Since the inception of the Lions Club of Stouffville in 1937 our members both past and present have certainly shown our community that Where there is a need there is a Lion and our willingness to fulfill the motto We Serve.

 

Over time our community has grown in leaps and bounds both in population and in cultural diversity.  Our community is now one of the most culturally diverse in the region however our membership does not reflect the cultural diversity needed to service our community effectively.  We as a club need to find ways to raise our  profile in a effort to not only tap into that diversity but also to raise awareness within the community as to who we are and what we do.  It’s time to think outside the box and breath new life into our club.

 

Although currently at a respectable level our membership has declined over the years. We do have a large volunteer base to rely on, however the decline often times puts excess pressure on our members as they strive to meet the demands placed on the Club.

 

My number 1 priority for the 2018-2019 Lions year is to not only increase our membership but to ensure the membership candidates reflect the cultural diversity of our community.

 

Over the years our Club has been involved in various projects that have not only generated much needed revenue for our club, but has had an impact on the community in various ways. We often find ourselves having to take a hard look at how we can help our residents.

 

My number 2 priority is to have a community needs assessment conducted.  We are, I believe, 1 of 2 Service Clubs remaining in our community and I believe this assessment will give us the opportunity to ensure we are using both our resources and time effectively while ensuring that the needs of our community are being met especially in those diverse and rural areas of Whitchurch-Stouffville.

 

Our 2018-2019 International President Gudrun Yngvadottir’s theme of We Serve has said that there’s a world of service yet to be reached even by Lions. 

 

I want to thank you all for giving me this opportunity to be your President for this upcoming Lions year.  If we all work together we can accomplish these priorities and thereby assist our International President reach her goals.

 

John Relph