This article is from page 27 of the 2008-01-08 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 27 JPG
THE Shannon Lions Club say its Christmas food appeal has been a huge success, with help given to doz- ens of families on the breadline.
The club decided, for the first time, to give financial assistance to four community groups who work closely with those in need.
The four groups then used that money to help people in need. The eroups – Meals on Wheels, Shannon Senior citizens, St Vincent De Paul and Shannon Mental Health Associ- ation – were presented with cheques by the Lions Club, in the run-up to Christmas.
Previously the Lions Club had
Operated a voucher system in that families in need were presented with vouchers, from which they could buy food and other necessities.
The club collects money and gets support from the community and its aim 1s to ensure that it includes every sector when the funds are distrib- WIKexe
The money was raised from church- gate collections, a flag day anda golf classic, which were held during the year. The Lions Club will also or- ganise a Valentine’s Ball, which will take place in Bunratty on February 9 next. The proceeds of this night will go to Milford Hospice in Limerick, which provides care to many people from Shannon and surrounding ar-
eas.
According to the PRO of the Lions Club, Tony McMahon, the generos- ity of locals in Shannon was essen- tial, in order that the poor and needy were looked after.
“It costs in the region of €7,000 to €8,000 to cover our running costs,” said Mr McMahon.
He said the organisers of the Christ- mas food appeal were pleased with how it worked out this year, with sev- eral people helping out.
While the Christmas campaign 1s out of the way for another year, the Lions Club will continue to provide much needed assistance to the peo- ple of Shannon.
“We go all year around. While the
Christmas food appeal would be the main occasion for us, the club is there all year around to help people. The food element is just at Christ- mas. We address other needs that arise, throughout the year,’ said Mr McMahon.
The club, through its president Ger- ry Flynn, has expressed gratitude to all its sponsors and supporters whose generosity enabled the club to carry out its programme of work during the past 12 months.
The club is encouraging people to support its Valentine’s Ball in Feb- ruary. Those who want to purchase tickets should contact Tony McMa- hon on 086-2359277, or any Lions Club member.