Lions Club of Altona is 50 years old this year and 97 past and present members and friends marked the occasion with a dinner recently.
President Maurie Tanian said there were 25 members of the volunteer organisation, which is involved in numerous community service projects. Its most popular is the Sunday night soup van for people in need.
Lions also runs the Cherry Lake market on the first Sunday of every month.
“That’s a bit of a fundraiser for us and what we raise in funds goes back to the charities,” Mr Tanian said.
He said there were two main reasons people joined the Lions.
“You know you’re mixing with good people, people who care,” he said. “Even though you’re helping others, you’re actually helping yourself become a better person and a better citizen.
“On my first night as president, I posed a question to the club members: Why did you join? I got them to write down replies on sticky notes and I got the two same answers from everyone … to help others and to meet other people in the community.”
Among the guests at the celebration dinner was charter president Les Russell, 87.
Service awards were presented to Jack O’Sullivan (49 years) and Dick Murdoch (37 years).
For more information or to become a member or volunteer, call 0409 413230.
