Lions are ordinary people doing amazing things! In York we are at present just 26 people of varying ages who join together as a group to try to help others whilst at the same time having some fun in the process of doing it.

We are part of an International Association that was started in America in 1917 that has no political or religious associations whatsoever.

We try to become involved in local activities by providing a service to the local community. Examples of this would be the Seniors Christmas lunch that we organise each year, a pantomime visit and party for young special needs people, day outings for the elderly/ disadvantaged or simply providing help for other groups when requested.

We also provide the Tea Bar service at York Magistrates Court.

To carry out these activities we have fund raising activities that range from street collections/book sales to organising concerts. In fact anything that members think will raise some money!

We always try to respond to requests for help from local groups and individuals in the York area. We have helped these groups recently:

Brunswick Organic Nursery

The Samaritans

York Against Cancer

Breast Cancer Research

Age Concern

York Blind and Partially Sighted Society

York Hospital Radio

We have also helped individuals and smaller groups who have been in need of some assistance in their community work.

Almost all of the money we raise does go back into the local community. Although as Lions is a truly International organisation that has Clubs in most Countries we try to put some money we raise into worthwhile projects overseas. Providing clean water and eye clinics in third world countries is a priority that can be helped with relatively small amounts of money. We try to support these activities by making a donation at least once a year to these projects.

The International Lions organisation also makes donations towards any funds needed for Disaster Areas such as earthquakes or floods. This is from monies collected from Lions Clubs worldwide.

Are you a registered Charity?

No, the Club is a Charitable Trust.

Our motto is - We Serve' and to that end we help those in need by virtue of giving of our time - a very special commodity.

We have various social functions during the year that involve our partners. These can be anything from a dance to a day out!

How much time is involved in being a member of York Lions?

We meet twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday's at the Novotel in Fishergate, York and also probably have on average one fund raising or social function a month. Meetings last for 1.5 hours from 20:00 to 21:30. They are we hope an opportunity for everyone to meet and catch up on Lions activities plus a social event in themselves.

Social functions and fund raising activities times vary but we only ask that everyone give what support they can taking into account their other personal demands.

How much does it cost to be a York Lion?

At the moment it costs £35 each half year. This is divided up between District(most of Yorkshire), Multiple District (UK) and the Lions HQ in Illinois USA.  However the rest goes on any administration costs of running the York Club.

Apart from very limited office staff at the UK Head Office in Birmingham there are no administration costs deducted from Lions fund raising.

How can I find out more?

We welcome visitors to our meetings and offers of help for our fund raising/service activities. If you would like to know more please contact:

e-mail: pete.jesse@talktalk.net

Or

Lion Margaret Jinks

e-mail: margaretjinks@tiscali.co.uk