Lions praised by council

Lions praised by council

28 November 2012

THE key role Downpatrick Lions Club has played over the past 40 years supporting organisations at home and abroad has been publicly recognised.

Members of the organisation were recently the special guests at Down Council’s new multi-million pound administrative headquarters at the Downshire Civic Centre.

They were invited to the complex for a reception to mark the group’s 40th anniversary and praised for the vital work they do by council chairman Mickey Coogan.

He said it was his “great honour and privilege” to extend the council’s heartfelt congratulations on the club’s 40 years’ of service to the people of Downpatrick and beyond.

“The work undertaken by club members has not only grasped the challenges we face in our communities, but has generated encouragement and support from local businesses which aids projects locally, nationally and internationally,” said councillor Coogan.

The chairman said the fantastic work of Downpatrick Lions Club is complemented by its fundraising efforts. Councillor Coogan said over the years, people in Downpatrick and the district’s business community have been “extremely generous” to the club, helping it raise around £500,000 to support individuals, families, organisations and other charitable causes.

Councillor Coogan added: “Downpatrick Lions Club is a vital part of our community and I’m delighted Down Council has been able to recognise its decades of volunteering by ensuring the provision of new signs marking its 40th anniversary on the main approach roads to the town.

“I look forward to attending the Club’s oak tree planting ceremony which is being organised for early next year and to seeing the bespoke flower beds Down Council will plant in the spring to further promote this year of celebration.”

Lions Club President, Mr. Sean Carvill, said members were delighted to attend the special anniversary reception in their honour.

“This year is a milestone year for our club. We also consider the invitation to the beautiful new council chamber and to have our work recognised by the council chairman to be a particular milestone event.

“It is this support and encouragement and, most of all, the generosity of the people of Downpatrick and district, that has enabled us help so many of those less fortunate over the past 40 years,” he said.

Mr. Carvill also thanked everyone associated with council for their support and assistance given over the past four decades.

Downpatrick Lions Club produces a talking newspaper entitled Downsound which

is vital to those with visual

impairments to help them keep up to date with all the local news.

Other projects which benefit from the donations raised by members includes a grant-aid scheme to support the development of young people and activities aimed at helping vulnerable and marginalised groups at home and abroad.

Other charitable organisations and overseas disasters have also received financial assistance, with Downpatrick Lions organising a monthly get-together for senior citizens where activities include storytelling, bingo and musical entertainment.