THE Lions Club of Castries join with District Governor Isaac Solomon, Regional Chairman Maureen Graham, Zone Chairman Michelle Haynes, and other clubs in Zone 3B, in congratulating the members of the Leo Club of Castries as they celebrate their 31st Anniversary of their charter as a club on April 7.
As an integral part of the Lions International network, Leos also have their own network of more than 5,700 clubs in approximately 140 nations.
The objective of the Leo movement is to provide the youth of the world with an opportunity for development and contribution – individually and collectively – as responsible members of the local, national and international community.
The motto is:
Leadership – Develop skills as a project organizer, time manager and team leader.
Experience – Learn how teamwork, cooperation and collaboration can bring exciting changes to your community and the world.
Opportunity – Make friends, develop networks and feel the rewards of community service.
LEO Clubs provide youth volunteer opportunities that inspire and support leadership in young people by giving them the chance to learn, grow and serve by participating in community service projects.
Leo Club activities and projects enhance the community and help young people develop and practise leadership, organization and social skills. Leo Clubs’ involvement can instil in young people a lifetime commitment to helping others.
In Saint Lucia, the Leo Club Programme has remained steadfast over the past 31 years. Community service remains the cornerstone of the Leo programme. Like their Lion counterparts, Leo Club members enjoy serving their neighbours and watching positive results unfold.
The Leo Club of Castries has been active in the community, providing young persons with an opportunity to enrich lives by engaging in activities including:
• Breast cancer awareness campaign
• Diabetes Awareness education and prevention
• Lions Reading Action Programme
• Sponsoring educational opportunities for needy children
• Visiting children in hospitals and the elderly
• Raising funds for youth, educational and community projects
• Environmental Preservation and Awareness
• Assisting in times of natural disaster
• Feeding the homeless and providing food hampers to shut-ins
Through projects like these, Leo Clubs bring hope and laughter to needy children, especially in impoverished communities.
The Leo Club of Castries in implementing these projects have fostered partnerships with community and business organizations and is an active participant in the Super J Yoplait Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, the St Lucia Diabetic and Hypertension Association and The Caribbean Youth Network.
April is also significant for the Leo Programme, as Lions International has designated this month as Leo Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of engaging young people in the community through youth programmes such as Leo clubs. Getting youth actively involved in community service, can help them develop the skills needed to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact.
District Governor Solomon, has Service Excellence as his motto for the Lionistic year 2014-15. Leos like Lions are called to continue to give of service excellence. Lions founder Melvin Jones had this to say about excellence:
“When it comes to success and excellence, the choice is simple. Excellence means standing up for the ideals of Lionism and using your club for greater cause than yourself, so future Leos will know you played a significant role and made a difference. Success may involve talent, but excellence involves every member of this great club. Remember, the more you give, the more you get. The more you live unselfishly, the more you live abundantly. The more of everything you share, the more you have to spare. For only what we give away, enriches us from day to day.”
Some of the activities planned to mark the anniversary include:
• Church Service at the Bexon Roman Catholic Church
• Donation to the Children’s ward of the Victoria Hospital
• Presentation on bullying to schools
• Publication of an anniversary newsletter
• Radio talk to highlight the work of the Leo Club
• Painting of the Soup Kitchen in Gros Islet (collaboration with the Gros Islet Lions Club)
Membership in a Leo Club is open to young people between the age of 18 and 30, with good character and an interest in serving community. Young persons interested in serving community can contact The Leo Club of Castries at [email protected] or like us on Facebook “ Leo Club of Castries – St. Lucia.”