When domestic abuse victims needed help, Lions were there
Kindness Matters Service Award recognizes Lions’ outstanding projects
Another 2020-2021 Kindness Matters Service Award (KMSA) winner has been announced: the Lichfield Lions Club in England. These Lions showed their kindness by extending a helping hand to the most vulnerable at a time when help was scarce.
When the pandemic broke out, there was a dramatic upsurge in the number of families—mostly women and children—who were affected by domestic abuse.
The KMSA recognizes innovative and creative service projects in one of the global cause areas that left a positive impact on their communities.
Reaching out
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Lions in Lichfield, England got used to social distancing, but they didn’t stop caring about those in need.
It wasn’t long into the pandemic before the effects of all the social isolation began to take a toll on the community. The Pathway Project, a local organization that provides support to adults and children affected by domestic and sexual abuse, needed help.
“When the pandemic broke out, there was a dramatic upsurge in the number of families—mostly women and children—who were affected by domestic abuse,” said Lion John May. “Numbers tripled. And to make matters worse, a number of the staff at Pathway Project were affected by COVID. The local councils could not refer the victims to where they would get proper support.”
While basic accommodations were found for those in need, there was little other money available to help them with crucial needs such as food, clothing, appliances and furniture.
That’s when the Lichfield Lions stepped in. They partnered with the Lichfield Talking News, which provides the blind and visually impaired with 20 hours a week of news, information and entertainment on a USB stick to fill the growing need for these families.
Keeping families safe
Both the Lions and the Talking News were already known and trusted in their community, so it was natural for those involved in supporting domestic abuse victims to turn to them for help.
The Lions coordinated their efforts with Elaine Hutchings, a Lichfield resident, who has a Facebook group called “Helping Each Other Lichfield & Surrounds.”
“After discussions with Elaine, we began to provide the victims with essential white goods—mainly cookers and refrigerators—so that they could feed themselves,” May said.
They also donated beds purchased on Amazon after visits to several families revealed that children were sleeping on stone floors.
To date, the Lions have spent about £350 (US$477) per family and have helped about 90 families. But their money has run out, and May says they are desperately trying to raise more funds.
Seeing that families are safe and cared for by their community is worth the effort.
“As the weeks have passed and they have begun to feel safer, many of them started to have faith in life, and have gratitude for what has been done for them,” he said.
For those living with domestic abuse, getting out is incredibly difficult. It’s not only the material things they need, but also kindness. Space to breath and rest and the knowledge that their community sees them and cares about them. That’s what truly matters.
See more kindness in action
The winning clubs represent all constitutional areas and show just how meaningful it is to be a Lion or Leo. See the complete list of the winners.
Annemarie Mannion is a freelance writer and former reporter for the Chicago Tribune who loves writing about the good work Lions do.
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.
