Waikanae Lions Club to hit its 50th birthday milestone
Testament to the hard work of members says president
The Waikanae Lions Club is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a celebration dinner at Southward Car Museum on June 24. Club president Leon Downes says this is a truly momentous milestone for the organisation and a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those who have contributed to the club’s mission over the past five decades.
“Throughout the years, the Waikanae Lions Club has been an invaluable asset to our community, working tirelessly to improve the lives of those in need and make a positive impact on our society. From providing assistance to families in crisis, to supporting local education and cultural programmes, our organisation has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to the betterment of our community.
“Our steadfast dedication to service, compassion, and generosity is an inspiration to us all, and I am confident that we will continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those around us for many years to come.”
The Waikanae club gained its charter on July 12, 1973. This was 18 years after Lions was first introduced to New Zealand. A total of 41 members were inducted at that charter dinner including existing member David Gibbons.
Waikanae became the 279th Lions Club in New Zealand. The southern and northern boundaries were set as being from Peka Peka Rd to Waikanae River and from Tararua Ranges including Reikorangi to the sea crest line, a little different to today where we have a number of members who reside outside this area.
Club membership has been maintained in the mid 40s over the years but has passed the 50 mark in the last few months, making it one of the larger clubs in the Wellington region. The increase in membership has coincided with the introduction of female members with the first woman, Ann Ryder, being inducted last year.
The first club project was in October 1973, being a raffle for a children’s playhouse (built by one of the Lions) which raised $250 (probably equivalent to over $3000 in today’s money). The money raised was donated to the Waikanae Swimming Baths Appeal.
Since then, it is believed that the club has contributed approximately $1.5 million to various groups in Waikanae and wider Kāpiti region.
The fundraising events have been many and varied and have changed over the years.
Today, the club’s major fundraisers are the annual garden trail, book fair, monster garage sale, spring fertiliser sales, Christmas cake sales and air force band concert held at Southwards.
But the club is also involved is other events such as the annual Christmas dinner for the Waikanae elderly, manning collection days for various groups, delivery of Yellow Pages telephone directories and manning gates and vehicle parking for market days.
The club is also active on the social side. Aside from the twice monthly regular meetings, the club enjoys fellowship with Christmas functions, partners’ nights, champagne breakfasts and other social occasions.
The club is as strong as it has ever been and is well placed to see out the next 50 years.