Humanitarians pledge to work for the betterment of society
Staff Reporters
The Lions Clubs International describes Lions as: “Whenever
a Lions Club gets together, problems get smaller and communities get better.
That’s because we help where help is needed - in our own communities and
around the world - with unmatched integrity and energy.”
(Left) Kajit Habanananda, Lions Clubs International Past
President, (Right) Banchong Bunthoonprayuk District Governor 310C (2011-12).
Founded in 1917, Lions clubs worldwide have grown to more
than 1.35 million members in 45,000 clubs in over 206 countries and
geographical areas. Hence they can claim to be the largest service
organization in the world.
In Thailand Lions Clubs are divided in 6 districts with
over 8000 members in 300 clubs.
Somchai Thongsuk (right) presents gifts to Ricardo Soh,
president of the Lions Club of Singapore East.
As is customary the administrative year of the Lions
clubs begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. During the one year in office,
the president leads his or her members in working on various humanitarian
projects such as fighting blindness, caring for the environment, feeding the
hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
The big boys meet, Kajit Habanananda, Santsak Ngarmpiches
and Sonthaya Kunplome.
Montri Sachdev, president-elect of the Lions Club of
Pattaya said, “By conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and
clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease, Lions
work toward their mission of providing vision for all. Lions have extended
their commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts and
through their international Sight First Program, which works to eradicate
blindness. The Lions community projects dedicatedly support local children
and schools through scholarships, recreation and mentoring.”
New members take an oath to dedicate themselves to do good
for mankind.
In preparation for the start of the new administrative
year for 2011-12, Lions clubs in zones 7 and 8 of District 310C in Chonburi
organized a joint installation ceremony to install 8 club presidents and
their board of directors. The star studded affair was held at the 5 star
Hilton Hotel Pattaya on June 12, 2011.
Past President Lion Saranjit Sachdev (left) makes a monetary donation to
his younger brother President Montri to use in service projects.
Past Lions Clubs International President Kajit
Habanananda presided over this joyous occasion. Amongst the luminaries
attending the function to congratulate and give encouragement to the new
presidents were Sonthaya Kunplome, former minister of tourism and sports,
Santsak Ngampiches, Mai Chaiyanit, mayor of Nongprue municipality and
Itthiphol Kunplome, mayor of Pattaya City.
(Left) Montri Sachdev, President Lions Club of Pattaya,
(Right)Porapak Sukhsawang, President Lions Club of Chonburi-Sriracha.
Special guests from the Lions Club of Singapore East also
attended. The visiting delegation was led by President Ricardo Soh and First
Vice President Raymond Kang. The club had recently signed a twinning
agreement with the Lions Club of Pattaya. This binds the two clubs together
in friendship whereby they pledge to support each other in their respective
community and humanitarian projects.
The gathering also witnessed the unique Lions ceremony of
the induction of 19 new members into the various clubs.
(Left) Kanjana Limsawatwongsa, President Lions Club of
Pattaya-Taksin, (Right) Capt. Dejsa Thonsungnern, President Lions Club of
Pattaya-Nongprue.
The eight newly installed presidents are: Montri Sachdev,
Lions Club of Pattaya; Porapak Sukhsawang, Lions Club of Chonburi-Sriracha;
Kanjana Limsawatwongsa, Lions Club of Pattaya-Taksin; Capt. Dejsa
Thonsungnern, Lions Club of Pattaya-Nongprue; Rungthip Sukhsrikarn, Lions
Club of Pratamnak-Pattaya; Worapot Pongpalee, Lions Club of Naklua-Pattaya;
Pinada Saimai, Lions Club of Sattahip-Chonburi; and Somchai Chanjaroen,
Lions Club of Pattaya-Banglamung.
(Left) Rungthip Sukhsrikarn, President Lions Club of
Pratamnak-Pattaya, (Right) Worapot Pongpalee, President Lions Club of
Naklua-Pattaya.
In his congratulatory speech to the newly installed
presidents, Lions Clubs International Past President Kajit said, “I thank
the outgoing presidents sincerely for your sacrifice and good work
throughout the year. You have achieved so much and the world is a better
place because of your dedication to humanitarian work in your communities.
“I welcome the new club presidents. I believe that
becoming the president of your Lions Club is a once in a lifetime
experience. It is not an easy task being the leader of men and women in your
clubs. It will take all your willpower and ability to lead your members into
achieving the goals of humanitarian service that you have planned for your
year.
(Left) Somchai Janjaroen, President Lions Club of
Pattaya-Banglamung , (Right) Apinada Saimai, President Lions Club of
Sattahip-Chonburi.
“The incoming president of Lions Clubs International,
Wing-Kun Tam’s theme for 2011-12 is ‘I Believe’ which encourages us to
believe in ourselves with confidence. If we have both these traits, we will
be able to achieve our goals without any difficulty.
“Serving the community and helping the underprivileged
and needy makes us happy. That’s all we expect to get back from being a
Lion.”
In closing the former president of the largest service organization in
the world called on Lions everywhere to rebuild and protect the environment.
He said, “In accordance with the wishes of President Wing-Kun Tam and in
complying with the Lions Clubs International initiative for 2011-12, I ask
you all to plant as many trees as you possibly can this coming year.”
Mayor
Itthipol Kunplome greets members of the Lions Clubs.
