Tonbridge Lions Club was the first to be organised in Great Britain in 1949 and has remained one of the largest Lions Clubs in the country. The principal aim of the Lions movement is to provide help or funds for those most in need and the Tonbridge branch has been supporting local charities and good causes for over 60 years.
The Club meets once a month on Monday evenings where members decide what practical assistance and funds should be allocated to local needs. There is also a lively programme of many social events throughout the year. Over the last ten years Tonbridge Lions Club has raised in excess of £250,000 and most of this has been distributed to charities and projects in and around Tonbridge, with particular emphasis on:
· The Young – Financial grants are made to local young people undertaking charitable or welfare work experience locally and overseas.
· The Elderly – The main focus is on helping elderly people who live alone. Charitable funds are used for outings and specific items that help improve their quality of life.
· The Disabled & Needy – We provide the funds for special equipment and projects, outings and holidays for the disabled and help with individual cases of hardship.
· Local Charities – Those we have helped include: Hospice in the Weald, Kent Air Ambulance, Demelza House, Tonbridge Cottage Hospital, Headway, Scouts & Guides, Air Training Corps, The Bridge Trust, PACT, etc.
In addition we have donated to Lions Clubs International Foundation, a disaster relief fund which channels emergency aid through local Lions Clubs. If you are interested to learn more about what we do and how you can get involved, please contact our club president on 0345 8339819 email: [email protected].