SWAN Hill Lions Club has celebrated the latest recipient of the Melvin Jones Award in its ranks.
John King is the third member of the to receive the highest award in the world available to the volunteer organisation’s members.
The award is named after the founder of Lions International and is awarded for dedicated humanitarian service to the community.
Mr King, a member of the Lions Club since 2016, became president in 2019, just before the onset of the COVID pandemic.
Fellow Lion Henry Button, also a past president and award recipient, said that it was Mr King’s singlehanded efforts that kept the Swan Hill branch going during the pandemic.
Another Lion and the third member of the exclusive Melvin Jones Award club, Colin McAlpine, said Mr King was able to steer the club through the Zoom meetings and largely held it together through the turmoil.
“Since that time, he has kept going and he organises everything, follows through and buys all the stuff we need to do the different projects and things we are doing,” Mr McAlpine said.
“We love new members and are keen to get new members. Like every other club we have lost members and volunteering is rewarding.
“There are a lot of people out there that would like to volunteer and just need to know there is an avenue that is easy.
“Other people can be just like John and get one of the highest awards in the world.”
Mr Button said it was important to acknowledge the part that members’ partners played in the ongoing success of the organisation.
“Without that support it would be difficult for members to devote time to the various projects that the Lions take on.”
Current president Rhett Ehms said the group’s charity work was good fun, making fundraising easy.
Mr King said that there was great fellowship and it was important in forming friendships and social connections within and outside the club.
“It is a great honour to receive the highest award in the world that is available to Lions Club members,” Mr King said.
The Lions Club would like to encourage more locals to join their ranks. Call Mr Ehms on 0484 637 028 or Mr McAlpine on 0428 585 659.
