Chichester Lions celebrate 50 years of serving the city

In the 50 years that Lions have been serving the city, more than £1million has been donated to local, national and international charities and good causes.

President Richard Cowell said: “Without the support and generosity of the citizens of Chichester, we would not be able to help so many less fortunate people.”

Members, friends and guests celebrated 50 years of serving the community at a formal dinner at Chichester Park Hotel and during the evening, Mr Cowell presented Chichester mayor Peter Budge with a cheque for £500 for his charities.

Lion Peter Wilson said: “Over the years, the money has been raised both through our famous spectacles recycling scheme and by running events such as our Christmas carol float and the model railway exhibition, both in their 23rd year.

“Older members remember the early days of the Chichester gala and raft races as well as standing by The Cross in all weathers raising funds for other local charities, such as St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Chichester Boys Club and Marie Curie.”

Apart from selecting charities and good causes, the Lions receive requests for help from individuals and organisations.

Donations have gone to the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance Trust, Augusta Court, Tozer House, Stonepillow, Medico France and LIBRA, the Lions International Blood Research Appeal. St Richard’s Hospital has received donations from the Lions to purchase eye equipment over the last 30 years and Fordwater School had its swimming pool built with Lions funds.

Donations have also gone to charities such as Gift of Sight, which funds research into macular diseases; Vision Aid Overseas, working to ensure everyone in the developing world has access to eye care; Orbis, the flying hospital; Sightsavers, the international charity for eye surgeries; and Wateraid, which prevents blindness in many countries by providing clean drinking water.

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