Lionism - a century of giving

Jamaica has many charitable organisations and service clubs but not enough volunteers. One organisation that is working to change this is the Lions Clubs.

Lions volunteer their time, labour, and means daily at no cost to the beneficiaries. The benefits are numerous and immeasurable as their actions make for better individuals, communities, and will help to create a better country.

"Volunteers work together to fight a cause - the cause of humanity. Lions know that volunteerism begins when we realise that we are our brother's keeper. Therefore, if our brother is hungry, we feed him; if he is naked, we clothe him; if he is sick, we support him throughout his sickness and help him to be better," said Juliette Brown, Lions Club Zone 4A chairperson.

Lions worldwide celebrate 100 years of service this year, and during the month of October, Lions Clubs worldwide celebrated World Sight Day and Worldwide Week of Service for Sight.

On October 25, 2017, thirty-three lions and two Leos, as they are called, of Zone 4A (clubs in Jamaica) journeyed to the St Judes Primary School in Kingston and conducted vision-screening services for more than 300 students from grades one to five.

"The teachers of the school, as well as some parents, benefited from free blood pressure and blood sugar tests, body mass index checks, and counselling. The clubs also presented Ketchup and burger bread to the school for their Burger Day on that day," Brown said.

"We were quite impressed with the hospitality of the teachers and ancillary staff, in particular, Principal Suzanna Ainsworth and senior teacher Donna Knight. Equally impressive was the high level of discipline that was displayed by students," Brown added.

You can become a member of a Lions Club by invitation from a current member, so get on board, volunteer now, and help to make a change in your communities and your country.