Rededicate Yourself to Lions

by Sid L. Scruggs III
President, The International Association of Lions Clubs

I know how life-changing Lions can be for the people we serve. But being a Lion also can change your life. One of my Lions friends is a retired medical doctor. Before he became a Lion, we took him to a Lions project involving children with emotional and physical challenges. For that day he was like a kindly grandfather, holding, feeding and caring for them. He was very emotional when he told me what a powerful experience it was to help the children. All his adult life he had attended to people’s physical needs as a surgeon. He now knew the joy of meeting people’s emotional needs.

This year I am asking Lions to rededicate themselves to hands on service as a Lion. Deepen your involvement. Take a greater interest in humanitarian service. Assume a new responsibility. Sponsor a new member. Be the best Lion you can be. Don’t settle for just being one of the group.

To boost our Lions’ involvement, I am urging Lions everywhere to participate in our four Global Service Action Campaigns. Assist youth in August by planning an initiative in conjunction with the United Nations International Youth Day. In October, support World Sight Day by involving your club in sight-related project (an eye screening event, collecting used eye glasses, or aiding a visually impaired or blind person). Around the holidays, fight hunger through a food collection drive or a food distribution project. Next April, support World Earth Day with an environmental project.

You can also get involved in our exciting new essay contest for blind or visually impaired children ages 11 to 13. Similar to the Peace Poster contest, these children will write on the theme “The Power of Peace.” For details, please visit our Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

Since 1917, Lions have been a beacon of hope. This year, let us shine our light more brightly than ever. But to do so, we need you. We need every Lion to give their best. We can provide a better tomorrow for those in need.  Our Beacon of Hope will shine the brightest when it includes your individual service.  

We serve together today for a better tomorrow.