The Te Kauwhata and District Lions Club was founded more than 50 years ago by a group of forward-thinking members of the local community.
Over the years, the club has organised many fundraising activities that have helped provide permanent fixtures throughout the district. These include planter boxes on the main street, a memorial seat outside New World and the clock above The Bake House. The club also contributed to the soldiers’ memorial on the Village Green.
Each year, the Lions support local individuals and organisations with donations totalling thousands of dollars.
During the past year, the club helped 10 Te Kauwhata College students take part in a Spirit of New Zealand voyage. It also sent two students to a four-day camp at Lakewood Lodge and assisted with the costs of attending the Maadi Cup in Twizel.
The Lions also provided the Community House with a new hospice bed, which can be lent to local people when needed.
The club runs a monthly luncheon on behalf of the Community House for people aged 65 and over from Te Kauwhata and the surrounding district. The well-attended event is greatly appreciated by those who take part.
Lions members also run the barbecues at community events such as Splash ‘n’ Dash and the Christmas parade. For Anzac Day, the club provides chairs along with poppies and crosses. It also makes a monthly donation towards the Community Patrol’s operating costs.
Fundraising activities include cake stalls and firewood sales, along with catering and an annual golf day. At the club’s monthly dinner meetings, local community groups can provide the meal as a fundraiser for their own activities.
The Te Kauwhata Lions are an active group of local people who are always looking for new ways to support and improve their community.
New members are welcome to join and help the club continue living by the Lions motto, “We Serve”.
Follow the Te Kauwhata and District Lions Club on Facebook to learn more about its work or make contact with the club.
Mark Wilson
President
