Like most Lions around the world, the Lions in CA VII have performed some incredibly impressive and generous service in their communities. Several years ago, the CA VII Lions and leaders decided that these outstanding service projects should be shared and celebrated. So, a local award to recognize outstanding service projects was created. They called it the Top Club Service Award. This award began in FY18-19 under then Global Service Team Area Leader Past International Director Tony Benbow.
From April to June of 2020, they donated 3,000 packages of groceries during the COVID lockdown in central Java.
To be considered for the award, clubs must submit a new and innovative individual club project started by the club in the current Lion year. The submissions are then carefully considered by committees at the district, multiple district and constitutional area levels until two finalists and a winner are chosen. Winners receive a certificate, plaque and an announcement of the award at the ANZI Forum. This year, we will also be highlighting these incredible service projects on the Lions International blog.
Our very first finalist is the Lions Club of Solo Bengawan in MD307 Indonesia. When the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic struck Indonesia, lockdowns were put in place to stop the disease from spreading. These lockdowns were extremely difficult, especially for low-wage workers. Many industries and businesses came to a halt, and in response, businesses closed or temporarily laid off workers. The Solo Bengawan Lions recognized a need for service in their community and immediately wanted to help.
From April to June of 2020, they donated 3,000 packages of groceries during the COVID lockdown in central Java. Packages consisted of rice, cooking oil, instant noodles, sugar, tea and sweet soy sauce. These items cost about 100,000 Indonesian Rupiahs, or about US$7.00. The club surveyed potential candidates and neighborhoods to ensure that the donations would go to families that needed them the most. This included those who had lost their jobs due to the coronavirus, street beggars, pedicab drivers, day laborers and others who were greatly impacted by the pandemic.
The packages were distributed to 48 community groups and neighborhoods. The club partnered with orphanages, nursing homes and neighborhood and community associations like Rukun Tetangga and Rukun Warga in Indonesian Bahasa. Many precautions were also taken to ensure that the packages could be distributed safely, including the use of facemasks, gloves, social distancing and frequent handwashing.
We would like to recognize the Solo Bengawan Lions Club for their incredible community work in the face of the pandemic. Many communities across the globe have had similar struggles with lockdowns. We are thankful that the Solo Bengawan Lions Club was there to help—may they keep up the good work!
Explore Lions International’s Service Project Planners to help you plan your service activities to fight hunger in your community through food collection initiatives, direct food service and more. Whether it is your first hunger service project or your club regularly performs service to fight hunger, these project planners are great resources that will help guide you.
Lion Carolyn Hall is a GAT field specialist, primarily working with CA 7 and CA 3, at Lions Clubs International. She is a member of the Chicago Windy City Lions Clubs.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted communities around the world in different ways. To ensure we’re serving safely wherever we live, Lions should follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization or local health authorities. Visit our Serving Safely page for resources that can help you safely serve your community.
