinner Meetings at local Pubs and Restaurants.

Country walks with or without a meal at the end.

Annual long weekends away, usually in a hotel when we have walks and visit places of interest.

Quiz Nights at local community halls, to include supper.

As can be seen Horsham Lions members and their spouses are committed to supporting local Horsham Communities and at the same time enjoy themselves with a variety of social activities. Most of all they enjoy each other’s company.

Appeal for new members

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Lion President David Trowbridge says: “As a group we more than pull our weight within our Horsham Community but we could do a great deal more if we have additional members.

If you would like to learn more about the Lions and how you can help please contact me on: [email protected]. A small amount of your time can make a massive difference to other people’s lives.

To find out more about Horsham Lions, email [email protected] or visit www.horshamlions.freeuk.com/