Celebrating club’s longevity in style
It was all glitz and glam as the Benoni van Rhyn Lions Club celebrated its 40th anniversary on December 6, at a venue in Western Extension.
Members of the Benoni van Rhyn, Benoni Lakes, Benoryn Branch and Boksburg Rotary club, as well as the Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora were at the celebration.
The Benoni van Rhyn Lions Club was founded in 1976 and the first president was Hennie van Zyl-Hoffmann.
Lions president Janis van der Heiden said that in 2017, the lions worldwide will be celebrating 100 years of serving the community.
“The van Rhyn club has produced three district governors, namely Wynford Evans, Nick Maré and Mike Howes.”
District governor Lion Bernd Gerhard spoke on behalf of Lions Clubs International.
He said 40 years is a very long time; in 1976 it was a different world with different needs.
“Even though times have changed a lot, the need to serve struggling communities hasn’t changed. We’re proud that Benoni van Rhyn is still going strong and servicing the needs of the community after 40 years. We look forward to the next 40 years of its existence.”
During the celebration, several members were presented with awards.
Vivien Hassett and Peter van der Heiden were presented with awards for dedicated humanitarian services, from Lions International.
Merle Botes (12-year membership), Atholl Selkirk (40-year membership) and Wynford Evans (30-year membership) were honoured for their long service to the club.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to Jodie Schorn, Aidan and Jarrod Hassett.
Van der Heiden, Selkirk and Evans also received certificates from Lions International for their long service to the Benoni van Rhyn Lions Club.
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