The Shelly Beach Lions Club was officially chartered in 2008 and forms part of Multiple District 410C (Eastern South Africa) – Zone 6. It is with great pride that they celebrate 10 years of serving the community.
When I was District Governor at the Port Shepstone Lions’ Club, I saw a need for community service in the Shelly Beach area. It was quite a feather in our cap when we chartered the club – Paul Brauteseth
The Shelly Lions serve the local community though dedicated service projects that encompass the main focus points of Lions International and these are some of the projects undertaken by the Shelly Beach Lions Club:
- The Youth Exchange programme provides a unique cultural experience for students from around the world. It helps to change lives and participants live with a host family and take part in a camp.
- Diabetes awareness with free blood screening clinics and regular health clinics test blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol. The tests are free, with registered nurses and counsellors providing professional advice. Diabetes is a silent killer and the Shelly Beach Lions Club strives to make the community aware of it through these free clinics.
- The Reach-For-A-Dream Foundation’s ‘Camp Sunshine’ is held every year. The aim is to make dreams come true for terminally-ill children around the country and seek sponsors to make the wishes a reality. Camp Sunshine is a weekend of fun, sun and activities held in Hibberdene every year and the Shelly Lions assist by means of donations, gifts and assistance with catering during the camp. For many of these children it is their first time at the seaside.
- One of the Club’s longest standing projects, Dumisani’s Crèche is located in Gamalakhe. Reverend Dumisani Mzameko started the crèche, which cares for and feeds orphaned and under-privileged children. Monthly food hampers are donated to ensure all the children receive nutritious meals each day. The Shelly Lions erected a pre-cast concrete wall around the property to ensure the children have a safe place to play. This project continues to grow thanks to the regular donations and support of the Lions.
- Sight and hearing are two signature projects of Lions International and provide glasses and hearing aids for those who cannot afford proper medical assistance. These services are funded by Lions Clubs and rely on funds raised in the community. The project also relies on a network of committed optometrists and audiologists who conduct free tests. Second-hand frames and lenses are collected by Lions Clubs in the community for refurbishment at the Lions BrightSight factory in Gauteng.
We would like to thank the public for their valued support over the years that has enabled us to help the community – Paul Brauteseth.
If you would like to get involved, contact Johann Bentley at 082 5499451 or Paul Brauteseth at 082 5534745.
For more information visit the website https://shellybeachlions.co.za or the facebook page Shelly Beach Lions.
