13-06-2025
Lions club calls for new blood
The Palmerston Lions Club, which amalgamated with the Waikouaiti Lions several years ago, and more recently the East Otago Club, is in dire need of more members.
Many of the club's members are in their 70s and 80s, and it has become more difficult to maintain its activities.
The club is administered by a joint presidency and has no vice-presidents or likely candidates, club co-president Bruce Lee said.
It is also having trouble filling office staff positions.
Co-president Ronald Sheat said there was a need for new members and the club would welcome interested people.
"Recently retired people and those new to the area with an interest in the community are what we need, and especially younger people," he said.
Mr Lee recognised that joining a club "these days was difficult for people with busy lives and long work hours, especially for those with children", but he said the club was all about contributing to the community.
"There's a lot of good causes out there that don't get financial support from the government, and they fall through the gaps.
"If it wasn't for volunteers, a lot of these things just wouldn't be available or would collapse."
Mr Lee said a prime example was the local fire brigade in Waikouaiti and Palmerston; without the support of the Lions, the community would have had to rely on Dunedin Fire Brigade members.
When the old ute at the Waikouaiti Volunteer Fire Brigade was "beyond its use-by date", the Palmerston Lions Club rallied and donated $6000, but also found more funds to support the volunteers at the station.
"We approached Lloyd Morgan, which is a Lions thing, and they come up with $6000 as well, so we were able to contribute $12,000 towards a $92,000 ute," Mr Lee said.
The club runs Kelly's Canter each year and supports Pink Ribbon Day and the Westpac Chopper Appeal.
Mr Lee said a new project aimed to provide mobility scooters to those in need.
As well as a need for more volunteers, Mr Lee said they were also happy for donations of any items to "help people of all ages" with mobility issues.
The club's catchment includes much of East Otago, from Karitane to Katiki and inland.
"We are aware some people may be happy to help with projects but for their own reasons do not want to commit to membership, and we welcome their help too," Mr Lee said.
The co-presidents said they could be contacted through the Lions website.
