MANCHESTER, NH – Local Lions Club International members gathered Tuesday in Veterans Park to welcome President Chancellor Bob Corlew, who rolled into the park in style – on the Lions official Centennial Tour bus, which has logged a lot of miles over the past many months.
Corlew is making the rounds to encourage members to continue their dedicated service to their communities, as the international organization celebrates its 1ooth year with one lofty goal – serving more than 100 million people by June 2018.
Corlew was proud to announce that the goal has already been met.
“We established this goal that we would make he world a better place by serving at least 100 million people by our centennial year in 2017. Well, I’m pleased to tell you that, just at the end of August, we already reached our goal of serving 100 million people. Congratulations,” Corlew said.
The Lions Club has established what’s known as legacy projects, including many that benefit young people, including the annual Peace Poster contest – half a million children participate in the contest annually, in an effort to promote world peace and community understanding around the world.
Corlew also announced Tuesday that Lions Clubs International has been nominated this year to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of its Peace Poster project.
“To be very honest, there will be any number of nominees, and of course we may not be selected. But for me it’s such a tremendous honor during our centennial year just to receive a nomination,” Corlew said.
This year’s winner, Yumo Zhu, 12, of China, was able to travel to the United Nations in March to be honored for her achievement. Her entry, “Share Peace,” has been made into a plaque which is presented to community officials around the world in recognition positive strides being made in their communities.
Corlew presented a plaque to Mayor Ted Gatsas.
Manchester has the distinction of being home to New Hampshire’s first Lions Club, chartered June 15, 1923. One of the many outreaches established by Manchester Lions Club is Camp Allen, in Bedford, which provides a camp experience for individuals of all ages who rise to their developmental and physical challenges.
Among those recognized by Corlew during Tuesday’s brief ceremony was Ed Lecius of Nashua, who received the International President’s Award for his many years of service and dedication to the work of the Lions Clubs International.
Lions Clubs International is focused on Four Centennial Challenge Campaigns:
Engaging Youth
Support youth in your community, or inspire the next generation of volunteers by inviting Leos and other local youth to serve on a project with you.
Sharing the Vision
Prevent future cases of unnecessary blindness through vision screenings and educational events. Give the gift of sight through projects that benefit those who are blind or living with low vision.
Relieving the Hunger
Improve access to healthy food for vulnerable populations in your community.
Protecting the Environment
Protect and improve the environment to make your community a healthier place to live for everyone.
⇒ GET INVOLVED: Manchester Lions Clubs meets on the first Tuesday of every month at American Legion Jutras Post 43, 56 Boutwell St., Manchester. New members are always welcome.
