Peter van der Heiden (Benoni van Rhyn Lions Club) and Leslie Young (Benoryn Lions Branch Club) were inducted at Thyme & Again Country Coffee Shop, in Fairleads.
Van der Heiden takes over the role of president from his wife, Janis, while Young will serve a second term.
They will lead their clubs to raise funds and uplift the less fortunate, in a year that marks the 100th birthday of Lions Clubs International.
Young said her club had been active during the previous president’s term.
She said they planted trees, which included fruit trees, at daycare centres in Daveyton and Etwatwa; held parties for the less fortunate and assisted sight-impaired people through Operation Bright Sight.
She said the club also collected sanitary towels for distribution in the Barcelona informal settlement and had distributed baby clothes and foodstuffs to prison babies.
“The women also knitted squares and made blankets which have been donated to the children’s oncology ward at the Glynnwood Hospital,” said Young.
“This coming year, in the continued spirit of fun and friendship, we plan to work towards finding a proper legacy project which we can call our own and hope to banish the pangs of hunger and loneliness wherever possible – one small step at a time.”
Women of any age can join the club.
To enquire about membership, contact Young on 083 260 8282.
Van der Heiden said he plans to bring new projects to fruition, and continue with existing ones.
“My dream is to try and start an international food festival theme with fellow Lions clubs and other service organisations. We hope to set up partnerships with the local newspaper and major food suppliers at a local sports ground or other venues in Benoni,” said van der Heiden.
“Another project I would like to see get off the ground is Cans for Africa, where people donate a tin, pick a town on a huge map and after a two to three day collection, a winner will be announced.
“Tins will be donated to the needy.”
To enquire about membership, contact van der Heiden on 083 763 6116.
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