“Life doesn’t always depend on how happy you are but on how happy others can be because of you.” These were the opening words of Dorothy Allen, outgoing and incoming president of the De Kaap Lions Club during their recent induction dinner.

When she took over as president in 2009 the club consisted of four members. “I had to rebuild what was busy collapsing but with time the bricks started to fall in place and construction of the re-build club started and we’re now 11 members strong,” she said.

With this growth of 200% the club received special recognition as the club with the highest growth in the district for 2009/10. For the first year in its history trophies were awarded to Lions in recognition for jobs well done. The best upcoming Lion was Jacques Greeff, most enthusiastic Lion, Gabby Fernandes and the Lion of the year award went to Eureka van Dyk.

They also gave recognition to people who served the community without receiving a thank you. Astrid Christianson of Barberton Community Tourism and Noleen Ackermann of Ohscare were thanked for the dedicated voluntary service they rendered to the community.

During the past year the club was involved in a variety of projects – they assisted the Nelspruit Lions Club with a stall at the InniBos festival, hosted a Halloween dance, visited patients on Valentine’s Day and gave a Christmas dinner to 70 elderly.

The committee for 2010/11 will be Jan van Dyk (first vice), Gabby Fernandes (membership), Eureka van Dyk (secretary and treasurer), Ean-Drian van Dyk (taimer) and Jacques Greeff (tail twister).

Gerry van Gelder (zone chairman) with the newly elected president Dorothy Allen

The committee for 2010/11 are Eureka and Jan van Dyk, Dorothy Allen, Gabby Fernandes, Ean-Drian van Dyk and Jacques Greeff