Chichester Lions celebrate 50 years of serving the city
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
In the 50 years that Lions have been serving the city, more than £1million has been donated to local, national and international charities and good causes.
President Richard Cowell said: “Without the support and generosity of the citizens of Chichester, we would not be able to help so many less fortunate people.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdMembers, friends and guests celebrated 50 years of serving the community at a formal dinner at Chichester Park Hotel and during the evening, Mr Cowell presented Chichester mayor Peter Budge with a cheque for £500 for his charities.
Lion Peter Wilson said: “Over the years, the money has been raised both through our famous spectacles recycling scheme and by running events such as our Christmas carol float and the model railway exhibition, both in their 23rd year.
“Older members remember the early days of the Chichester gala and raft races as well as standing by The Cross in all weathers raising funds for other local charities, such as St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester Boys Club and Marie Curie.”
Apart from selecting charities and good causes, the Lions receive requests for help from individuals and organisations.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdDonations have gone to the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, Augusta Court, Tozer House, Stonepillow, Medico France and LIBRA, the Lions International Blood Research Appeal. St Richard’s Hospital has received donations from the Lions to purchase eye equipment over the last 30 years and Fordwater School had its swimming pool built with Lions funds.
Donations have also gone to charities such as Gift of Sight, which funds research into macular diseases; Vision Aid Overseas, working to ensure everyone in the developing world has access to eye care; Orbis, the flying hospital; Sightsavers, the international charity for eye surgeries; and Wateraid, which prevents blindness in many countries by providing clean drinking water.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1 – Make our website your homepage at www.chichester.co.uk
2 – Like our Facebook page at Chichester Observer Facebook
3 – Follow us on Twitter at @Chiobserver
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad4 – Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!
The Chichester Observer – always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.