Lions Clubs International is known worldwide as one of the forefront leaders in serving the needs of the community. One of the tag lines, which has proven itself to be consistently relevant, is simply; “
Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion”In George, we are fortunate to have two Lions clubs serving the vast needs of the local community – needs that increase from year to year as we face challenging financial times and growing poverty. Just as relevant, is the incredible work done by the members of the Lions Clubs during times of disaster. Lions have led many of the disaster relief campaigns in our region, especially with regards to the devastating fires that dominated our region over the past few years.
The Lions Assistance and Distribution Services project (
LADS) has served to aid people affected by disaster since it’s inception during the Knynsa Fires. To date, more than 11 000 people have received aid from LADS, records are kept for every donation made – some of these disasters affect only 1 person, and in other times, scores are affected.Disasters take many forms, and is not restricted to only the obvious fire, flood and weather related occurrences. Assistance is offered to people affected by severe poverty, victims of crime, and when personal circumstance prove to be overwhelming – such as teen mothers, missing person searches, emergency services support and more. This service is not only offered to individuals, but also via schools, creche’s, hospitals, churches, children’s homes and other service clubs.LADS is currently housed in one of the cold storage facilities at the old McCains Factory – a space of approx. 700m2 – allowing for the receiving, sorting and distribution of clothing and other items. The need for a relief service that can aid the community responsibly, cannot be understated – secondary disasters are when people, out of genuine care, drop off tons of items for a single family who’s home may have been destroyed in a fire – not realising that much of the clothing is unsuitable and the affected family have no home to place the donated furniture and goods. With LADS, goods are sorted, and only that which is suitable, and at a time when it’s needed, is then provided.
Sadly, the Lions use of this donated facility has come to an end – due to the recent sale of the premises.By the middle of February 2020, the LADS store needs to be vacated from the premises; leaving very limited choices for this critical project – that has helped so many already.
The Lions need YOUR help – so that LADS does not have to be closed permanently. In order to continue serving the community in times of need, a new facility needs to be found – although a scaled down project can be achieved, at least between 200m2 to 300m2 is essential. Either a sponsored facility will be required, as Lions do not receive funding other than that which is raised through community fund raising project, or a number of businesses, willing to have their name associated to the beneficial project, come forward and pledge a monthly financial contribution to cover the rental of new premises.Although times are tough, and this may be a big ask – we need to remember that the financial crisis is greater on those in need, and so it is even more important now, to support those who serve the needy. If you, or your business can pledge R2000 a month to this cause, only 5 or 6 pledges will be required to keep LADS alive – and your name will be part of making this difference. If you can help, but can only offer a lesser amount, please do still contact the Lions – every rand will take them closer to the goal.
If you would like to view the current LADS facility, in order to see the great work being done, with a view to supporting this cause, please contact Carl van Blerk on 082 826 0731. 
Please help reduce blocked drains and how to report illegal dumping
One of the main reasons for blocked drains and sewerage spills is the wrong stuff being flushed down toilets or thrown into manholes. Items that should not be flushed down toilets include baby nappies, sanitary pads and tampons, newspaper, cloth and fabric, fatty food or fat. Regular items that municipal staff have to clear from manholes include branches, tyres, rocks and other solid items which is suspected to be dropped in there by mainly children getting up to mischief.
The municipality appeals to communities to NOT flush unsuitable items down the toilet, and to help prevent people from throwing stuff down manholes. Report sewerage complaints to Civil Engineering Services on 044 801 9262/66 during office hours or 044 801 6300 after hours.
Please spread the news in your community that dumping of waste is dangerous and a health hazard. Waste should be collected in refuse bags and placed for collection on waste removal days. Builders rubble and waste not suitable for bags must be dropped at the municipal refuse site on the R102 (airport road). If you can provide names, vehicle registration details or addresses of alleged perpetrators and are willing to make a statement in this regard, please report illegal dumping to Law Enforcement at 044 801 6350 or sprins@george.gov.za. You don’t need a photograph of the perpetrator, but it will strengthen the case for a warning or fine to be issued. If you notice dumped waste, please report for collection to 044 802 2900.
To give or not to give, that is the question! How do we address this growing problem? Regardless of your economic position, this growing move towards poverty has a profound effect on us all – you may have a thriving business today, but will it still be there tomorrow? You may be earning boat loads today, but what if you’re retrenched tomorrow? Sadly, humanity only wakes up when disaster affects us personally. We don’t care too much about doing anything when a fire burns thousands of kilometres away, but when it’s threatening our own home, then we have expectations of support and reparation. Who do we blame? Who will replace our lost belongings? Who will give us a roof over our heads tonight, or a plate of food when we have nothing?This is all normal – we have busy lives and commitments that absorb our every moment – we can’t possible solve all the world’s problems and therefore need to filter out the things least important to us personally … to an extent anyway. So that’s ok … but, we can and should still support those who dedicate their time to ensure systems of support are in place when disaster strikes, when poverty overwhelms, when kids get sick and the elderly are lonely … this should be the rent we pay for the space we occupy on Earth! (A philosophy shared worldwide by Lions Clubs International – the world’s largest service organisation)Imagine for a moment if 400 000 residents of George all contributed just R20 a month to dedicated causes that can alleviate poverty, support disaster relief and generally uplift our city! For that matter, if only 25% of those residents contributed – a more realistic view of capabilities – that would mean R2 000 000 a month towards changing lives – yes, 2 million rand a month! – why is this so impossible to achieve, but yet sadly, it is. We have 67 000 people on our community Facebook Page, Georgiete Staan Saam, – some are not local residents, so let’s work with 50 000 …. R20 each per month – that’s a million rand a month! Wow – my mind boggles on how we can set a standard for the BEST and MOST CARING city in the country, maybe the world!How I dream of a day this could happen – do you think it’s possible? Would YOU support it and encourage your friends, family, work colleagues and those living in your street, to support a “20 for 2020 campaign”? I would love to hear your thoughts .. but please be positive, after all, we LOVE GEORGE!Love Garden Route NPC
Account number: 10 11 022 552 8
Standard Bank
Branch: George
Branch code: 051001
Swift address: SBZA ZA JJ
The Lions need YOUR help – so that LADS does not have to be closed permanently. In order to continue serving the community in times of need, a new facility needs to be found – although a scaled down project can be achieved, at least between 200m2 to 300m2 is essential. Either a sponsored facility will be required, as Lions do not receive funding other than that which is raised through community fund raising project, or a number of businesses, willing to have their name associated to the beneficial project, come forward and pledge a monthly financial contribution to cover the rental of new premises.Although times are tough, and this may be a big ask – we need to remember that the financial crisis is greater on those in need, and so it is even more important now, to support those who serve the needy. If you, or your business can pledge R2000 a month to this cause, only 5 or 6 pledges will be required to keep LADS alive – and your name will be part of making this difference. If you can help, but can only offer a lesser amount, please do still contact the Lions – every rand will take them closer to the goal.If you would like to view the current LADS facility, in order to see the great work being done, with a view to supporting this cause, please contact Carl van Blerk on 082 826 0731. 