New Leo Club members ready to serve
Published:Saturday | May 10, 2014 | 12:00 AM
Shanique Samuels, Gleaner Writer
MAY PEN, Clarendon:
Last Saturday, the Leo Club of Clarendon formally welcomed nine new members in a special ceremony to officially recognise them as Leos and affiliates of Lions Clubs International.
The new members were sworn in by past district governor and adviser to the Clarendon Leos, Lion Anthony 'Tony' Smatt, who emphasised that they were now members of the world's largest service organisation and encouraged them to always wear their pins with pride. Smatt also congratulated the Leo Club of Clarendon on being one of the most vibrant and committed Leo clubs.
The Leo Club began in May Pen in 1982 and has now grown to an internationally recognised club of 32 members. Throughout the years, the Leo Club of Clarendon has experienced its fair share of setbacks, but what sets this club apart from the others is its resilience, which was highlighted when the club re-emerged as one of the most active Leo Clubs in Jamaica after becoming dormant and bankrupt due to limited membership.
STRONG RESILIENCE
"I can remember a time when there were only three of us who would show up for meetings. We were broke, and we had very little support, but we had hope. We wanted to serve, and nothing could stop us from rebuilding a stronger foundation," said Shamara Blair, past secretary.
It took two years of hard work, determination, and continuous fundraising to get the Clarendon Leo Club back on track, starting with administrative and social improvements, which were spearheaded by then president Trishanna Brooks and secretary Tissona Ormsby in 2012.
Influenced by the core values of Lions Clubs International, the Leo Club of Clarendon takes pride in maintaining a standard of excellence through teamwork, integrity, and accountability. The club has undertaken many meaningful projects - such as giving the St Augustine Boys' Home in Chapelton a well-needed facelift - and it has also provided funding for causes such as breast cancer awareness.
With many young people seeking to establish careers and/or families, the Clarendon Leos have shown that it is possible to live a career-oriented life and still find time to serve. The club boasts a number of members who have full-time jobs and some members who are full-time university students, who give selflessly when they are called upon to serve.
"You have to give time and effort, but at the end of the day, the growth you get from the club is something that you can take with you throughout your life," said Shamara.
While many may argue that Jamaican youth today are a lost generation, this group of young adults has been working to dispel that perception with a spirit of volunteerism and a passion for compassion. The Leo Club of Clarendon has proven that anyone can make a difference and that success can be achieved through good leadership and a collaborative effort among team members working to serve their community and beyond.