Wilro Park Lions celebrate 40 years of serving the community
The milestone celebration also marked the induction of the club's new president as members reflected on four decades of making a difference.
The Wilro Park Lions Club celebrated 40 years of community service during its 40th anniversary lunch and end-of-fiscal-year function at Kleine Constantia on June 30.
The occasion also marked the induction of Delphine Ferreira as the club’s president for the 2027/ 28 fiscal year, succeeding outgoing president Sandy van Heerden.
Addressing members and guests, Van Heerden thanked the club’s volunteers, supporters and partners for helping to make a lasting difference in the community.
“We have completed many awesome projects during this past year and made many real, positive and lasting differences to those less fortunate,” she said.
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Over the past year, the club has supported numerous initiatives, including its eye clinic, dignity handbag campaign, Sedgwick care bags, baby bags, Jars of Hope and Easter egg drives. It also continued its support for childhood cancer awareness through the Zone’s Big Walk for Young Warriors.
Van Heerden said youth development, education, literacy and the club’s bursary programme remain central to its mission.
“Our Legacy Project at Maloney’s Eye Library will change children’s lives because you can be anything you want to be in a library. For this, we sincerely thank Mannheim Rosengarten Lions Club in Germany for contributing funds to get the job done,” she said.
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The club also continues to promote autism awareness through the creation of sensory and fidget boards for children and families, while community engagement initiatives such as the ‘Meet Your Local Lions’ event at the SSOP community market have helped raise awareness of its work.
Looking ahead to the festive season, Van Heerden said initiatives such as Molly’s Angels, the Tree of Lights, Christmas Carols and Santa’s Parade remain highlights of the club’s annual calendar.
“It has been my honour to serve as your president alongside each of you. Be proud of the work you do, the difference you make and the lives you change,” she said.
During the event, appreciation awards were presented to members for their service. Club secretary Mandy Jamieson received the Lion of the Year award in recognition of her dedication, commitment and willingness to serve.
Founded on the motto ‘We Serve’, Lions Clubs International is a non-profit organisation whose service focuses on vision, hunger, the environment, childhood cancer, diabetes, youth, humanitarian efforts and disaster relief.
