The strongest communities are usually the ones that reap the benefits from volunteer organizations that are established to ensure the health and wellbeing of the residents. These organizations and clubs can be crucial to strengthening the social and economic fabric of districts. Often times you can point to service clubs such as Rotary and Lions, and equate their numbers, size and initiatives to the health of a city. As Buffalo rebounds, we will see more of these types of service oriented organizations spring up.
Presently, Western New York Lions Club leaders are establishing a new club chapter in North Buffalo. Club members will be active in services that include engaging youth, assisting the elderly and the blind, and helping to to alleviate hunger.
According to Nancy Luckman, District Governor for Lions Clubs in WNY, “Our motto is ‘We Serve’. By establishing the North Buffalo Community Lions Club, we look forward to bringing together community members to provide service to those in need locally. Though traditionally known for our work with the blind and visually impaired, today’s Lions Clubs go well beyond that, focusing on the unique service needs identified collaboratively with local leaders and other community groups.”
The club will work closely with like-minded groups such as The North Buffalo Organization, to ensure that the members’ efforts are amplified for greater impact.
Joann Steinmetz, a representative of The North Buffalo Organization, states that, “Establishment of a Lions Club in North Buffalo will help address unmet needs of many of our local residents. The work of Lions Clubs is consistent with our mission of improving the Hertel/North Buffalo community. We look forward to working with members of the North Buffalo Community Lions Club.”
Lions Clubs International members can be found in every corner of the planet. The club was established in 1917, and today boasts 1.4 million members (46,000 clubs), making it the largest service club in the world.
Those interested in becoming a charter member of the North Buffalo Community Lions Club are asked to contact Dr. Rick and Mrs. Sharon Battaglia at 20NHertelLions@gmail.com.
For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the web site at www.lionsclubs.org.