Lions accepting new members, looking for truckers who want
The North Fort Myers Noon Lions Club recently met with a formal address from their district governor – an original member of that club who invites community members to join the organization.
Paul Nash, who is still treasurer of the North Fort Myers Club while performing his duties as District 351 governor, was the guest speaker at a recent luncheon.
He and wife Rea, the first lady for the district, talked about the important work the group does in the community, and commended the club on getting new members in the last month.
They are looking for more. “I don’t think there is any club or organization in the area that has more heart than the Lions,” he said. “It is not only a charitable but a social club. It is self-satisfying to work with them.”
Nash guides 39 clubs in 11 counties, from Palmetto to Lakeland to Everglades City.
“Snowbirds are welcome,” Nash said, noting contributions numerous Northerners have made in the past to the club.
Rotarians are known to champion, among other things, causes of sight.
The agencies that will receive funds from the events held by Lions include the Blinded Veterans Association, Cape Coral Lions for Lions Camp, Florida Council For the Blind Southwest Chapter, VIP (Visually Impaired Persons) Center in North Fort Myers and the Southeastern Guide Dogs – Florida’s only school that provides service dogs and guide dogs to the blind.
Other institutions that will benefit include “Pets For Patriots” which provides guide dogs for blinded veterans of Iraq and Radio Reading Service.
Local members do a variety of activities throughout the area, as noted by President Patty Jean Strong. She keeps the meetings business like but fun and friendly, and did a recent call for volunteers to at least a dozen events in the next few months.
Strong told members they could volunteer for as much or as little as they could do in the busy holiday months and guest season soon after.
More and more local Lions volunteered for more and more activities.
“We don’t take a penny,” she said. “Everything we raise goes to a cause.”
Local resident and Lion Doreen King reported on fund-raising activities within the last month.
“I raised $1,270 treading water,” she reported, as part of a fund raiser that went with the sixth annual Vision Awareness Walkathon.
The group was visible and contributed there.
She is also inviting local truckers and their companies to take part in a unique fund raiser.
“Truck drivers are the type of people that are unable to join a club like the Lions Club.” They are always on the road, and can’t make the meetings.
But they can help, she said, by donating one-cent a mile, a pilot program that was launched in Michigan to great success.
It could also help them with a tax break, she continued.
“For example, one truck driver made a trip for $3,000 but had to pay $1,500 in taxes.”
By donating to the Lions, they could ease that tax burden and contribute to a great cause.
King invites anyone who would like to discuss an arrangement to call her.
She is also membership chair, and welcomes all inquiries about the club.
For information call King at 217-0174.