The Lions of Multiple District 24E recently completed a yearlong project to celebrate the Centennial of Lions Clubs International worldwide and provide a legacy on behalf of the District 24E, Lions of Virginia Foundation, and Lions Clubs International Foundation.

The project goal was to purchase a new van for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia (BBBS) in Roanoke as a gift as a part of Lions Clubs International’s Centennial Community Legacy Projects program.

Botetourt County’s Lions Clubs are part of District 24E.

The completion of this project will impact the lives of hundreds of children that live in District 24E. Prior to this project, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia identified the need to have another van to help transport children and their mentors to projects and educational opportunities.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia through its established history makes lasting impacts on children who are a risk in communities throughout the district.

Big Brothers Big Sisters initiated the process by reaching out to then District Governor Martin R.” Marty” Alford in October of 2016.  Big Brothers Big Sisters presented to the District Cabinet and the District Governor received the approval of the District Cabinet to proceed by applying for grants from Lions of Virginia Foundation and Lions Clubs International Foundation.

The final part of the project was the local match, which was set at $11,918.  The project would be used to show the communities served that Lions Clubs have a focus on youth and making an impact in making our communities a better place.

Donations were collected through the Multiple District 24E (MD 24E) Charity Corporation which allowed clubs and individuals to make their donations.  The project was announced in the fall district newsletter and at all the regional meetings and zone meetings. Then District Governor Alford enlisted the assistance of Lions Deborah F. Chaffin, MD 24 E Lions of Virginia Foundation Representative/Chairperson and PDG Kirk Sampson, MD 24E Lions Clubs International Foundation to help with gathering information and guidance on submitting grants to the respective organizations.

Alford stated that this project was unique in that it was the first time that Lions Clubs reached out and solved a need in our community to one organization that provides lasting impact that changes the lives of our young people who may be at risk and provides the children involved in the BBBS program with positive mentoring and support which builds character and self confidence in the children involved.

District 24E’s Community Legacy Project was completed as a part of Lions Clubs International’s Centennial Celebration to commemorate its 100th anniversary in 2017.

As a part of the Centennial Celebration, Lions clubs around the world are working to help more than 100 million people and complete Legacy Projects that make lasting contributions to their communities.