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Lions want to be let loose to raise charity funds
27/06/2020
Club members are hoping the easing of lockdown restrictions will allow them to start supporting local good causes again
Charity champs Banbury Lions are hoping for the further easing of lockdown restrictions so they can get back to raising money for worthy causes. The group, which was formed in 1968, says the coronavirus shutdown could cost up to £10,000 in cancelled fundraising events.
Club president Graham Raven said: “This is the first time in 52 years that we have gone three months and more without raising money for worthy causes. Since 1968 we have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds but we’ve never experienced a year like this.
“We’ve had to call off a number of events that were planned for the spring and summer that would have raised large sums of money. We’re keeping an eye on the easing of lockdown and we’ll be back in action as soon as we can.
“We will be going all out to reschedule some events for later in the year to include Children in Need – and do what we can to make the best of a bad situation. Our thoughts are with the good causes that are missing out on valuable funding”.
Lions in Banbury have organised hundreds of events and provided hands-on assistance to those in need – particularly the young and the elderly. The Old Time Music Hall was one long-lasting popular fundraiser which ran for 25 years from 1971. Other events include a Son et Lumiere at Broughton Castle, music festivals and brass band concerts. The Lions have also organised swimathons, marathons and danceathons to raise valuable funds.
Mr Raven said, “Not all of the work the Lions do is about money. We also regularly visit residents of the Cheshire Home and we’re looking forward to going back there.”
The Banbury group is part of Lions International and has stayed true to its motto ‘we serve’ by helping the local community and the less fortunate around the world.
Mr Raven added, “Lions clubs are worldwide. There are over a million Lions with the same aims as ourselves and many have suffered similar coronavirus problems. We are all looking forward to going back to what we do best – raising money for the less fortunate.”
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam