Benoni Lakes Lions re-elect president
Diane Townsend will serve as club president for a second term.
Through tenacity, strength and commitment, the Benoni Lakes Lions Club has made a difference in their community for the past 12 years.
On June 24, gathering in fellowship around candle-lit tables at the La Como Lifestyle Estate, the organisation inducted its 2023/2024 club president, Diane Townsend, while welcoming new members.
District governor-elect Lindie van Wyk described Townsend as a woman who had grown into her own and led with kindness. They then inducted her to helm the club for a second consecutive term.
“This past year was full of challenges and surprises, but our unwavering commitment and drive to succeed guided us to serve with love and kindness,” said Townsend.
Highlighting some of their activities and projects, she said besides being hailed as the club that sold the most Christmas cakes in the district, they also served 5 199 people in need. The members dedicated 1 655 hours to volunteering and completed 82 projects.
“Throughout our various projects and fundraisers, we raised more than R34 000, of which we donated more than R26 000 in cash and kind,” she said.
“However, these achievements could not have been possible without the support and commitment of my board and our vibrant members.”
Presenting Townsend with the club’s charter, gravel and gong at the induction ceremony, Van Wyk reminded her that she had the opportunity to build on the legacy of the past year’s success.
“Continue building on the success you achieved, be creative when approaching new projects and most importantly, have fun in all you are doing,” said Van Wyk.
“This club is a huge asset to the Lions Club International because you strive to change your community and the world.”
Following her induction, Townsend said all clubs had set priorities regarding the five pillars of service, including creating a cleaner and greener environment, reaching the individual club’s service potential, empowering communities for the greater good and sharing their stories and successes.
“It is an honour to be re-elected as president of this extraordinary club,” Townsend said.
“I promise to build on the strong foundations laid to grow and strengthen our club to benefit the community we serve.”
Newly inducted member Helga Serget said through her involvement, she hoped to impact the community positively.
“It is rewarding to serve others,” said Serget.
“I want to make a lasting impression on the people I serve.”
Newly-weds Andrew and Catherine Heyes, also inducted as members, said they looked forward to fostering lasting friendships in the club while participating in its service projects.
In celebration of the club’s ongoing success, the members below received certificates of appreciation:
• Serget for her constant support of the club’s activities.
• Nick Maré for his constant efforts in the club’s environmental projects.
• Darren Hendry for his eye screening project that served 660 school children.
• Nicole Hendry for her recycling awareness projects.
• Darren de Gouveia for helping with various projects.
• Beaulieu Maré for her fundraising efforts driven by book sales.
• Kendyl Townsend for helping with various projects.
The recipients of the prestigious president’s awards were:
• Project of the year went to Nicole Hendry for collecting essentials and offering love and care to the Lambano Sanctuary, Germiston, that cares for terminally ill children.
• The Lion of the year recipient was Darren Hendry for going above and beyond for the club.
For more information on the club or to get involved, call Beaulieu Maré on 082 971 5472.
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