Community Service
"Serving the community" describes the rationale of all Lions Clubs, particularly the Lions Club of Ringwood and Fordingbridge. Our Club responds to the needs of our local community, whether this is in the form of financial assistance, hands-on involvement or organisational skills.
We receive requests from groups, local organisations or individuals to help them either achieve a worthwhile project or assist them in times of hardship or disability.
There are many levels in which the Club and our members meet these requests, it may be in the form of a cash donation to help a local charity or service organisation purchase some vital equipment. For example a specialised bed for a Hospice, or tenting kit for a local Scout Group.
At another level, it may require a number of our members helping to move furniture, or decorating the rooms of a disadvantaged resident. Or simply taking an otherwise solitary and infirm person for a drive in the country.
The Club's experience in organising and manning events is also called on by local groups and organisations to assist them in their own fundraising or charitable functions.
Whilst the prime objective of Ringwood and Fordingbridge Lions Club is to help within the local community, being part of a worldwide service organisation provides the Club with the opportunity to contribute to international needs. We support Lions International initiatives in the fields of Sight Conservation through the funding of Eye Camps in the subcontinent of SE Asia and India, and the funding of fresh water well installations in Africa. The international coverage of 44,500 Lions clubs ensures a local presence to oversee the correct and judicious use of all funding.
Serving the community is the reason that inspires people to become Lions, putting something back into the local community and making a difference in someone's life is the reward that our members consistently achieve.
Within the Club a Community Services Committee vets all applications and requests before submission to the Club for approval. This is to ensure the validity, and to confirm that assistance cannot otherwise be obtained from Central or Local Government agencies or specific National Charitable Organisations.
