One of the longest running in NZ

Continued from page 1. Organised by the Karori Lions Club for more than 50 years, this family fun event is the biggest annual public event in Karori, and one of the longest running events of its kind in New Zealand.

“Karori Lions are excited to be able to deliver this popular event once again to the public,” the Karori Lions Club President Jo Cameron says.

“We were really disappointed last year to have to cancel, although the year before we just snuck in between two lockdowns to host our 50th Karori Lions Karnival.

“This is an important occasion for us, as it’s an opportunity to host a popular event for our local community, with heaps of fun for the kids, provide income for businesses and exposure for a number of other service organisations and not-for-profits, as well as to raise funds for the Lions Club of Karori Charitable Trust.”

All funds raised by Lions from the public are routed through a charitable trust and returned to the community through donations to health, youth, education, the environment, community assets and humanitarian relief.

Karori Lions are one of over 300

Lions Clubs in New Zealand, and more than 47,000 clubs worldwide.

Reflecting on the club’s activities, Jo continues: “In spite of limitations imposed by Covid last year, Karori Lions managed to raise funds through an e-waste recycle event, a book fair, sausage sizzles, a fun walk around Karori Park, the sale of Lions Christmas Cakes and other initiatives.

“We also co-ordinated the annual appeal to all New Zealand Lions Clubs to enable the ‘Inspiration Voyage’ of the Spirit of Adventure’s tall ship, Spirit of New Zealand.

“We were the lead club in raising over a half a million dollars for the therapeutic play facility at the new Wellington Children’s Hospital, and have made donations to Diabetes New Zealand, Kidney Kids, Starship, and a local school, amongst others.”

The club also supports Lions community and humanitarian initiatives through national and international Lions organisations, and places particular emphasis on supporting youth.

“One of the youth activities we run every year is the local level of the Lions International Peace Poster Contest,” the club’s secretary Beth Anders says.

“Every year there is a different peace-related theme, and children from ages 11 to 13 enter their artwork to express it.

“The contest operates at local, district, national and international levels, with the winner of each level progressing to the next.

“Our club is proud to have been the sponsor of several district winners, and two national winners in past years.

“Over the more than 20 years that the contest has been run, several million children worldwide have participated, meaning that they, as well as their friends and family, have all had cause to think about peace. That can only be a good thing.”

The Lions Club of Karori always seeks new members to provide them with an opportunity to have fun and fulfilment serving their community. Lions is an inclusive, non-political, non-religious community service and humanitarian organisation, with the motto “We Serve.” Interested people can contact Beth at 021 264 1481.