The Helderkruin Lions Club’s fifth president since it was chartered was inducted recently at Usambara Lodge, Muldersdrift.
Michelle van der Westhuizen (30) said that her 2014/ 2015 year as president of the Helderkruin Lions is very significant to her because of her family’s involvement in the organisation.
“My mother, who is a member of the Lions Club of Weltevreden Park, also was elected president of her club this year.
“This is not something that happens regularly within Lions Clubs, but I’m glad it happened to us.”
As a young club the Helderkruin Lions strive to assist the community wherever the need arises. Van der Westhuizen and her members are looking forward to another successful year of service. Van der Westhuizen said that their focus will be on abused and abandoned children as well as elderly residents, but that she’s open to suggestions.
“I asked the members to each nominate a project that they’re passionate about, something that inspires them to be a Lion – we will confirm our annual projects.”
She hopes to sponsor a guide dog for the blind this year.
The Helderkruin Lions will be supporting Cansa with their annual Walk-a-thon and Shav-a-thons and want to get more involved with child protection services locally.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, which is the highest award a Lion can receive. It was presented to immediate past president Jonquille Bands by past council chairperson Lion Tony Scheffel of the Krugersdorp Lions Club.
Van der Westhuizen works in financial legislation as a compliance coordinator.
For more information about the club, contact Van der Westhuizen on 076 377 4372.
