Horsham Lions thankful for Christmas support and look ahead to third ‘Swimathon’

Lion John Williams, Horsham Lions Services Chair - on the right and Mandy Jones, The Project Manager of "Ark" on the left) receiving 55 of the 78 Food Parcels for Horsham Needy Families and 22 sets of presents for their children

The fundraising projects were:

Selling a variety of Christmas Cakes, produced specially for Lions Clubs in the UK, to local businesses who used them as presents for their customers and or staff.

Undertaking Collections at Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco Supermarkets on 6/7, 13/14 & 23/24 December 2013.

Undertaking Street Collections, with Santa in Southwater on 8 December. Unfortunately due to the extreme weather on 15 December we were unable to visit North Horsham.

26 local Pubs and Businesses agreed to run a Christmas Hamper Raffle from early December until the New Year. The stars of this Project were The Sussex Oak at Warnham who took 3 hampers and raised £520.51

As the result of these four projects and with the help and generosity of the people and businesses of Horsham, Horsham Lions Club has raised a total of £6776.13

This fantastic effort fundraising effort has already been put to very good use as it was more than sufficient to cover the cost of Christmas Food Parcels, for these Needy Horsham Families plus presents for their 29 children. These families were identified by Horsham Lions by working with The Horsham Charity “ARK”, The Horsham Women’s Refuge and West Sussex Social Services.

The balance of the money raise will be used to support Lions Charity Projects, locally, nationally and internationally.

Lion President Tom Osborne said that “despite the challenging economic climate the People and Businesses within The Horsham Community have been extremely generous in supporting Horsham Lions in continuing their 51 years of Service to those in most need.

“Thank you all for your support because every penny raised by the public is used to support worthy causes.

“I would also like to publicly thank The Members of Horsham Lions Club and Friends of Horsham Lions for all the time and effort they have put in prior to and during the time these projects were undertaken.”

Horsham Lions wish to continue with the work in our Community and beyond, but in order to do so it would most helpful, to have additional ‘Community Minded People’, to join us, who would enjoy giving some of their free time. We also enjoy having fun and socialising.

In November 2013 it was announced also that Horsham Lions were organising their Third Annual Swimarathon, which will take place on Sunday 2 March 2014 at The Pavilions in the Park.

For the second consecutive year, the Horsham Lions Charity is The Kent Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance Night Flying Appeal.

In 2013 £4700 was raised by the 16 Teams that supported the event, which, in turn helped The Lions Clubs of Kent Surrey and Sussex to raise a total of £150,000 of the £250,000 required to purchase all the necessary equipment and training to helicopter Pilots to enable the Air Ambulance to fly at night. It is estimated that by providing the night time capability it will save another 800 lives per year, on top of the 1500 lives already being saved during daytime activities.

If you are a Club or Organisation who are looking to raise funds for your own activities then this is an ideal opportunity because there is no entry fee to the event and all we ask is that 50% of the money you raise is donated to Horsham Lions chosen Charity.

Horsham Lions are calling on all Clubs, organisations, and businesses with individuals between the ages of 7 to 70 years or indeed individuals in the same age range to enter a team to help raise the remaining £100,000 and thereby ensure that Kent, Surrey & Sussex have a 24/7 Air Ambulance Service.

You can obtain the Invitation Pack, including the entry form by going to the Horsham Lions Club Webste: [email protected] or ring Lion Tom Osborne on 01403 241167.

The closing date for Horsham Lions to receive the entry form is Monday 10 February 2014, so there is no time to lose to claim one of the remaining places.

Horsham Lions wish to continue with the work in our Community and beyond, but in order to do so it would most helpful, to have additional “Community Minded People”, join us, who would enjoy giving some of their free time. We also enjoy having fun and socialising.

If there is anyone who would like to give time to support your communities please contact Lion President Tom Osborne on E-Mail: [email protected] or ring 01403 241167.

Report and picture contributed by Horsham Lions Club.