Lions looks at an Asian branch

SPRINGVALE’S Lions Club will consider starting an Asian branch to attract a new wave of volunteers and members that can help raise funds for vital community projects.
The idea is part of a move by the Lions Club of Springvale to tackle the decline in volunteering in Greater Dandenong.
Lions Club of Springvale membership officer Lew Short said the club was also hoping to attract volunteers and members for its existing branch.
He said the branch had received volunteer funding from the State Government and would print some of its fliers in languages other than English to attract members from the largely non-English speaking sectors of Springvale.
Mr Short said the Springvale branch had about six active board members and only a handful of dedicated volunteers to help with fund raising events such as community barbecues.
Volunteering is a small commitment that helps to make a big difference, he said, with barbecues requiring an average of two hours of volunteers’ time twice a month.
Membership allows people to run for the branch committee, and positions such as secretary and president would make shining additions to resumes.
However, Mr Short stressed the branch’s need for dedicated volunteers and members and said they needed to be on call to ensure the club could respond to community requests.
To find out more information about volunteering or becoming a member of the Lions Club of Springvale, contact Lew Short on 0438 534 719.