Littlehampton Lions supported community in various ways in 2020

Littlehampton District Lions Club is pleased to report that despite the coronavirus and lockdowns, and despite many of its fundraising events having to be cancelled, it was able to provide some help for people in the local community during 2020.
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The two charity street fayres, in Littlehampton and Rustington, and Littlehampton Town Show were cancelled, and although the club managed to start its annual Easter egg raffles in 25 pubs and restaurants, almost immediately, the first lockdown began.

Lion John Taylor, the club’s PR officer, said: “We still raised more than £1,000, with thanks to those venues for supporting us.”

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Members also managed to hold a few book stalls in Littlehampton and Mewsbrook Park, and the charity bookstalls at Littlehampton and Arundel railway stations continue to bring in steady donations.

President David Bishop with a trolley load of groceries purchased by Littlehampton District Lions Club for Littlehampton & District FoodbankPresident David Bishop with a trolley load of groceries purchased by Littlehampton District Lions Club for Littlehampton & District Foodbank
President David Bishop with a trolley load of groceries purchased by Littlehampton District Lions Club for Littlehampton & District Foodbank

All money collected from the bookstalls is donated to LIBRA, the Lions International Blood Research Appeal based at King’s College Hospital in London.

Due to Covid-19, the club was unable to hold its Santa’s grottos in Littlehampton and Rustington last month, and members took the decision to cancel the 2020 Christmas tours around the area with Santa.

Mr Taylor said: “This was a difficult decision as this is our largest fundraiser of the year. We decided to put the safety of our members and helpers first.

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“Fortunately, we were able to support some very worthy causes last year.”

Littlehampton & District Foodbank receives regular trolley loads of items off its Wish List, to a value of £1,300. The club also supported Littlehampton Community Fridge with £460 and Creative Heart Community Hub with £300.

Other donations were £390 for equine therapy, £300 supporting an aspiring local athlete, £250 to Turning Tides and a £140 heating voucher for a family in need, plus there are other requests under consideration.

Donations of £800 to Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex and £380 to Brain Tumour Research UK brought the total donated in 2020 to more than £8,000.

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Littlehampton Lions are still in a position to consider requests for help from the local community. Contact the club by email to [email protected] or via the club’s website.

Mr Taylor said: “We have also been out helping with litter picking and collecting unwanted spectacles, through our bins in local opticians, which are then recycled and sent to Africa.

“But we could do more with some new members. If you want to put something back into your local community, have fun and make new friends, please get in touch.”