The Lions Club of Mount Gambier recently held a dinner meeting to welcome a visit by the newly installed District Governor Ruth Pearsons.

The District Governor addressed those present on a range of issues that impacted Lions and local communities

Club publicity officer Allen Woodham said the District Governor particularly touched on declining membership numbers facing the west, while the numbers of Lions in Asia and India were growing rapidly.

“Like many organisations we are facing challenges to address the desired growth of Lions numbers within our own communities,” he said.

“Ruth also gave an insight into her own experiences at the International Lions Convention at Montreal in Canada recently.

“Ruth singled out numerous major projects the Mount Gambier club has initiated in recent times which have benefitted our community, including the project to celebrate 75 years of Lions in Australia and she thanked the club for their financial support to the Australian Lions Foundation and Lions International.

“Her address was an inspiration to those Lions and guests present.”

Club president Steve Bell thanked Ms Pearsons for her visit to Mount Gambier and presented her with a club banner.

Mr Bell then invited Ms Pearsons to undertake the Lions induction of the club’s newest incoming member Philip Leathley, who was warmly received by those present.

The evening continued with Immediate Past President Jill Austin, who inaugurated the 75 Lions Anniversary flower project, presenting president Loraine Musgrove and Janette Brenda from the Mount Gambier Cancer Support group with a donation of $1329.90 from the fundraising efforts of the project.

“This was warmly received by our guests from the Cancer Support group with the funds being dedicated for use to assist those impacted by cancer in our community,” Mr Woodham said.