At a Zone Meeting at the end of August, it was proposed that the Clubs in the Zone should send a Lions cake to each of the 600 troops from the locally based Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment who are currently serving in Afghanistan. This idea was readily accepted by Clubs in Zone 1C. However, they were informed by Lions who had connections with the military that they did not think the soldiers would particularly welcome Christmas cakes, so it was decided to conduct a survey of soldiers recently returned from the front line and asked them what they most missed from home whilst on duty. The items they listed included, McVities Mini Cheddar Biscuits; Pot Noodles; Peanuts; Biscuits; Jelly Snakes and Jelly Worms; Tic Tacs; Magazines; Magnetic Games; etc.
The 5 Clubs in Zone 1C set about sourcing the cost of boxes and items and it was considered that they needed to spend £10 per box i.e. a total of £6,000 - a huge sum. The Army promised to pack and deliver these boxes free of charge but because of lack of time (the boxes would need to leave the Country early October to ensure delivery by Christmas) this now became a Worthing Club project instead of a Zone Project. All hands on deck, the members emailed, phoned, wrote to suppliers of these items, pestered local supermarkets for help and Asda in Brighton readily collected items from their shoppers. They had a terrific response.
There were several photo shoots at the Worthing Lions Club Charity Shop (which had now become the base for receipt of donations of money or goods) with a magnificent window display of Union Jacks, food, and an explanation of the project. This resulted in an appearance on National TV and local radio several times, as well as in all the local papers for three weeks.
The result of all this is the members are now overwhelmed by donations which are still flooding in and the cost to our Club will now be less than £1,000. What a wonderful PR exercise, coupled with a very worthwhile and fulfilling project. Local children drew pictures to be included in the boxes and a local publican, not only donated the nuts, but the barmaids put 600 free pint vouchers into 600 envelopes with SWALK on the back of each envelope! Worthing Lions included a card of their own.
The Lions of Zone 1C feel very proud that in the space of just three weeks all this has been achieved and the boxes are now on their way. The Army have requested that subsequent donations be given to the welfare of troops returning, either injured or to help them readjust. You can do this too - they hope to recreate this perhaps at Easter next year.
