Helderkruin Lions bring clubs from across the zone together for Buddy Day
School children paired with people with special needs for day of fun and teamwork
There can be no greater gift than having the power to put a smile on a child’s face.
Lions Clubs from across Gauteng joined hands with each other and people with special needs for their annual Buddy Day on May 14.
Spearheaded by Helderkruin Lions, the project is roughly 15 years old, give or take the two years lost during the worldwide health scare. Hosted at La Salle College, a variety of charity organisations lent their resources to giving the differently-abled a day to remember.
The theme of the day was to pair a person with special needs with a school child who would chaperone their new buddy throughout the day. Each Lions Club present set up a stall that had a fun activity geared towards maximising the teamwork of the new friendship.
Also read: https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2019/03/24/helderkruin-lions-make-a-wish-come-true-web/
Weltevreden Lions set up a cake-decorating stand and provided lunchables, Clearwater Cyber Lions had a puzzle and quiz stand, while Helderkruin Lions had a magnetic fishing game.
The initiative has bounced between several schools in the area but has now been at La Salle for their fourth year.
“We thank La Salle for all the help they have given us. We have really found our home here,” said Helderkruin Lion Karl Bands. “This is a project that is very close to our hearts. It is so important to give back to those in need, and this is at the centre of our motto which is ‘we serve’,” he added.
The event took five months to put together and included Lions Clubs from Fourways, Alberton, Centurion and Krugersdorp as well as other clubs from zone one. National dignitaries, among them District E Director Patrick Mills were in attendance.
“This is what Lions is all about; it is great to see clubs getting together. This is Lions doing what Lions do best, getting involved in projects that make a real difference,” said Patrick.
He has been on a national tour of Lions Clubs and commented that the Buddy Day was among the top events he has experienced from across the 66 clubs he has visited.
