For nearly six decades, the Swindon Lions Club has been a beacon of hope and support for local charitable causes. With an impressive legacy spanning back to 1964, this devoted club has raised over £350,000 to uplift and improve the lives of those in need within the local community.
As a part of the Lions Clubs International, a global service organisation boasting 1.4 million members across 200 countries, the Swindon Lions Club has contributed to a worldwide network of compassion and positive change.
In a more recent show of support, Swindon Lions have offered a financial lifeline to the Swindon Humanitarian Aid Partnership (SHAP), a local organisation that responded to the urgent call for assistance following the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces.
Over the course of the subsequent 18 months, SHAP has embarked on an extraordinary mission, gathering, sorting, boxing, and transporting a staggering 1,100 tonnes of vital aid to Ukraine. Their focus primarily rests upon the eastern regions, where the ravages of war are most keenly felt.
Mike Bowden, the Chair of SHAP, recounts the impactful journey, “Our commitment to Ukraine and the local Ukrainian community, expressed through a wide spectrum of support and camaraderie, found resonance when we were invited to address a regular gathering of the Swindon Lions Club.
“In a matter of days, we received heartwarming news that the Swindon Lions had generously contributed £1000 to our cause.
“When you consider that our collective efforts have facilitated the delivery of 1,100 tonnes of aid, all achieved within a total expenditure of under £16,000, the profound impact of this £1000 injection becomes unmistakably significant.”
Acting Lion President Helen Marson said, “It is hard to imagine the stress and trauma being endured on a daily basis by Ukrainian families -people just like us, who through no fault of their own find themselves in a war zone.
“There was unanimous support at our meeting to make a significant donation to SHAP who are clearly doing so much to help. We have asked that our donation is used to help finance the conversion of a bus into what SHAP calls a Children’s Story Bus which will visit communities all over Ukraine providing fun and smiles to young children.
“Mike and I are discussing ways in which we can work in partnership over the coming months and make all Swindonians proud to support such a resilient and inspirational group of people .”
