Humanitarians pledge to work for the betterment of society
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.”
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.
(Left) Kajit Habanananda, Lions Clubs International Past President, (Right) Banchong Bunthoonprayuk District Governor 310C (2011-12).
In Thailand Lions Clubs are divided in 6 districts with over 8000 members in 300 clubs.
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.
Somchai Thongsuk (right) presents gifts to Ricardo Soh, president of the Lions Club of Singapore East.
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.”
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.
The big boys meet, Kajit Habanananda, Santsak Ngarmpiches and Sonthaya Kunplome.
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.
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.
New members take an oath to dedicate themselves to do good for mankind.
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.
Past President Lion Saranjit Sachdev (left) makes a monetary donation to his younger brother President Montri to use in service projects.
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) Montri Sachdev, President Lions Club of Pattaya, (Right)Porapak Sukhsawang, President Lions Club of Chonburi-Sriracha.
“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.”
(Left) Kanjana Limsawatwongsa, President Lions Club of Pattaya-Taksin, (Right) Capt. Dejsa Thonsungnern, President Lions Club of Pattaya-Nongprue.
(Left) Rungthip Sukhsrikarn, President Lions Club of Pratamnak-Pattaya, (Right) Worapot Pongpalee, President Lions Club of Naklua-Pattaya.
(Left) Somchai Janjaroen, President Lions Club of Pattaya-Banglamung , (Right) Apinada Saimai, President Lions Club of Sattahip-Chonburi.
Mayor Itthipol Kunplome greets members of the Lions Clubs.
