Page 53 - Demo

October 2025 | Phonebox Magazine 53We%u2019ve been making a number of donations this month %u2013 rounding off a fl urry of donations in this quarter, to a range of charitable and other worthy causes. DONATIONSThis month, we have made the following donations:%u00a3260: We started off the Lionistic year with our regular contribution to the Lions District Youth Fund. As the name suggests, this fund is used to support a number of projects focused on the youth of the District.%u00a3200: We donated %u00a3200 to Harry%u2019s Pals, who are passionate about getting emotional support out to families who are struggling with their mental health following a recent diagnosis of a life-limiting illness or disability. They are there to help families fi nd coping mechanisms so that they feel a bit better equipped and stronger to move forward in such challenging circumstances. Harry%u2019s Pals are also keen advocates for carers and disabled people and campaign for change so that better support is off ered to families aff ected by disability.%u00a3100: Children%u2019s Eye Cancer Trust. CHECT are the UK%u2019s only charity dedicated to supporting children, families and adults aff ected by retinoblastoma (Rb). Retinoblastoma is a rare form of eye cancer that typically aff ects children under six, the impacts of which can last a lifetime. For over 35 years they have been making a real diff erence to people%u2019s lives by providing lifelong support, raising awareness and funding vital research.%u00a3150: Autism Assessment. This month we received a heartbreaking appeal from a family in Newport Pagnell who were struggling with the cost of an Autism Assessment for their child. Our Club agreed to make a donation towards the cost of this.Plus, at our business meeting this month, we ratifi ed our earlier decision to sponsor the Newport Pagnell Under 15%u2019s Football Team %u2013 (whose team name is %u2018The Lions%u2019). Please see the Sports section on page 54 for more details.And so, in this quarter, we have made total donations of nearly %u00a34,000 to local, national and international causes.Many thanks to all the members of our local communities, our shops, pubs, councillors, and other businesses and organisations %u2013 and especially, to our group of Friends for their fantastic support. We really could not do it without you.SERVICE ACTIVITIESLions Recycling Projects %u2013 Spectacles We picked up a large batch of specs for recycling, from Punch Opticians in Olney. Thank you! We also sent around 2,000 pairs of specs on the fi rst leg of their journey to their new homes. Thank you to Lion Steve for giving them a lift to Lions HQ in Birmingham!Wine and Cheese Evening with McCarthy StoneWe were kindly invited by Charlotte Warwick to a Cheese and Wine event at the McCarthy Stone retirement home in Olney. We had a lovely time chatting to the residents and some visitors - and we were able to tell them a bit about Lions, hand out some %u2018bumph%u2019 and give away some of our Message In A Bottle. Newport Pagnell & Olney Lions (CIO)FUNDRAISING EVENTS%u2022 We are holding a charity pub quiz, hosted by The Swan Inn & Bistro, in Olney, on the 29th September. Watch our Facebook page for further details, coming soon.%u2022 We are starting to build plans for our 2026 Town Calendars. We held a short kick-off meeting with David Purvis, who once again will be providing the images, to plan the next campaign. %u2022 Also had a meeting with retired Lion John Ferris about the latest Lions Toast event %u2013 more details soon!%u2022 We have booked our stall at the Newport Pagnell Christmas Lights Switch-On Event.%u2022 Oh, and we%u2019ve had our fi rst enquiries regarding stalls at the Dickens of a Christmas, Lions Craft Fair!MEETINGS and SOCIAL EVENTS%u2022 Meeting with Newport Pagnell Rotary Club. A couple of us attended the regular meeting of the Newport Pagnell Rotary Club %u2013 and we were made very welcome. We had some interesting and encouraging discussions about our respective clubs %u2013 and the challenges and opportunities we both face. Thank you guys, for your hospitality and for some very constructive discussion%u2022 We held our August business meeting in the beautiful and relaxing rose garden of one of our members, Lion Tatiana%u2022 We have had an interesting and encouraging meeting with the always supportive, Paul Day (Mayor of Newport Pagnell), to explore ways in which the Mayor can further support us, help our %u2018presence%u2019 and build membership in Newport Pagnell%u2022 We have also had an excellent meeting with Geoff Symonds of Newport Pagnell Rotary Club, to discuss the opportunities for collaboration on certain events with NP Rotary Club, and a small team of us will attend their regular business/dinner meeting at the Swan Revived in Newport Pagnell%u2022 We are planning our next Social %u2013 another trip to Beckworth Emporium for an afternoon teaThat%u2019s all folks!Nearly %u00a34,000 in Donations in this Quarter (Registered Charity Number 1184025)Cheese and Wine event at McCarthy Stone