Newly-elected Benoni Lions president ready to serve
"I saw my mother and the Lionesses enjoy what they were doing. I wanted to be like them.”
New Benoni Lions president Jane Jones’ interest in serving the community and giving back was sparked when she accompanied her mom to a Lionesses project to assist a destitute family living in a house next to a railway in Springs, as a teenager.
“When I walked in there, they had nothing,” she said. “I walked out of the house teary-eyed. I wanted to give away everything I had because it made me so heartsore to see the family had nothing.”
She said that moment was key in her decision to dedicate her life to assisting the less fortunate as a way of giving back to society.
“It opened my eyes to the fact that there are people out there, of all races, who need help. That drove me to giving back and I saw my mother and the Lionesses enjoy what they were doing. I wanted to be like them.”
Jones joined the Lions in 2020. She was inducted to her new position on July 1 at Smith’s Café in Northmead, at a glitzy event attended by colleagues and family.
“I’m excited and overwhelmed. I’m ready for the year ahead and the upcoming and exciting projects. Hopefully, we can sustain the club and raise as much funds to help the needy,” she said.
Outgoing president Leslie Young wished Jones the best of luck during her tenure, saying she has her support in her endeavor to drive the club forward.
The event also marked the merger of Benoni Host Lions and Benoni Van Rhyn, following the death of the Host Lions’ president in January. The club was also threatened with closure due to a small membership.
“It is the wish of our members to keep the Lions flag flying high in Benoni with the same vigour and vim that it has always had. Benoni may be short of one Lions Club going forward, but we are still a strong pride that serves the community with pride,” said Young.
Reflecting on the past year, Young said they achieved the Lions’ five pillars of service which are hunger, sight, environment, cancer and diabetes.
She said they continued to serve a number of deserving charities, attended the opening of a crèche in Ruimsig and joined forces with local organisations such as The Almond Tree, Clean Projects and TAG.
Kathleen Nel was named the lion of the year for “getting things done and feeding us with her glorious baking.”
“It was a busy year, but it was a year of success, fun and change. We were involved in over 100 activities and spent 3606 hours of community work.”
A moment of silence was observed for members who passed away last year and they paid homage to Merle Botes who retired after 45 years of service.
“I wish Lion president-elect Jane all the very best as she steers the club forward.”
Also Read: Rotary Club of Benoni Van Ryn celebrates milestone birthday
Also Read: LETTER: Lions thank community for support
