South Pacific Edition

SOUTH PACIFIC EDITION

January/February 2013

Pooches in the Park Convention reminder

LION, South Pacific Edition | January/February 2013 1

FROM WAYNE A MADDEN, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT Let’s Celebrate Our Miracles and Heroes

The world’s most powerful tool: a book I heard once that smart people learn from their own experience, but wise people learn from the experience of others. In other words, our own life, however rich and varied, is a

“Think before you speak. Read before you think,” said the

drop of water in the ocean of human experience. What others

writer Fran Lebowitz.

undergo and understand is definitely worth our knowing, too. We can only sit down and talk to so many people, hence the great value of books – the compilation of human experience.

We learn about ourselves and form our ideas through reading. Literacy is the window to selfknowledge, the fulcrum for solid thinking and the lever to effective action.

As you know, this year I am encouraging Lions to promote literacy. The ability to read is crucial to getting ahead in life. It’s the key to a good job and a decent life. Every child is a reservoir of potential. Reading propels children and adults toward attainment, opportunity and enrichment.

Lions have responded to my Reading Action Programme. In the next six months let’s continue to donate books to schools and libraries, tutor and read to children, mentor illiterate adults and otherwise fill the world with books and stamp out illiteracy. In a World of Service, our roar as leaders among readers can

Literacy gives us the tools to take our place in society as

be as powerful as any act of service we do.

informed and active citizens. Reading also helps us cultivate

Wayne A Madden

a deeper and better appreciation of ourselves.

Lions Clubs International President

More members means more service When I was boy I played on a beautiful Little League field. I was only 12 but I felt like a major league ballplayer. Our park was so clean, neat and well-groomed. The Lions built that ball field. That field was important to the Lions, many of whom had boys who played baseball, and it was important to the entire town, where baseball was popular. The Lions in my town had no trouble getting members because they responded to the needs of the community. They were the community. Probably the greatest challenge of our clubs today is attracting new members. To do that, we need to be as appealing as possible to those around us. We need to adapt ourselves to the present population. That means doing projects important to the community. That means holding meetings that respect people’s schedules and preferences. That means continuing to embrace our heritage but also being open to new ways of doing things. We need to be agents of change and be willing to set aside or downplay old-time practices if people are not enthusiastic about them. We’re not a top-down association, so headquarters does not

dictate how clubs should go about their business. Lions know best what works for their clubs. But the key is to do some selfanalysis and reflection. I have been strongly encouraging all clubs and districts to make four “pit stops” throughout the year. Pit stop checklists are available on the LCI website. Take the time for a good, long look at your club. Take pride in your accomplishments but also assess how your club can do better. I am tremendously proud of our service. No association can match what Lions do and have done for nearly a century. Yet we need to not only serve in our clubs but to grow membership in our clubs. All of us have a stake in our future. Every member you add, especially someone younger than you, is a way to perpetuate our service for years to come. In a World of Service, we multiply the good we do when we add to our membership.

Wayne A Madden Lions Clubs International President


SOUTH PACIFIC EDITION JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2013

Contents Editorial

4

Garden competition a great success

8

Future leaders keen to serve

11

Clubs combine for forest of the future

14

Wood chopping worth the effort

16

Heads Up for Kids Awareness Week

19

New taste in Lion Mints

23

Cover: A portrait by Tall Tails Pet Portraits, who were a sponsor of Greenhithe Lions’ Pooches in the Park. www.talltails.co.nz

EDITOR: Contributions should be posted to The Editor, P O Box 3276, Wellington 6140, New Zealand or emailed to [email protected] LION South Pacific Edition accepts no responsibility for unsolicited material, nor for the opinions expressed or coincidental names used, by the authors. Contents copyright. LION Magazine, official publication of Lions Clubs International, is published by authority of the board of directors in 20 languages - English, Spanish, Japanese, French, Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Flemish-French, Korean, Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Icelandic, Greek, Norwegian, Turkish, Thai and Hindi. Publications Committee: The Executive Management Committee Publications Executives - Lions Clubs International: Dane LaJoye - Managing Editor, Jay Copp - Senior Editor Distribution Distribution of this magazine is by bulk delivery to each Lions Club from where it is distributed to each Lions member. Updating of membership numbers is carried out by the District Secretaries each month. Queries in relation to distribution should be addressed to The Executive Officer, P O Box 691, Orewa 0946, New Zealand or email to: [email protected] EXECUTIVE OFFICERS International President: WAYNE A MADDEN, Auburn, Indiana, USA; Immediate Past President: Dr WING-KUN TAM, Hong Kong, China; First Vice President: BARRY J PALMER, North Maitland, NSW, Australia; Second Vice President: JOSEPH PRESTON, Dewey, Arizona, USA. DIRECTORS INTERNATIONAL DIRECTORS SECOND YEAR (elected in Seattle, Washington, USA) JOAQUIM CARDOSO BORRALHO, Portugal; BOB CORLEW, Tennessee, USA; CLAUDETTE CORNET, Pau, France; JAGDISH GULATI, Allahabad, India; DAVE HAJNY, Ennis, Montana, USA; TSUGUMICHI HATA, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan; MARK HINTZMANN, Watertown, Wisconsin, USA; PONGSAK "PK" KEDSAWADEVONG, Muang District, Thailand; CAROLYN A MESSIER, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, USA; JOE AL PICONE, Brenham, Texas USA; ALAN T "TED" REIVER' Wilmington, Delaware, USA; BRIAN E SHEEHAN, Bird Island, Minnesota, USA; JUNICHI TAKATA, Toyama, Japan; KLAUS TANG, Neustadt, Wied, Germany; CARLOS A VALENCIA, Miranda, Venezuela; SUNIL WATAWALA, Sri Lanka. FIRST YEAR (elected in Busan, Korea) BENEDICT ANCAR, Bucharest, Romania; JAIME GARCIA CEPEDA , Bogota, Colombia; JUI-TAI CHANG, Multiple District 300 Taiwan; KALLE ELSTER, Tallinn, Estonia; STEPHEN M GLASS, Bridgeport, West Virginia, USA; JUDY HANKOM, Hampton, Iowa, USA; JOHN A HARPER, Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA; SANGEETA JATIA, Kolkata, West Bengal, India; SHERYL M JENSEN, Rotorua, New Zealand; STACEY W JONES, Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; TAE-YOUNG KIM, Incheon, Korea; DONAL W KNIPP, Auxvasse, Missouri, USA; SUNIL KUMAR R, Secunderabad, India; LEIF ÅKE ‘KENNETH’ PERSSON, Vellinge, Sweden; ICHIRO TAKEHISA, Tokushima, Japan; H HAUSER WEILER, Kilmarnock, Virginia, USA; HARVEY F WHITLEY, Monroe, North Carolina, USA. MD202 COUNCIL CHAIRMAN: ERIC CARTER, Henderson DISTRICT GOVERNORS: 202D JOYCE RAVEN, Feilding Kowhai; 202E PETER MECHAELIS, Halswell & District; 202F DES BLACK, Riverton; 202J JOHN KNOWLES, Geraldine; 202K ROBYN WALKER, Whangarei Hatea; 202L SARA PATRICK, Katikati; 202M ROBYN DANIELS, Wellington Host. http://www.lionsclubs.org.nz


E D I TOR I A L

Happy New Year to all Lions and your families. We trust you have had a well-earned break and are now ready to leap back into action, like the pooch on the front cover! In this first Lion magazine for 2013, we report on a number of

naming rights to one of the three rooms that so far have not

new projects that clubs have initiated in the past few months –

been sponsored. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if the other two

Greenhithe Lions Club’s Pooches in the Park, Otumoetai Lions

Districts whose families will use the House made the same

Club’s Lions Tin Can Rally for motorcyclists, the Lions Grove tree

commitment? How about it, 202M and 202E?

planting in the Bay of Plenty by a group of clubs in District 202L, and the introduction of the new MUSK-flavoured Lion Mint.

Our thoughts are with the people in Samoa and Fiji, as they struggle to get over the effects of Cyclone Evan. Our best

We also bring you information on the Heads Up for Kids

wishes to the Lions in those areas, and also to the Lions in

Awareness week, planned for April this year. This project

202K who will do their best to support the island clubs.

has collected more than 14 tonnes of old money and foreign currency, but we know there is plenty more out there. Project manager Olivia is working extremely hard to maximise public awareness of this Lions project, and hopes that all clubs will

Iain Morrison Editor, Lion South Pacific Edition

make the effort to participate.

Letter to the Editor

Applications for funding from Heads Up for Kids are now open,

Sir, I have just received my copy of the November/ December edition of Lion Magazine.

so bear that in mind when you are approached by young people for funding support. All the required information can be found on the website www.lionsclubs.org.nz/oldmoney. Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs Lions Club has decided on a new approach to such requests for funding – they now ask the applicant to help them man a fundraising sausage sizzle in return for a donation. We think this is a great idea and a win-win situation for all. The club gets an extra pair of hands to help with the work and the opportunity to introduce Lions to a young person and his/her family. The applicant learns something of the pleasures of community service and gets a donation towards their own fundraising. Last issue we reported on the wonderful opening of the Lions’ Den at Ronald McDonald House in Wellington. This time, we are delighted to have an update from District 202D, telling us that the District has committed to raising $50,000 for the

I must bring to your attention to the article on page 24 regarding The Kingdom of Tonga Lions Club. The first line is incorrect. The Nuku’alofa Lions Club were both active and financial during my year as District Governor 202A 1993/1994. My official Lions District 202A visit was made in January 1994. This visit was of course recorded here in New Zealand and also to Lions Clubs International, as an official requirement by LCI. It should also be recorded that the club most certainly did not close due to any lack of support from the Lions Clubs of District 202A. The only reason the club closed was due to the members’ inability to meet their ongoing financial commitments to both District 202A and Lions Clubs International. Brian Saunders, PDG 202A 1993/1994

Mission statement of Lions Clubs International: TO EMPOWER volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.


ROTORUA EAST LIONS

Goodnight kiwi marks tournament’s end Rotorua East Lions Club’s international trout fishing tournament has been running for 44 years, but due to the sinking number of registrations, the organisation has decided to end it. Proceeds from the final tournament have

used to end the television transmission

cause for the Rotorua East Lions, it was an

been used to sponsor a kiwi chick at

each night. Goodnight hatched on

occasion tinged with some regret.

Rotorua’s Kiwi Encounter – a move that

October 19 and weighed 236 grams.

president Brian Gillespie said the club is

Its sex is yet to be confirmed and one

delighted with.

of the feathers has been sent away for

The kiwi chick has been named “Goodnight” after the cartoon kiwi that

DNA testing. Although sponsoring a kiwi was a good

“The tournament meant a lot over many years to hard-working members,” said Mr Gillespie. “It is great to have something demonstrable at the end of the fishing journey,” he said.

Rotorua East Lions Wendy Allen (left), Brian Gillespie and Murray Goucher meet Goodnight, the kiwi chick (in the hands of National Kiwi Trust worker Claire Travers). Photo by Ben Fraser/The Daily Post, Rotorua.


GRE ENHITHE LIONS

Pooches in the park By Justin Richardson

They poured in through the entrances to Collins Park, Greenhithe on the north shore of Auckland. Hundreds of them - small, large, fat, thin, scruffy, beautifully groomed, every variety under the sun, and that was just the dogs! Their families turned out, too, and the atmosphere was very relaxed and huge fun for everyone. Even the weather was good - sunscreen was in much demand. It was an amazing community event, supported splendidly by the local community of our lovely village, as well as people from further afield like Te Atatu, Massey, and the North Shore. The Lions Club of Greenhithe arranged the event in support of Blind Week, and $600 went to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, who brought their Red Puppies in Training along to raise awareness of their role. The SPCA was there, too, and ran a very successful sausage sizzle to raise money for their own organisation. North Shore Dog Training Club put on a great demonstration of Agility, Rally-O and Fly Ball. Prizes galore were donated by our generous sponsors for the winners of events such as quirkiest, smallest, largest, waggiest tail, and many more. Winner – Biggest Ears and Supreme Award – Felicity with owner Frazer Dale.

Greenhithe Lions Bob McKinstry and Mitsu Kawamoto enjoying the day.

Winner – Best Dressed – Rugby.


The registration tent was a busy place. Registration cost $3 per dog, per event.

The Grand Prize winner won a photoshoot

Animal Management West Auckland, Valueplus, Vitapower and Ellenco. Sincere thanks to all of them; without them, the event would not have been such a major success.

Our wonderful guest judges – Gareth Wallis, Dave Vousden and Shane Cortese – generously gave up their time on a Sunday and looked like they had been judging dog competitions all of their lives.

Geek, Nose to Tail, Woolly Lamb Felt,

Stallholders selling their wares to an appreciative audience have all asked to

K9 Doggy Deli, Furr Kids, Energy Works,

be included in the next event.

Pooches in the Park was such a success that it will definitely be on the Lions Club calendar next year.

for the dog and its owners worth $700 from Tall Tails Pet Photography. Other sponsors included K9 Heaven, Animates, Urban Dogs, Masterpet, Choppers Designer Dog Wear, Take the Lead, Dog

Why not advertise in YOUR magazine? Have you ever thought about advertising in Lion magazine? Does your business provide goods or services that your fellow Lions could use? Lions appeals to the mature generation, with about one third retired. Many are self-employed. A significant majority live in rural centres or on farms. The gender ratio is 2 to 1 in favour of men. Lions’ recreational and sporting pastimes are dominated by gardening and family interests. Golf, tramping and swimming are popular sports, while voluntary work (other than Lions activities), cooking and wine interests also rank highly. This is a unique opportunity to get your message out to a captive audience – more than 11,000 people who think like you. So don’t delay – contact Lion Editor Iain Morrison to inquire about advertising rates. Tel 021 688 668; email [email protected].


RAHOTU-PUNGAREHU LIONS

Competition keeps green fingers busy By Jan O’Connor

Rahotu Primary School kids have discovered that marauding calves, hungry birds and greedy rabbits are all part of growing your own vegetables in the country. The Rahotu-Pungarehu Lions Club has run

over a knee-high lawn behind the house,

replant after the calves fancied a change

a “Best Home Garden” competition for the

and there will be a tidy, weeded vege patch

of diet and leant over the fence. Birds

school for longer than the club has records,

in the corner bursting with healthy plants.

shredded Ella (7) and Zara (9) Barrett’s

and some members think it’s possibly

It’s neat to see.”

beetroot seedlings, and devoured their

the longest running Lions school garden competition in New Zealand.

Thirty-five children aged between 5 and 12

marigolds completely.

started digging and planting over Labour

But the kids kept going despite the

This year had the usual tales of triumph and

Weekend to vie for book voucher prizes

setbacks.

disaster, but club president Julie Williamson

and the titles of Best Junior and Senior

says the standard was exceptional and the

Gardener in the school.

pride in their gardens was evident.

Forty-five days later was judging day, and six Lions club members drove around the

Amy and Keegan Grey (aged 8 and 12)

countryside inspecting each garden. Plant

“We love doing this each year,” says Mrs

had their lettuces eaten by rabbits. Tyla

size and health and the young gardener’s

Williamson. “Sometimes you will go out

Hare (aged 12) had to rig up a hot wire and

enthusiasm, knowledge and weeding skills

Rahotu Primary School Best Home Garden Competition participant Alex Bengston (aged 7) shows off his efforts to Rahotu-Pungarehu Lions Club Judges (from left) Trevor Vercoe, Julie Williamson, Sue Harrison, and Sharon Fisher.


were all given serious consideration by the judging panel. Ten-year-old Henry Bredin swore by a potent mix of compost, sawdust, lots of cowpoo and Nana’s expert advice to get monster-sized radishes, while seven-year-old Alex Bengston added frog ornaments, homemade mini-scarecrows and marigolds to get the best out of his beetroot and lettuces. Lions club members Janeen and Trevor Vercoe grew the seedlings this year after one year’s bill for seedlings topped $900. Lettuce, broccoli and cabbages are grown on in their glasshouse then given out, along with radish, carrot and beetroot seeds. “The competition is all about participation;

Alex points out his combination of frogs, marigolds and a scarecrow in his garden that won him the title of Best Junior Gardener. Taine Morgan took the Senior title.

it doesn’t matter if they win or lose. It was

didn’t happen last year,” says Mr Vercoe.

meantime, plenty of lettuce and radishes

great to see parents’ gardens alongside the

The winner’s names were kept under

graced dinner tables around Rahotu for

kids’ gardens. The parents growing too - that

wraps until the last day of school. In the

the next few weeks after judging day.

Above: Charlotte Moller and Ella Barrett (both 7) inspect the passionfruit in the Barrett’s garden. Left: Tyla Hare (aged 12) gives the garden a quick weed before the judges’ inspection. Photos by Jan O’Connor


ASHBURTON COUNTY LIONS

Herb fundraiser grows like Topsy By Sue Newman

A project to grow herbs to sell during a fashion show fundraiser, became a project that developed a life of its own for a group of Ashburton County Lions Club members. When the women came up with the idea of

of a tunnel house complete with heating

When you have a project that is designed

growing herbs to raise money, they thought

pads and mist spray facilities the women

to raise money for charity, you grab every

small, but what they hadn’t counted on was a

realised they were seriously in business.

opportunity you can, said club member

flood of support from plant-raising experts.

“We thought we’d just throw a few seeds

Jackie Welch.

They thought domestic, but seed supplier

in the ground but we’ve ended up with an

“The support that’s come has been really

Egmont Seeds thought commercial and

opportunity that’s really snowballed,” said

impressive and for us it’s been a great

the Lions members found themselves with

Fiona Williamson.

learning curve, too.”

And the snowball effect has had the benefit

Money raised from the herb sales, and

of providing the club with enough herb plants

from the club’s February Fashion with

When Malcolm and Trudy Tarbotton from

for it to become a stallholder at two Saturday

Flair day will go to the South Canterbury

Agri Business came on board with the offer

morning Ashburton farmers’ markets.

Women’s Refuge and other charities.

hundreds of seeds across a big range of herbs to sow.

Celebrating their success as plant raisers, Ashburton County Lions Club members (from left) Jeanette Early, Jackie Welch and Fiona Williamson. Photo courtesy of Kirsty Graham/Ashburton Guardian.

Your money puts heart back in community Lion Peter Yearbury, vice-district governor of 202E, recently visited

Lions contributed approximately $125,000 to the appeal funds.The

Marysville, Victoria, Australia. He was interested to see the new

Community Centre includes a health clinic, multi-purpose rooms,

Community Centre, which forms a central part of the rebuilding of

a sports hall, viewing platforms, club rooms and amenities. The

Marysville after the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bush fires

building has been designed to the new bush re-building standards

that destroyed most of the town. The Marysville and District Lions

(BAL 29) and incorporates the sensitive use of approved timbers

Club was a driving force behind the rebuild – and New Zealand

to reflect the character and values of the Marysville community.


St KEVIN'S COLLEGE LEOS

Future leaders keen to serve community

St Kevin’s College Leo Club president Ben Latavao presents cheques to Camp Quality regional trustee Tom MacDonald (left) and Oamaru Foodbank secretary Archdeacon Bernard Wilkinson before school finished last year, watched by deputy Sean Hand (right) and members of the club. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Ryan/Oamaru Mail.

In its first two months of operation, Oamaru’s St Kevin’s College Leo Club raised $1200 for local organisations. St Kevin’s College head boy for last year,

The club, the first in the region, was

Club during a college assembly, he was

Sean Hand, said the group had been active

established in August last year. It came

impressed by how many schoolmates

in the community raising money through

into being after Sean won the national final

were keen to be involved. More than 30

mufti days, sausage sizzles, an odd shoe

of the Lions Clubs New Zealand Young

students, from Years 9 to 13, signed up to

day and firewood raffles.

Speechmaker Competition. Having been

be part of the club, which aims to promote

“It’s really got going. The kids love it; they are really passionate about serving the community.”

sponsored by the Waiareka Valley Lions

service activities among local youth and

Club, he asked PDG Robert Naismith how

develop the Leo qualities of Leadership,

he could give something back to the club

Experience and Opportunities.

As Christmas approached, the club recognised the local food bank as a

that helped him win a six-week speaking trip to Canada and the United States.

Year 12 student Ben Latavao was the inaugural president of the club, with Sean

worthy cause for donations. They also

“The Lions Club does a lot for our school

as his deputy. Ben said he was honoured to

raised money for Camp Quality as regional

and I asked them what we could do to

have been elected president, and pledged

trustee Tom MacDonald was heavily

give back. We were told it would be nice

to give “110%”.

involved with helping the Leos establish

to have some younger ones helping out

an obstacle course at the college.

around the community,” he said. “Robert

“He came to me and asked if we could raise a bit of awareness for Camp Quality, so we decided to raise some money as well,” Sean said.

Naismith and Murray Linwood have been very instrumental in helping us get off the ground and get started.” When Sean put forward the idea of a Leo


When school resumes this year, the Leo club will be straight back into raising funds for the Oamaru community, though without the services of Sean, who will be starting a three-year bachelor of agricultural commerce degree at Lincoln University.

HOWICK LIONS

I am Dan and I am a Lion By PDG Alan Sheath

Daniel Cullum is living proof that to find a new Lion, all you have to do is ask. Dan has just celebrated his 21st birthday

currently dares young people in 10

and has become the Lions Club of Howick’s

countries around the world to complete

youngest member, after being inducted by

the “One Year T-shirt Challenge”. Each

1st International Vice President Barry

participant receives 10 shirts, with “I Am”

Palmer at the District 202K Howick Five-O

and their name on it. They wear it for one

Convention in November last year. It was

whole year in order to raise funds and

1st IVP Barry who “just asked.”

volunteer for an organisation that they

Dan’s presence at the convention came about through his speaking skills. In 2008 he was sponsored by the club as a

are passionate about. The shirt stands for “I am who I am, and I am making a difference.” It aims to connect youth around the world under one banner of

contestant in the Lions Young Speechmaker

positive social change, and to break down

contest. He reached the National Finals but

the walls of materialism found in present

was not successful. Most young people

day society.

would have called it a day but not Dan. He decided that he would apply again and would seize the opportunity that had been given to him. In 2009 he again reached the

Dan was selected as a British Council Global Changemaker in 2010 - one of 60 young social activists from around the world to attend a leadership summit

our opening ceremony; he immediately

in London for his work with the I Am

agreed and I asked him again to talk on

Challenge. He was then invited, along

“Opportunity”. Dan wowed the audience

He decided that his speech would be

with four other Global Changemakers,

and 1st International Vice President Barry

different. His speech was about his birth

to attend the World Economic Forum in

asked Dan if he had been invited to be a

from the perspective of the unborn child.

Davos, Switzerland in January 2011 to

Lion. He hadn’t, but agreed immediately and

It was daring and innovative and it wowed

present the ”I Am Challenge.”

promised to bring along some of his friends.

National Speechmaker Final and this time was a winner.

the judges. In December 2009 and January 2010 Dan took up his prize of a visit to the USA.

The “I Am Challenge New Zealand”

He was inducted the following day.

is committed to the rebuilding of the

Dan has just finished his Bachelor of

human spirit of Christchurch. Challengers

Commerce degree in Marketing and

Dan’s association with the club has

around New Zealand will raise funds and

Management from the University of Auckland.

continued from that time. He has visited

awareness for the music, dance, theatre,

He is an exciting, awesome young man and

the club many times, entertaining us with

art and sports projects that Challengers

the Lions Club of Howick is proud to have

a variety of talks. Most impressive was the

in Christchurch are running in schools in

him as their newest member.

time that we had our Leo club as guests and

areas that have been affected.

Dan talked to them about “Opportunity”.

In December of 2011 the Lions Club of

You can catch up with Dan through these links:

Dan and his friend Ben Goodger had an

Howick supported Dan on a trip to Haiti

idea in 2007: if a person can wear the same

where he was to help with earthquake

[email protected]

T-shirt for a whole year, they can change

relief.

@danieljcullum

As chairman of the Howick Five-O District

www.iamchallenge.org

202K convention last year, I asked Dan

www.youtube.com/

if he would be the keynote speaker at

watch?v=ArhUh54J5lg

the world; and for the past 1200 days he has only worn “I Am Dan” T-shirts. Director of the “I Am Challenge”, Dan


EASTERn SUBURBS LIONS CLUB

Helping the hand that feeds them With three requests from young people for financial assistance, and a series of summer sausage sizzles planned, the Board of Wellington’s Eastern Suburbs Lions Club put two and two together and came up with a plan. Rather than just handing over donations to

chosen charity, Life Flight Trust.

the young people – they would ask them to

“They were all quite happy to do it,” said

work for it, spending a day assisting with

club president Ian Taylforth. “Some brought

“We get requests for funding support from

the sausage sizzles, with proceeds of the

friends and one brought his mother. It was

time to time, and we’ll continue to expect

day to be shared by them and the club’s

a good education for the kids, helping the

the kids to earn their keep.”

Ash Stanley-Ryan helps out as Ian Taylforth hands over a sausage to Dio Vickkanon, 2, at Pak n Save, Kilbirnie. Ash had approached the Eastern Suburbs Lions Club for funding assistance to attend The Hague International Model UN (THIMUN) in the Netherlands, and was happy to work for his money. It was Ash’s first interaction with a Lions club and he was grateful for the opportunity to fundraise with them. His trip costs were going to be $7500 and he said it had been hard to find the money. The 18-year-old Scots College student certainly seems like a young man worth supporting. He plans to study for a Bachelor of Arts and Law degree at Victoria University this year, and later hopes to be awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford. “My future aspirations are to work as a diplomat in MFAT, and in an ideal world to work with the UN in some capacity – I would love to be the person who brings about security council reform one day. I want to go on THIMUN 2013 because it’s a great chance to enhance my speaking, debating and lobbying skills, as well as a chance to network with people from around the world who will likely be great contacts to have in later life. It’s one of the best opportunities I’ll ever have to do this, and is something I am definitely going to make the most of,” Ash said.

cook and learning a bit of banter, and about Lions.

THIMUN is the largest and most prestigious Model UN Conference in the world. Held annually in The Hague (Den Haag), Netherlands, the week-long conference attracts over 4000 students from around the globe. UN Youth New Zealand has been sending a delegation to the conference since 2000 which incorporates an educational study tour. UN Youth New Zealand is a youth-run educational charity, dedicated to educating young New Zealanders about the United Nations and international affairs. Its website states: “We believe that by educating young people about global issues and empowering them with skills and knowledge in how they can make a difference, we are inspiring the next generation of world leaders. “In July 2012, we selected 22 outstanding youths from around the country to represent New Zealand at The Hague International Model United Nations in January 2013. “The delegates were selected through rigorous application and interview process at the New Zealand Model UN 2012 Conference in July, and the calibre of the delegation truly reflects this.”


TECT PARK LIONS TREE GROVE

Clubs combine for forest of the future A group of Lions Clubs from Rotorua, Tauranga and Te Puke have got together to plant an area of 2.4 hectares in native trees and bush - an environmental project for Lions and the public to enjoy for decades to come. The land is at TECT Park, halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua and with great assistance from the Western Bay Council and the management of TECT Park an area called “Lions Grove” has come about. The project was first suggested in November 2011 by John Smale of the Ngongotaha Lions Club. After sending out invitations to all clubs within District L, a core of clubs came together in February 2012 to form a committee to move the concept forward. Lions members formed tracks and in August 2012, 60 Lions, their spouses, partners and friends carried out a massive working bee and planted some 4000 natives in and around the allocated space.

Taking part in the massive working bee are (from left) John Smale (Ngongotaha Lions), Brian Hawkins (Greerton Lions), Derby Perston (Papamoa Lions), Marie Booth, Rob Aislabie and Doug Lambert (Ngongotaha Lions).

This was followed by a massive shared lunch complete with dozens of BBQ steaks, sausages and everything else required to make a tasty meal. Three weeks later a visually impaired group co-ordinated by Rob Aislabie of Ngongotaha Lions got together to plant a scented garden. “Ongoing weed control and maintenance will take us into the next couple of years and beyond,” said Ngongotaha Lion Trev Hawkins. “In April we shall plant another 900 native under-storey trees before planting (in September) the first 500 canopy trees with the final 500 canopy trees being planted in 2014. Ngongotaha Past President Rob Aislabie, who is blind, and Phillipa Somervell, wife of Ngongotaha Lion Bryon, help with the planting.

“Over time tracks will be upgraded and made weather-safe, signage will go in describing the project and the Lions’ involvement and a track map of the area. As species grow LION, South Pacific Edition | January/February 2013 14

we shall erect signs so that everyday visitors can identify our native trees and some of the uses that these trees have been used for over time. “Lions and their families are very welcome to visit and walk around the Lions Grove anytime they want. Just bring a thermos full of hot water and a picnic and a chair or two. At the moment there is nowhere to sit but that will be rectified in the notso-distant future as Opotiki Lions have offered to supply some wooden seats and/ or barbecue tables.” “New projects in our District, such as the Lions Grove, are a great example of what we can do and I am delighted to have been able to be involved in this – a project that will have a real impact on our District. They have a great team led very ably by the Lions Club of Ngongotaha,” says VDG Richard Norris.

UPPER CLUTHA LIONS/DISTRICT 202D

Finally they're cooking with gas Bremner Bay, Wanaka, now has a communal barbecue facility, thanks to the Upper Clutha Lions Club. The project, repeatedly put on the back burner for about six years, sizzled into action just in time for the summer season. The project has been funded mostly by the Queenstown Lakes District Council in lieu of a previous initiative of the club. In 2001 the club built and paid for a $10,000 perfumed garden in Pembroke Park. The garden was removed in 2004 on the council’s instruction after ongoing vandalism, according to the barbecue project co-ordinator Ann Saunders. The club was asked to come up with an alternative project of similar value for the council to fund, and in 2006 a lakeside

Upper Clutha Lions Club members try out the new barbecue. Front, from left, are president Bronwyn Bain, project managers Ann Saunders, Yvonne McLeod and Judith McLeary, and Edgewater executive chef Neil Ward. Photo by Lucy Ibbotson, courtesy of Otago Daily Times.

barbecue was proposed. The next six years brought “lots of red tape” and endless obstacles to building the barbecue, before it was finally installed in November last year. The area includes

picnic tables and a shelter, funded by Upper Clutha Lions Club and built by the Wanaka District Lions.

the barbecue to get maximum use. “In summer there are lots of young families down there because it’s shallow and safe

Ann says Bremner Bay is an ideal spot for

for children to play.”

202D pledges Lions’ Den room The Lions’ Den is a floor in Wellington’s new Ronald McDonald House, where almost every room has been sponsored by Lions. At the official opening in October, just three rooms remained without a Lions logo and sponsors plaque beside the door.

eagerly accepted the challenge, some pledging more money for this cause after initially donating large sums.

District 202D has taken up the challenge to ensure their name appears beside one of those doors.

“Outside of Lions I am a Travel Consultant for Atlantic Pacific American Express and I am based in the Palmerston North Hospital where I am involved with travel arrangements for many families going to the Auckland Ronald McDonald House. I know what a difference it makes to them to have a ‘home’ to go to on the many visits they have to make with their sick children and can fully appreciate what a difference the new Ronald McDonald House will make to the families who are sent to Wellington.

“I know I can count on the clubs in District 202D to be up for a challenge,” said District Governor Joyce Raven. “Many of them have already contributed to Ronald McDonald House, with several of them either individually, or combining with neighbouring clubs, already having sponsored a room. “Those who attended the opening of the ‘House’ were so moved by the magnificent facility for families from our area to use during hospital stays, and by what has been achieved by Lions Clubs so far, that it was suggested to me on the night of the opening that our clubs could go the extra mile and sponsor another room together. So when a challenge is made to the clubs in my District the result is what I would have expected – funds started rolling in. Clubs have

“I am confident that we will reach the $50,000 target required, and I can report that as at the end of December we are on track to achieving this goal. “When the clubs reconvene after the Christmas break we will reassess the funds and we hope to invite Lesley from Ronald McDonald House to our Convention to accept our donations in early March.”


CHAIR OF NEURO SURGERY CAMPAIGN

Southern Lions rise to the challenge A campaign in Otago and Southland to secure and expand a life-saving hub that has saved victims of head injury and stroke in the South has passed its goal of $3 million, just 10 months after its launch in January. In 2010, Southland and Otago petitioned

in Belgium. He will join two other

the target to $100,000. “Perfectly

the Government to keep the neurosurgery

neurosurgeons at the Dunedin hub and

achievable,” says Lynette.

unit from being moved to Christchurch.

will oversee the unit, starting in February.

After succeeding, campaigners then

Lions clubs from the regions have put

donations from Otago Helicopters, Mercy

their full support behind the campaign,

Hospital and the Chemist Guild but

encouraged initially by 202F PDG

the fund has also been boosted by

Lynette Batt.

community projects such as the sale of

worked to keep and expand the hub to bring skills, training and research to Dunedin and provide better access for patients in the south.

“It’s an area that has touched so many

The goal of the Chair in Neurosurgery

people,” she said. “They treat anyone who

campaign was to raise enough money to

has a head injury. Everybody you talk to

keep a chair in neurosurgery based at the

knows somebody who has been affected.”

University of Otago.

PDG Lynette originally set a goal for

The position of chair has been filled by

202F of $15,000, which was quickly

Dr Dirk de Ridder of Antwerp University

achieved. Current DG Des Black raised

Fundraising around the region has included

used car batteries in Owaka, a winter feed competition in Tokanui, and a quilt fundraiser in Middlemarch. Appeal envelopes that went out last February brought in more than $11,000 a day during that month, while people of all ages from Southland and Otago took part in the Ultimate Hikes "Brain Week Walk" on the Milford Track, which raised $112,000. Individual donations averaged $380, though one single donation was $75,000. Fundraising chairman Dr Brian McMahon said the campaign results were "marvellous." "Achieving our initial goal in December gave us the opportunity to secure further funds between then and February. This will ensure the fund is future-proofed against potential drops in interest rates and inflation." Project manager Irene Mosley said the support from businesses and individuals in the south had been amazing. Fundraising would continue through February, she said. A gathering to celebrate the campaign's finish has been planned for February, coinciding with the arrival of Dr de Ridder from Belgium. Lions clubs’ projects to help the campaign

Port Chalmers Lion Bob Melville keeps the club’s fundraising firewood on his property. Firewood is the club’s main fundraiser, according to president Ella Butson. Photo courtesy of Otago Daily Times.


include a donation of $1380 from Port Chalmers Lions’ sales of firewood; $5000

from the Maniototo Lions Club, which holds

and children's literature donated by the

probably repeat it. She said the sale was

an annual Steptoe auction and donates

community. Selling bags of produce

particularly popular with record collectors,

funds raised to health projects, and about

also contributed to the amount, with 400

some of whom were waiting outside the

$4000 from Invercargill Central Lions Club

bags of apples sold during the three-day

hall an hour before it started.

from a very successful charity concert.

fundraiser.

Musical director Judy Knoops said

Mr Kirk said the club was keen to get

a battery drive, which secretary Wilson

Southlanders were good at supporting

involved in the campaign to keep the unit

Wylie said was organised by members

a cause. It was "marvellous" to see the

in Dunedin as two of its members had

John Burgess and Kevin Thompson.

large turnout for the Chair of Neurosurgery

had neurosurgery. Campaign manager

campaign, she said.

Irene Mosley had also given a brilliant

"We all know somebody who has used the

The Owaka Lions Club raised $4134 from

presentation that swayed them.

"The battery collection was well received with 406 batteries. The support from the Owaka community was phenomenal. One

service and has been touched by it. It's

"The decision to donate this to the

fellow had about 20 batteries lying around

important it stays in the south."

[neurosurgery] campaign was unanimous.

his place. It's a very easy way to raise

We're right behind this," Mr Kirk said.

money, and battery size doesn't matter."

than $25,000 for the campaign from its

Dunedin Host Lions Club sent out 6000

Project manager Irene Mosley said

annual book sale in September. This was

leaflets to Dunedin homes asking for

the fundraising campaign had been

in addition to $25,000 the club gave to the

second-hand records, CDs, DVDs, musical

well supported by southern rural

campaign earlier in the year.

instruments and other music-related items

communities.

The Gore Pakeke Lions Club raised more

Club president Murray Kirk said people came from as far away as Dunedin and

for a garage sale, which raised $1200 for the campaign.

"The rural communities have really got behind this - it's been fantastic from

Queenstown to pick through a wide

Organiser Jan Ravenwood said the event

organisations like this who have already

selection of puzzles, novels, non-fiction

had been so successful the club would

done the fundraising for us."

Firewood supplies keep clubs active Wood chopping and the supply of firewood is a popular fundraiser for many Lions clubs around the country. Temuka Lions have been hard at work getting firewood cut and dried for the coming winter. Project organiser Ira Graham said about nine truck and trailer loads had been delivered to the club in the last couple of months. In spite of his age, 82-year-old helper Owen Price said he thoroughly enjoyed cutting the wood into rounds for splitting. “It keeps me off the streets,” he said. The club has had assistance with stacking the wood from several students and their parents, in return for a contribution to their sporting or cultural experiences. Wanganui Lions have been chopping firewood since the 1970s, when it was all cut by hand. No motorised splitters back then. They have lately acquired a huge supply of gum from a large tree that was threatening power lines and

Tauranga City Sunrise Lions having morning tea during another firewood splitting session. The club’s slogan is: "Doing good and having fun".

of their property, Pickwick, where the gum is stored.

had to be removed. Funds from its sale will go towards

Lion Dean Wyley says they have about 60 loads of pine stored

the annual operation of Wanganui East Pool; but some

elsewhere as well as plenty of macrocarpa. He sees about two or three

will be given back to the Girl Guides in return for the use

more years’ work at Pickwick, with still a few trees to come down.


MANA/REMUERA LIONS

Non-profits fostered in Porirua By Andrea O’Neil The economic benefits of not-for-profit organisations has been celebrated in Porirua, near Wellington, with the launch of a report on what is being called Porirua’s “third sector.” Sixty employees and volunteers from nonprofit groups gathered at the Peppermill deli for the launch of the “Third Sector Profile 2012” report, commissioned by Porirua City Council with support from Statistics New Zealand. In the year to March 2012, non-profit organisations contributed $39.5 million to Porirua’s GDP – 4.4 percent of the total. The national average is 2.6 percent. With grants, fundraising and volunteers factored in, the total third-sector contribution to GDP is 5.7 percent. There are 618 third-sector institutions in Porirua, employing 1083 people - 7 percent of the city’s workforce. Each week 3706 people in Porirua carry out 13,000 hours of volunteering. Mayor Nick Leggett said the council would continue to foster non-profit enterprise in Porirua. “Central government has been very good

Celebrating non-profit contribution to Porirua’s economy – John Wilce from Mana Lions Club, Pat Liddell from Zonta Mana and Warwick Smith from Titahi Bay Community Church. John had further reason to celebrate when the New Year’s honours list was announced – he has been awarded a Queen’s Service Medal in recognition of his long involvement in community affairs including life membership of the Judgeford Golf Club and the Mana Little Theatre and 40 years of outstanding service to Lions, not only within the Mana Club but also at Zone and District level. Photo courtesy of Kapi-Mana News.

lately at telling local government ‘this isn’t

make it our business,” he said.

your business.’ I’m here to say it is our

“We will use this report to allocate time, resources and funding in the future.”

business and we’re going to continue to

Sponsorship seals success Remuera Lions were out in force at last year’s Spring Fair at the Remuera Market Day. The Remuera Business Association generously donated space for the club to sell ham rolls to raise funds for youth projects. The club was delighted by the strong support from local businesses. The Aussie Butcher donated a huge ham and Bakers Delight donated a large number of bread rolls which meant that the club had no hard expenses for the event. Over $500 was raised, which will be used to sponsor young people who wish to attend among other things, the Sir Edmund Hillary Outdoor Pursuits Centre.

Bakers Delight owner Abi Jain with Lions Stuart Hintz and Josie Foged.

Stuart Hintz, who helped to organise the event, said, "we all know just how difficult getting sponsors is in the current economic climate and we are extremely thankful to our sponsors, without whom we could not have achieved these fantastic results."


HEADS UP FOR KIDS

Raising awareness to benefit NZ’s youth By Olivia Lacey

Lions will be raising tonnes of attention this year with a national awareness week for the campaign that turns unwanted cash into life-changing experiences for young New Zealanders. To be launched during the Lions Multiple

Lions, Heads Up for Kids

“real” money, and therefore

District Convention in Christchurch on

sponsors and recipients.

doesn’t compete with other

April 12, the Heads Up for Kids Awareness Week will be off to a strong start.

With TV, newspapers, radio, advertising and events such

fundraisers. (Although donations of current currency will not be refused!)

The aim is to raise awareness and increase

as coin trails, strongman

funds with the outcome of supporting more

competitions and school

Given the Heads Up for Kids

young New Zealanders in realising their

mufti days, Heads Up for

Awareness Week is a short-

potential. To date, Heads Up for Kids has

Kids aims to reach all ages

term project, Lions who don’t

collected over 14 tonnes of old and foreign

and encourage everyone

normally work with Heads Up

currency, funding dozens of young people

to dig out and donate their

for Kids can come on board

to attend education programmes.

unwanted cash for a good cause.

and get involved for a short period of time.

Although a lot of money has been collected,

This will be an opportunity to demonstrate the

If you are not currently working with Heads

there is still a massive amount of old money

mighty Lions roar, and the louder the better.

Up for Kids and would like to get involved,

and foreign currency sitting idle in homes

We want every New Zealander to know about

please contact Olivia on 04 471 0335 or

across the country; the Reserve Bank

this great project and ask “How can I help?”

[email protected]

There are numerous charities and good

More information about Heads Up for

To tap into this large amount of unwanted

causes in New Zealand, many of which

Kids Awareness Week can be found on

cash there will be a range of activities and

Lions support. The beauty of Heads

the Lions Clubs New Zealand Website

communications engaging New Zealanders,

Up for Kids is that it doesn’t collect

www.lionsclubs.org.nz/oldmoney

estimates $80 million dollars in fact!


CAMBRIDGE LIONS

Furnishings donated to young oncology patients’ youth pad Waikato Hospital’s refurbished haematology and oncology ward now boasts the hospital’s first “hang-out” space designed specifically for youth. The room, dubbed “Youth Pad”, was officially opened by past oncology patient Gemma Nixon just before Christmas. Gemma is one of many young people undergoing cancer treatment in the Midland region who was heavily involved in naming and designing Youth Pad. After receiving approval for the space about six months ago, clinical nurse specialist Ellyn Proffit continually sought the ideas and opinions of her patients, who she refers to as her “bosses”, regarding how the space should end up. Ellyn has dreamed of a youth-specific space for patients for many years, and saw the hospital’s recent renovations as a prime opportunity to bring this to fruition. “The Ministry of Health encourages having youth friendly areas – for me, that held kudos to get this project going. There are a lot of youth-friendly health professionals in the area and they have been a big help in getting Youth Pad on its feet,” Ellyn said.

Cambridge Lions Club's Fred Hansen; clinical nurse specialist Ellyn Proffit, Cambridge Lions Club's Peter Knox, artwork liaison Steph Sayer, staff nurse Lorraine Kurth, past oncology patient Gemma Nixon and charge nurse manager Hayley Colmore-Williams in the new 'Youth Pad'.Story and photos courtesy of Waikato District Health Board

of people visiting at once. Now youth won’t

friends feel relaxed. The hospital is not

have to take chairs from all over the ward

always an easy place to stay. Everyone

like we used to!” she laughs.

needs a place to chill out,” he said.

The inspiration for Youth Pad came largely

The name Youth Pad is a combination of

from Teenage Cancer Trust, a UK-based

suggestions “The Pad” and “Youth Zone”

organisation similar to Canteen.

put forward by two patients. The logo is

“I went on their website and got inspiration from their different youth lounges

laid out to reflect the ‘iPad’ and ‘iPod’ range which is “popular among youth.”

and bedrooms overseas,” Ellyn said.

Ellyn has high hopes for the space to

“Sometimes my ‘bosses’ are here for up to

become increasingly techno-friendly in

four weeks. This is a space where they can

2013.

forget they are in hospital for a bit.”

“We’re looking at getting a Wii, computer

A bright green feature wall brightens the

access and Sky,” she said. “Young people

room and draws attention to the tasteful

need their own space. They aren’t little

couches, furnishings and television, all

children and they aren’t adults. They have

donated by local companies.

their own needs.

“Ellyn’s passion for this space was a driving

“My bosses sometimes won’t ever run

force towards our contribution,” said Peter

into another boss, so it can feel isolating;

Knox, president of Cambridge Lions Club,

like you’re the only young person doing

“To me it’s a good place to get out of your

which donated the furnishings for Youth

the cancer journey. Now we can get them

room, and take people with you. A lot of

Pad. “We hope that this can be a place

mingling together if there is more than one

the time, as a young person, you get lots

where all young cancer patients and their

youth in the ward.”

Gemma, who was in and out of the oncology ward for about a year, feels privileged to have been involved in the design of a space that will benefit countless youth during a difficult time. “Ellyn did a lot of consulting with us young people. She came to me at one point and showed me all the ideas she had. "She checked in with us all about what we’d like the room to be used for,” Gemma said.


TAURANGA CITY SUNRISE/OTUMOETAI LIONS

Foodbank enjoys extra support Lions in the Bay of Plenty are always supportive of the Bay of Plenty Times pre-Christmas appeal to raise money for the Tauranga Community Foodbank. Each year the Foodbank supports thousands of cash-strapped families, with demand increasing during the festive season. To help boost funds, Tauranga City Sunrise Lions Club hosted their own can drive on Saturday, December 8. "Last year was the first time we did this and it came about from the Bay of Plenty Times appeal," said project convenor Ken Evans. "We wanted to see how we could get involved and [a can drive] was something we decided to do and it was hugely successful so we've decided to do it again." He said the can drive generated more than

Rally organiser and keen biker Paul Belcaster with representatives of rally sponsor “The Sound” radio station. Photos by Robert Miller.

1000 tinned items, 13 banana boxes of

Foodbank. Motorcyclists gathered at The

organisers acknowledged it was a learning

other food items and cash for the charity.

Strand between 9-11.30am on Sunday,

curve for them, and next year they will do

Someone even donated a toaster.

December 9 before travelling through

things a little differently.

President Brian Hammond said: "The Foodbank is a local charity and they do a

Tauranga to Baypark, where a barbecue and concert was held.

A participant said she was impressed with the organisation and prizes of the

huge amount of work for the community

Members of the public were invited to

event. “The whole event had a ‘great’

and they reach a lot of people we can't get

check out the motorbikes at The Strand

feeling to it,” she said.

to so we fully support what they do."

for a can or gold coin donation prior to

Otumoetai Lions Club members also supported the cause. The club hosted a motorcycle rally to raise money for the

11.30am. The club is hoping the Tin Can Rally will be a new tradition in Tauranga. While numbers were a little disappointing,

Foodbank chairman Mike Baker said he was grateful local community groups were getting behind the charity, which issued 8300 food parcels to desperate households last year.

Members of the public were able to view a fine line-up of motorbikes before the inaugural Lions Tin Can Rally in Tauranga. LION, South Pacific Edition | January/February 2013 21

MD202 CONVENTION 2013

The crusade goes on The Lions Clubs of Christchurch, led by Wigram, are looking forward to welcoming you all to Christchurch for the MD 202 Convention “The Crusade goes On”. Your opportunity to see for yourself the

accommodation for the Council of

devastating effects on the city and suburbs

Governors and dignitaries.

as well as history in the making as the rebuild gets underway. Even though we have lost many historic buildings, there is still much to see and do. Being the gateway to the South Island, tourists and visitors continue to enjoy their time here. The Canterbury Museum has many wonderful exhibitions and after the Convention there are many places to visit not far from Christchurch. There are day trips to enjoy or you could go further afield.

Our LCI guest is Past International Director Ken Bird of Australia, who is well known to many lions. Opening Ceremony Guest Speaker: William Pike. This young man has an interesting tale of survival as he struggled with the elements

with adventure, fun and living life to

after a lahar on Mount Ruapehu took

the max at the top of his list. By day,

away his shelter. His legs were severely

William is a primary school teacher and

crushed and his right leg was amputated

by night an inspirational and motivational

below the knee. His rescue was one of

speaker. He is also author of his

this country’s most daring alpine rescues.

autobiography “Every Day’s a Good Day”. www.williampike.co.nz

Beyond the Convention Hanmer Springs: Don’t forget to pack your swimming togs and spend some time in the hot pools. If R and R is what you want this is the place to do it. Kaikoura: Go out and see the whales or swim with the dolphins. Kaikoura has much to offer visitors to this area. West Coast: Take a day trip over to the Coast or spend a night and sample some of the West Coast hospitality. The Tranz Scenic train is an ideal way to see this wonderful part of the South Island. Hagley Park, adjacent to the Chateau

This has not slowed William down at

Blenheim/Nelson: If it is sunshine and

on the Park convention hotel, is a

all – he still does what he loves best,

wine you are after then Marlborough is the

beautiful setting with many kilometres

kayaking, mountaineering and exploring

place, with some award-winning wineries

of walkways and cycle tracks, lakes and

New Zealand’s great outdoors.

and fine food to match as well as many

the Botanic Gardens.

William has a passion for the outdoors,

points and places of interest to visit.

Convention Hotel: Chateau on the Park, within walking distance of many motels

A copy of the registration form was sent to your club with the last Lion

and the Riccarton Mall. The Chateau

magazine. It can also be downloaded from the website

will be the base for the Convention and

www.lionsclubs.org.nz/MD202convention2013


WAIMAUKU LIONS

Club a driving force for James By Massy University communications student Danielle Todd

A car and a new lease on life have been given to a young man with spina bifida. Screenwriter James Russell approached the Lions Club of Waimauku in March about his struggles to find employment while forced to rely on family and friends to transport him and his wheelchair. The club had already been monitoring James’ situation, so when transport issues became a major hurdle for his livelihood, the Lions readily assisted. A Honda Civic was bought and donated to the 25-year-old. James greatly appreciated the Lions’ generosity. “I don’t feel stuck anymore. It’s a great feeling.” He says he will finally be able to start expanding his career as a freelance screenwriter. His newfound independence will also allow more opportunities for him to make inroads in the industry. James says the Lions’ community work is “hugely important. It’s really people-

James Russell enjoys his independence, thanks to Waimauku Lions Club. Photo courtesy of the Rodney Times.

oriented. I don’t think people realise that they’re there and they want to help.” James plans on giving back to Waimauku Lions, offering his own plays as fundraising events for the club’s many ongoing causes.

He is working on an adult comedy about the power of imagination, based loosely on the Grimm Brothers’ fairytales. “I really want to give back to the people who helped me out.”

MUSK a new taste in mints Lion Mints are entering their 33rd year in New Zealand with a new flavour – MUSK – which has been well trialled and tested in Australia, the original home of this highly successful Lions Clubs project. Announced internationally as an Australian and New Zealand flavour, MUSK has wide appeal, with many and varied descriptions of its unique taste.

Canada also offer their own special flavour under the Lion Mints label. WINTERGREEN is another uniquely local flavour developed for their market.”

“You can be the judge,” says Lions Mints project organiser PDG Gael Ansell. “In fact, the public will test it and report back, once you have offered it to them. Stock is now available and participating clubs have been sent a new order form. Price and packaging are the same as the other mints and candy. This is another opportunity to increase sales and profit to your club.

For every roll of mints sold, 1 cent is donated to the Lloyd Morgan Lions Clubs Charitable Trust. To date more than $28,000 has been raised.

“It is interesting to note that the USA and

For further information about Lion Mints fundraising, contact [email protected]. Ella MacIntyre, 4, loves the new MUSK mint. She says it tastes like strawberry and she loves the colour.


INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION 2013

Heavenly Hamburg to play the host By Roger St Pierre

The views are grand at Alster Lake in Hamburg.

The lovely German city of Hamburg will showcase the beauty of Lions’ service at the upcoming 96th International Convention, July 5 – 9. Surprisingly green and architecturally

stage, not just in commerce but also in

A linchpin of the solid German economy,

beautiful, Hamburg is admired for its

culture, the arts, sport, media and tourism.

Hamburg is a thriving manufacturing

enormous port, historic, lovely downtown

Hamburg feels like a capital in all but

centre. Its role in the global aircraft industry

and village-like neighbourhoods. It’s a city

name – a fact reflected by the unusually

rivals that of Seattle and Toulouse. Airbus

full of quaint cobblestone alleys, centuries-

large number of foreign consulates it hosts

employs 13,000 people here. The city also

old churches and vibrant nightlife.

and the truly cosmopolitan make-up of its

is a major banking centre while tourism

population. Today it boasts the highest per

generates close to 10 million overnight

capita GDP in all Germany.

stays annually and provides 175,000

Hamburg will not be just a venue for the Lions convention. The city will embrace Lions and integrate its charms with convention traditions. The Parade of Nations will start at the majestic Rathaus, the town hall and the city’s symbolic heart, and then snake its way around the Binnenalster, an artificial lake bordered by a stunning array of buildings. At the march’s end Lions will spill into a “market of nations,” where 30 pavilions will serve international foods and highlight Lions’ service around the world. The parade will not just display the diversity of Lions but also celebrate the diversity of our service. Berlin may be the capital of Germany, but Hamburg, the nation’s second-largest city, resolutely refuses to accept a provincial label. It proudly sports all the airs and graces of a major player on the world

Europa Passage is the largest shopping mall in the city centre with 120 stores on five floors. Located between Jungfernstieg and Mönckebergstrasse, it also offers views of Alster Lake.


The Rathaus (town hall) is the symbolic heart of the city. people with full-time jobs. As Germany’s busiest port, Hamburg is a haven for gigantic cruise ships and for cargo vessels of all shapes and sizes. Europe’s second most important port after Rotterdam and the ninth busiest in the world, Hamburg handles nearly 150 million tonnes of goods annually. Though located 100km from the yawning estuary of the Elbe, the docks have enough depth of water to accommodate large oceangoing vessels – and to build them too at the renowned Blohm + Voss

On the other hand, if you like to amble,

Altstadt – the old town – is somewhat

Hamburg is an eminently walkable place.

illusory because this was another of

However, to ensure you don't miss out on

the areas totally flattened in the war. In

any of the major sights it’s a good plan

the first wave of Hamburg’s post-war

to kick off with an open-top sightseeing

rejuvenation this pleasant little district

bus tour. Or head for the harbour and

was faithfully rebuilt.

take a rather slower-paced guided boat tour along the river and canals, passing the massive red brick warehouses of the Speicherstadt district, once abandoned relics of a pre-container ship past, now transformed into chic – and very expensive – loft apartments.

The Reeperbahn thoroughfare in the St Pauli maritime district is one the world’s most famous red-light districts. Beware, some of the side streets are decidedly not family-friendly. The main street is a thriving entertainment district with pubs, bars and dance clubs.

shipyards. Extensive canals crisscross

It’s hard to believe that this now thriving

Hamburg, and no less than 2300 bridges

area and much of the rest of the city was

For registration information, go to

span this city of waterways.

levelled by the all-consuming fire storm

www.lionsclubs.org/EN/news-and-

created by the Allied “Operation Gomorrah”

events/international-convention/

1000-bomber air raid of July 1943, when

for-attendees/news-conv-register.

the heat was so intense that the waters

php or www.lionsclubs.org.nz/

of the canals reached boiling point. More

Clubs/Conventions/International-

than 42,000 civilians perished in a raid so

Convention-Hamburg-Germany

devastating that Hitler refused to visit and

- or contact Executive Officer David

never set foot in the city again.

Dawick, email

Once you have your bearings, getting around is easy. Bus, rail and ferry companies are all independently owned and operated, but they sensibly operate a joint ticketing system under the HVV or Verkehrsverbund (Hamburg Transit Authority) banner, and recognise one another’s tickets.

The charming 16th century ambience of LION, South Pacific Edition | January/February 2013 25

[email protected]

LITERACY

Lions author literacy success By Jay Copp

Could we exist without books? Well, yes, biologically, it’s possible. But life would be infinitely less rich. “A reader lives a thousand lives before he

the traps and pitfalls in life that literate

dies. The person who never reads lives only

people seamlessly avoid. Children who

one,” declared author George R R Martin.

read poorly and fall behind their peers will

Books please us and satisfy us as a fat wallet or a full shopping bag never can.

likely forever be playing catch-up and fail to realise their potential.

“There is no enjoyment like reading. How

Recognising the importance of literacy,

much sooner one tires of any thing other

International President Wayne A Madden

than of a book,” proclaimed the peerless

is encouraging clubs to be part of his

Jane Austen.

Reading Action Program (RAP). Lions can

Books magically transport us into new realms and toward new understanding of the mysteries of other people’s lives. “Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into

develop after-school reading programmes, read to children or tutor them, donate books or otherwise help children and adults improve their literacy. Lions this year have responded:

another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s

• Laveen Lions in Arizona gave to needy

soul,” asserted writer Joyce Carol Oates.

students 350 backpacks filled with

These lovers of books actually understate

school supplies and a book.

The Bookmart of the Glenside Lions in Australia is a haven for book lovers and an ally of champions of literacy. More than 30,000 books typically are displayed.

• The first Braille Reading Centre in Liberia was launched by the Greater

the case for reading and literacy. Those

• Protection Island Lions in British

who cannot read probably cannot work or

Columbia, Canada, opened a library in

Monrovia and Cape Mesurardo Lions.

at least advance in the workplace, cannot

a former lighthouse keeper’s cottage,

fully take part in society, cannot avoid

now a community centre.

• One of the most innovative literacy projects was the sidewalk poetry contest

• Canton Lions in Connecticut

in Minnesota. The Falcon Heights

placed a half-dozen

Lauderdale Lions partnered with the City

collection boxes in the area

of Falcon Heights on the competition.

to collect books for Santa to

The winning poem will be stamped

distribute to children.

on a city sidewalk. The short poem,

• Indian River High School

“Embedded Walk,” is:

Leos in Delaware set out

Walking along,

to collect 1000 books

Glancing down,

for elementary school

Eye the words:

students.

Poetry in motion.

• Lions in Chino, California,

Lions also are encouraged to make a

help sponsor the annual

RAP video about getting children to read

Family Festival of Books,

and to submit the video to Lions Clubs

which includes author

International through the LCI YouTube

visits, celebrities reading

channel. The top video will be played at the

books and a read-a-thon

international convention in Hamburg, and

among schoolchildren.

the club will receive a special award.


LCIF UPDATE

Entire school district adopts Lions Quest By Allie Stryker

Bullying. Substance abuse. Dropping out. The challenges facing students today are significant. In Wood County, West Virginia, an entire

More than 500,000 teachers have been

Schools. This important project is part of

school district is getting a boost in tackling

trained on Lions Quest in 75 countries.

a national movement taking place to foster

these challenges. Through a $100,000

Teachers in Wood County now can be added

a system of education that will help our

NoVo Foundation grant, leveraged with

to that number. In October, more than 280

young people become caring, collaborative

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)

teachers received Lions Quest training and

citizens,” says Jennifer Buffett, president

funds, Lions Quest is being implemented

700 more personnel attended a programme

and co-chair of the NoVo Foundation.

in 21 schools over three years.

orientation. This was the largest Lions Quest

Lions Quest, LCIF’s life skills and youth development programme from kindergarten

training event in LCIF’s history, and it will impact more than 12,000 students.

through grade 12, unites school, home and

The school district in Wood County was

community. The programme focuses on

chosen after an extensive nationwide

social and emotional learning, as well as

search. Implementing Lions Quest will help

bullying and drug prevention, service-learning

the school district meet the West Virginia

and creating a positive school climate.

Department of Education standards for

“Wood County Schools is extremely excited to have been chosen by Lions Clubs International to receive a grant that will

student conduct and the development of safe and supportive schools free of drugs, violence and harassment.

provide an opportunity for our students to

Additionally, this partnership supports

participate in the Lions Quest programme,”

L C I F ’s C l i n t o n G l o b a l I n i t i a t i v e

says Patrick Law, superintendent of Wood

commitment to expand Lions Quest

County Schools. “A school should be a

across one large US school district. It

Tips for Implementing Lions Quest • Network with schools: Introduce Lions Quest to Lions who are teachers or principals in your community. Thanks to local Lions, the district administration in Wood County already knew about the programme; it was being implemented on a smaller scale before this partnership. • D e m o n s t r a t e v a l u e : S h o w that Lions Quest can help meet

also supports NoVo Foundation’s goal of

national curriculum requirements.

advancing social and emotional learning

Correlation guides can be found at

Lions Quest grant will allow the Wood

programmes in schools nationwide.

www.lions-quest.org.nz

County School System to progress toward

“We are thrilled to partner with LCIF

• Expand the programme: if a school

this goal.”

to scale Lions Quest in Wood County

is using the programme in your district,

warm and inviting place where students feel comfortable and free to learn. The

ask implementers to recommend that school to the district; use the implementing school as a referral for neighbouring districts to show the programme’s effectiveness. • Collaborate with LCIF: Contact Lions Quest staff at info@lions-quest. org or visit www.lions-quest.org.

Lions Quest helps students get along and furthers their learning.


• For more information: Contact NZ national co-ordinator Marion McWha, email [email protected]. Visit www.lionsclubs.org.nz/lionsquest

LCIF UPDATE

Saving children’s vision, saving the future By Allie Stryker

It all started when Ruma Roy was seven years old; she could not see well. Her parents thought she would outgrow the problem, but Ruma’s vision only grew worse. Ruma had trouble seeing the blackboard at school, causing her grades to plummet. “Ruma needed to be escorted more

initiative identifies, funds and promotes

frequently,” says Amal Roy, Ruma’s father,

innovative methods of overcoming

who earns just $2 per day as a part-time

paediatric cataract.Together, Bausch

carpenter and rickshaw puller in India.

+ Lomb and LCIF provide capacity

“We had no idea where to take her, and

building grants to organisations and

our financial condition was so weak that

facilities interested in improving their

we could not even think of taking her to

service to children and communities.

any local doctor.”

Through the Paediatric Cataract Initiative,

With Ruma’s condition continually

Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital

worsening, one of Amal’s friends suggested

received a $150,000 grant to build a

taking her to the Siliguri Greater Lions Eye

dedicated early detection and treatment

Hospital, where a Paediatric Cataract

programme for paediatric cataract and

Initiative grant was helping the hospital

children’s eye health. This includes the

treat children like Ruma.

training of local ophthalmologists, as

Ruma was diagnosed with paediatric

well as eye health education for local

cataract in both eyes. Similar to the

teachers, primary care givers and other

disease in adults, paediatric cataract is a

community health workers.

clouding of the lens of the eye, impeding

The grant allowed the Siliguri Greater

children afflicted with cataract and other

the passage of light. Cataract occurring

Lions Eye Hospital to invest in new optical

eye diseases.”

in children can be caused by genetics

equipment and conduct outreach events

or pre-natal infections such as measles,

in the area to screen the vision of 130,000

influenza, rubella and other diseases.

underserved children in West Bengal.

Paediatric cataract is one of the

Sight-restoring cataract surgery and long-

primary causes of childhood blindness

term follow-up care was also provided

worldwide, especially in developing

for 200 paediatric cataract patients such

countries. According to the World

as Ruma.

Health Organisation, 1.4 million children

“Identifying children afflicted with

worldwide are blind, with three quarters

paediatric cataract requires close

living in Asia and Africa.

partnerships between community

That is why Lions Clubs International

health officials and ophthalmologists

Foundation (LCIF) and Bausch +

because children often cannot realise

L e a r n m o r e a b o u t L C I F ’s

Lomb partnered in 2010 to create

or report when they have any visual

partnership with Bausch + Lomb

the Paediatric Cataract Initiative.

problems,” said Kamalesh Guha, chief

by visiting

Led by a global advisory council of

executive officer of Siliguri Greater

www.lcif.org

paediatric and eye health experts, the

Lions Eye Hospital. “This grant will

or www.pediatriccataract.org.


make a huge difference in the lives of

The positive impact of the Paediatric Cataract Initiative grant is already being felt both at Siliguri Greater Lions Eye Hospital and within the Roy family. “Ruma is now independent and she says that she is able to see much better,” says her father. Thanks to her surgery and the Paediatric Cataract Initiative, Ruma and many more children are seeing a world of difference.

LCIF UPDATE

SightFirst prevents blindness in new ways By Allie Stryker

Lions are leaders in sight. From funding cataract surgeries and diabetic retinopathy projects to providing medication for river blindness and trachoma, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has been preventing avoidable blindness on a global scale for more than 20 years through the SightFirst programme. As announced during Campaign SightFirst II, SightFirst seeks to combat existing and emerging threats to sight through research initiatives. In August, the first SightFirst research grants were approved. By focusing on priority eye diseases (cataract, trachoma and uncorrected refractive error), SightFirst will evaluate eye care delivery and needs, blindness prevention strategies and barriers to services through these grants. “Funding research priorities related to operations and evaluative components will add significant value to all of the future SightFirst projects,” says Dr Gullapalli N Rao of the LV Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad, India, and a member of the LCIF SightFirst Advisory Committee.

A woman in Ethiopia has her eyes screened for trichiasis.

“These research projects will provide better evidence on which future projects can be

Continuing efforts in trachoma research,

As part of the two grants awarded for RAABs,

formed and built.”

a second LCIF research grant examines

the Centre for Eye Research Australia, in

methods of finding and encouraging patients

partnership with Sudirohusodo General

with trachoma to undergo trichiasis surgery

Hospital and Hasanuddin University, will

in Tanzania. This will improve access to care

conduct a RAAB in Indonesia to provide

for those in need. The study, led by Johns

information on the causes of vision loss in

Hopkins Dana Centre for Preventative

Sulawesi. In Bolivia, the Instituto Nacional

Ophthalmology, will also examine if the

de Oftalmologia Bolivia, Sociedad Boliviana

methods for finding trachoma patients

de Oftalmologia and other organisations

will help eliminate the backlog of trichiasis

will complete a RAAB to define the eye

surgeries in areas of Tanzania.

care needs in Cochabamba, La Paz and

One of the first LCIF research grants focuses on trichiasis, an eye disease that turns the eyelid inward, causing the eyelashes to painfully rub the eyeball and scar the cornea, potentially causing blindness. To combat this disease, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a new, post-surgery medication to treat

Santa Cruz.

people in Ethiopia who undergo surgery

Two other projects funded under SightFirst’s

for trichiasis; the medication should help

research programme are rapid assessment

By researching vision loss and eye care

reduce the risk of disease recurrence. The

of avoidable blindness (RAAB) initiatives.

needs in these regions, SightFirst and

first of its kind, the study is highly relevant

These RAABs will help Lions and their

LCIF will have a better understanding of

to global trachoma elimination efforts. It

partners properly plan and implement

eye care needs and priorities. Together

is closely linked to SightFirst investments

future SightFirst projects by determining

with the trachoma research initiatives,

in trachoma surgeries and potentially

the prevalence and causes of eye health

these grants will lead to more effective

groundbreaking in its attempt to improve

issues and the barriers patients have to

treatment and blindness prevention in

trichiasis surgery for patients.

accessing eye care.

the future.


OBITUARIES

Henry Jocelyn ALLARDICE 1930 - 2012

three Jamborees in the lower North

whilst in the Wellington area. In Katikati

Harry joined Feilding Pakeke Lions Club in 2006. During his time with the club, Harry was the tailtwister for a couple of years, but he did not aspire to further office, preferring to work with others on the various committees he was on. In his younger days Harry worked on farms in the Wairarapa. After moving to Feilding about 1955 he worked as a fat stock buyer for Borthwicks and was also an extremely good shearer. Harry and family bought a house in Lees Line about 1976 and lived there until he and Christine moved into Feilding two years ago.

Island. He was a Justice of the Peace

he and his late wife Sylvia owned a small

for many years. After retiring to Feilding

orchard and a magnificent garden and

he took up photography as a hobby , and

he maintained an active interest in the

was offered a position as photographer

accounting world, often being called upon

with The Feilding Herald newspaper, a

to act as a voluntary auditor for various

job he thoroughly enjoyed for a number

charities, clubs and other organisations,

of years.

including the Pakeke club.

Egan Edward OGIER MBE 1924 - 2012

Deryck RUSHTON 1943 - 2012

Egan Ogier joined the Katikati Pakeke Lions

Deryck, originally from Hawera in Taranaki,

Club in March 2007 but his association with

was a Charter member of the Taupo

Lions stretched back to the chartering of

Lakeland Lions Club and was president

the North Wellington Lions Club in June

in the club’s second year. In 1984 Deryck

1968, from where he later transferred to

and wife Elaine moved to Auckland’s

the Johnsonville Lions Club. Egan was an

North Shore where he immediately joined

James Lawrence HORNER JP 1926 - 2012

accountant of some note, being a principal

the Mairangi Bay Lions Club. He was

Jim was a Charter member of the Feilding Pakeke Lions Club (chartered 1985) and was president in 1987-88 and again in 2000-01. He also served as secretary in 1992, and over the years was a keen supporter in all projects undertaken by the club.

of Egan Ogier, Gibbs & Co and became

an active member for 28 years, serving

very involved in community affairs. He

in a number of positions and on several

was District Governor of 202B (as it was

committees during that period. Deryck

then known) in 1972-73 and stood for

was particularly keen on pursuing new

the position of International Director in

members and ensuring the club received

1974. He lost out to Alex Grieves but they

appropriate publicity for its projects. Deryck

remained friends and Alex highly regarded

was a keen follower of most sports and a

Jim’s farming career included positions on the Board of Hatuma Lime Co and Federated Farmers; he was very

Egan’s support for Lloyd Morgan’s bid

staunch supporter of the Warriors Rugby

for International President. Egan was

League Club. He is survived by his wife

awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship and

Elaine, their two children, Anna and Mark,

supportive of Scouts, and helped organise

an MBE for services to the general public,

and three grandchildren.

PIP Kay K Fukushima dies Past International President Kay K Fukushima, 75, of Sacramento, California, has died. He was elected to the association’s highest office at the 85th international convention in Osaka, Japan, in 2002, and was a member of the Sacramento Senator Lions Club since 1965. The owner of a successful insurance agency that grew to 16 branches, Past President Fukushima received numerous accolades as a Lion, community member and businessman. He led California Lions in helping sponsor the new paediatric trauma centre at the University of CaliforniaDavis Children’s Centre, the only Level 1 trauma centre for children in Northern California. Past President Fukushima believed in hands-on service. He helped

downtown Sacramento. He was instrumental in helping Lions

organise raft trips for the blind and student speaker contests, promote

build the Sacramento Zoo’s Sensory Garden and Fairytale Town’s

recycling to help the environment and build a crosswalk for the blind in

Japanese Tea Garden for children and adults of all abilities.


NOTICES

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INTERNATIONAL MINTS (NZ) P O BOX 1140 TAURANGA 3140 Phone: 07 571 1 524 Fax: 07 571 1526 [email protected]

MEMBER - EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE (EMC) The Executive Management Committee (EMC) was established by the Council of Governors to oversee and provide expertise and advice to the Multiple District Council on the effectiveness and efficiency of the management of the Multiple District. Membership of the Committee comprises the Executive Officer, the Multiple District Treasurer, the Council Chairman of the day, and three members appointed by Council, one of whom will be appointed Chairman. A vacancy will occur upon EMC Chairman Dennis O’Rourke concluding his second three-year term on 30 June 2013 and the Council of Governors invites applications from Lions to fill that vacancy for a term of three years to 30 June 2016.

The EMC meets monthly by teleconference, three times a year in person and attends the three Council meetings each year. The successful applicant will possess experience in both the world of Lions and in business management and have a desire to provide the best possible advice to the Executive Officer and Council. Applicants are invited to provide their reasons for seeking the position along with a concise CV (no more than 3 – 4 pages) outlining the attributes that they would bring to the Committee. Applications may include the following: • • • •

Personal details Employment/occupation history Achievements & skills Lions involvement


• Key strengths • 1 or 2 referees/references Applications (either electronic or post), marked confidential, close with the Executive Officer at 9am Monday 11 March 2013 and the appointment will be made by the Council of Governors at their meeting on 11 April 2013 immediately prior to the MD Convention in Christchurch. (Further detail relevant to the position may be obtained from either the EMC Chairman or the Executive Officer). Executive Officer Lions Clubs International Multiple District 202 PO Box 691 Orewa 0946 [email protected]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, USA, NOVEMBER 1-5, 2012 AUDIT COMMITTEE 1. Reviewed and approved the Lions Clubs International and Lions Clubs International Foundation June 30, 2012, Audit Reports. CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE

to include the secretary in the General Fund and Emergency Reserve Fund Investment Policy statements.

President Wayne Madden be authorized to appoint a committee chairperson and up to seven (7) additional committee members.

2. Approved the fiscal year 2012-2013 Forecast, reflecting a surplus.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

1. Granted authority to the Chairperson of the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and the Chairperson of the District and Club Service Committee, in consultation with the Executive Officers and the General Counsel and Secretary, with respect to the matters in District 301-A1 (Philippines).

3. Approved an additional US$3 million from the General Fund Investments to fund operations.

2. Confirmed the decision of the majority of the conciliators in the district dispute resolution complaint filed by Lions Club of Singapore Shangri-La in District 308-A1 (Singapore); declared the international director endorsement of Lion Tommy Choo Tuck Soon issued during the District 308-A1 convention invalid, null and void and of no force and effect; and denied the constitutional complaint filed by the Lions Club of Singapore Chatsworth in District 308-A1 as moot.

5. Modified Chapter XXII, Paragraph A.1.e. and E.1.a.(2.) to include the phrase “unless otherwise required by local regulations.” This change is only effective for officers in India and requires a receipt for all transactions to comply with local regulations.

3. Denied the constitutional complaint filed by the Lions Club of Jamnagar City in District 323-J (India) and confirmed the first and second vice district governor appointments previously accepted by Lions Clubs International.

4. Modified Chapter XXII, Paragraph A.2.b. (2) to increase the number of past international directors eligible for an in-district budget to five (5) for multiple districts with membership in excess of 40,000.

6. Modified Chapter XI, Paragraph A.2. of the Board Policy Manual regarding banking authorization. LCIF 1. Approved a Core 4 disability grant in the amount of US$1 million to extend the Lions-Special Olympics Opening Eyes program. 2. Approved a Core 4 Board-directed grant in the amount of US$15,260 for a pilot sanitation project.

4. Revised the contract provision in Chapter XV of the Board Policy Manual to include a reference to the purchasing policy.

3. Renewed a SightFirst technical services contract with the World Health Organization in the amount of US$2,499,560 for a four-year period.

5. Revised Chapter XV of the Board Policy Manual with respect to the use of trademarks in connection with projects of clubs/districts and by sponsors of such projects, and also revised the trademark policies concerning non-dues revenue programs offered by the Association.

4. Appointed LCIF’s representative to the Pan American Ophthalmological Foundation.

6. Adopted a resolution to be reported to the 2013 International Convention to amend Article XI, Section 7 of the International By-Laws to increase the onetime fee payable by Life Members to US$650 and, contingent on the approval of this resolution, to revise the corresponding provisions in the Board Policy Manual. CONVENTION COMMITTEE 1. Established per diem allowances for appointed Credentials Committee members serving without other reimbursement, District Governors-elect, District Governors-elect faculty and headquarters staff attending the Hamburg convention. 2. Revised policy to permit headquarters staff to assist the Elections Committee in the voting area. 3. Revised policy to allow site inspections as warranted, at the discretion of the committee chairperson. DISTRICT AND CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE 1. Approved the redistricting proposals from Multiple District 25 (USA), District 111-NB (Germany), District 317-E (India) and District 322-C2 (India) and postponed the previously approved proposal submitted by Multiple District 354. 2. Amended the Coordinating Lion Program to expand their assistance to support districts that have ongoing district governor vacancies and mentor struggling district governor teams. FINANCE AND HEADQUARTERS OPERATION COMMITTEE 1. Expanded the definition of administrative officer

5. Approved 80 Standard, International Assistance and Core 4 grants totaling US$3,921,404. 6. Tabled one grant application. 7. Approved a US$100,000 major catastrophe grant for areas affected by Superstorm Sandy. 8. Approved a corporate document necessary to apply for a permit for Charitable Gift Annuities. 9. Amended the LCIF Operations and Policy Manual as follows: revised the exhibit which outlines Standard grant criteria and regulations, revised the exhibit which outlines forms of recognition, and revised the chapter on LCIF operations to reflect changes in banking, investments and the annual audit. 10. Amended Chapter XVI of the Board Policy Manual as follows: added the Audit Committee and LCIF Finance Committee to the section on committees, updated the humanitarian grants spending policy, updated the rules of reimbursement, updated the foundation’s bank account signatories and deleted redundancies in the investment and internal audit sections. LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE 1. Approved the curriculum plan and schedule for the 2013 District Governors-Elect Seminar.

1. Determined that multiple districts and/or districts may apply for a Family and Women Symposium grant once in any two-year period. 2. Decided that in order to enable the Association to continue providing valuable services to the Lions, starting in fiscal year 2013-14 (July 1, 2013), new family members shall pay full entrance and charter fees. Qualifying family members, after the listed head-of-household, shall continue to be eligible for half (1/2) international dues. 3. Determined that any changes to a new members sponsor shall be made within 90 days of join date, effective immediately. 4. Updated the Founder award to be issued to the Multiple District and District GMT Coordinators, instead of the Membership Chairperson. District GMT Coordinators shall achieve a two percent increase in their district to receive the award. The Multiple District GMT Coordinator shall achieve a one percent increase in membership to be recognized. Because the GMT Coordinator position is a three-year position, this is a progressive three-year award issued each year based on achieving the net growth. 5. Revised the extension awards for new club organizers. This change will provide recognizable awards for being an organizer of a new club. This award will not be issued retroactively. The revised awards will be effective July 1, 2013. 6. Changed the department titles in chapter XVIII to reflect the correct name of the department where materials are sent. 7. Requested that the one-time fee payable for Life Membership be increased to US$650 to be in keeping with inflation over the years and no adjustment has been made since 2005. PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE 1. Amended the Board Policy Manual, Chapter XVII, page XVII-1, Section A., Paragraph 4.a., by adding the sentence, “No regularly scheduled messages other than from the International President shall be printed,” at the end of the paragraph. SERVICE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE 1. Extended the Reading Action Program for a minimum of 10 years, based on the tremendous response by clubs worldwide and the importance of further expanding the Lion commitment to literacy and education. 2. Selected Lions and Leos who will serve as panelists and alternates of the Leo Club Program Advisory Panel for the term of November 2012-October 2014.

LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE

3. Approved the formation of an ad hoc committee to review current Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center (LERC) board policy and report its recommendations for possible policy changes to the Service Activities Committee at the April 2013 board meeting. In accordance with board policy, the international president will select the committee members. Funding for the committee, which is expected to be minimal, will come from the Service Activities Division.

1. Approved the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee on Board Representation for the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 fiscal years, and determined that

For more information on any of the above resolutions, please refer to the LCI website at www.lionsclubs.org or contact the International Office at 630-571-5466.

2. Approved the replacement of Past International Director Phil Nathan with Past Council Chairperson Mark Miller as a 2013 District Governors-Elect Seminar group leader. 3. Determined that the 2014 District Governors-Elect Seminar in Toronto, Canada, will consist of three days of training.
