HAPPENINGS IN THE MONTH OF MARCH, APRIL & EARLY MAY 2009
To say the last two months were busy ones would be putting it mildly.
2nd April 2009 was historical for District 308B1 as we operated on our first two patients at our very own Lions Eye Clinic. Two residents of the Charis Senior Citizens Club had their sight restored through cataract surgery performed by Consultant Surgeon Dr. Gomathy Arumugam. One of the patients, a previous chef, now faces life with hope and confidence as he is setting forth to start a business selling food to support himself. This was reported in the media.
Over the last one month, 10 cases have been operated. More are streaming in for screening. The number of surgeries per week is expected to increase shortly to cater to the increasing needs. To all our 'Everyday Heroes' who worked tirelessly to make this Miracle Happen, a Big Thank You for bringing light to the under privileged who are trapped in a dark world.
(Click here for photos of operation)
(Click here for details of fee structure)
A new club joined our fold in the form of Lions Club of JB Desa Cemerlang. The enthusiasm of the local community in the setting of the club was palpable. The Charter Night on 12th April 2009 was a memorable event. The Lions Club of Bukit Damansara will celebrate their Charter Night on 30th May 2009 while the Lions Club of Pontian plans to have their Charter Night in late June. It is my hope that all Lions in the Regions involved will take special interest in supporting the development of these fledgling clubs.
The 47th Multiple District Convention at the Zone Regency Hotel, Johor Bahru, under the able coordination of COC Koo Chi Seng and his wonderful team was a memorable event. With a record 1,441 participants in all, the challenges were many but quietly and efficiently handled by his marvelous group of people who went out of their way to make the event a special one for all of us. On behalf of the Lions of District 308B1, thank you once again.
The 4th Cabinet Meeting was held in association with the MD Convention to enable as many Lions in the District to participate in both events. Cabinet Fellowship Night on 23rd April saw the appreciation of Cabinet Officers for a remarkable year of service in various portfolios. Memorabilia was planned to present a Kelantanese flavor. District Fellowship Night that followed, for the 608 participants from District 308B1, saw for the first time the recognition of 15 recipients each, for the Top Club, Top President, Top Secretary and Top Treasurer categories. Clubs were honored for service initiatives, fund raising and membership drives. Despite the effort taken to be as objective as possible, I am quite aware that there must be many more out there deserving of praise and recognition. So to this group of Lions, on behalf of the District and the many people who were recipients of the benefits of your service, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.
The sub-district convention went on well. Several resolutions were passed. Elections that followed endorsed Datuk Danny Ooi Han Eng as District Governor, with Dato' Yeow Wah Chin and Dr. Ben C Ng as 1st Vice District Governor and 2nd Vice District Governor respectively for the fiscal year 2009-2010. Here's wishing them all the very best.
We had International visitors during this period. Ms Gina Prendki, Program Coordinator - South East Asia, Pacific, USA & Canada, Sight Programs Department, LCIF and Past International Director Dr. Konyama visited us from 22-25 March 2009 in relation to grant application for the Lions Eye Clinic and other sight related initiatives by Lions in Malaysia. A meeting was held together with the authorities of Ministry of Health, Malaysia on 25th March 2009.
On 3rd May 2009, two delegations from Chennai, India visited us. A 56 member delegation from District 324A6 led by their District Governor Kamala Mahadevan, several PDGs and Key Officers conducted their School for Region and Zone Chairpersons in Kuala Lumpur. I participated in the opening event along with Region 3 & 4 Chairpersons, RC Cheah Kim Hai and RC Alan Yoong. ID Hjh Ellis Suriyati and I also attendied the closing meeting where she delivered the Valedictory Speech. The same delegation visited the Lions Eye Clinic and were received by a well represented group of Lions from District 308B1. A donation of RM2,000 was made by the Indian Lions to the Eye Clinic with pledges for more to come. At the same event, Dato Anantha Kumar of Kuala Lumpur made a generous donation of RM150,000 towards the Eye Clinic. A delegation from District 324A2 (Chennai) led by District Governor Rajagopal arrived to visit the Lions Eye Clinic a little later the same day and was hosted to dinner.
A few days ago, we were made aware of an example of the highest form of generosity in the gift of life to another. Our Past President, Lion Chew Hoong Ling of the Lions Club of Cybercare Kuala Lumpur was donor to a 13 year old girl who needed a liver transplant. She did this not just to save one person but to bring about the awareness on the importance of organ donation. Lion Chew, we are truly honored to be associated with you. Fellow Lions, let us take up this challenge to increase awareness and facilitate organ donation in Malaysia.
(The Star - 30 April 2009)
(Sin Chew Daily - 30 April 2009)
Fellow Lions, a good race is judged by its last lap and its finish. This is our last lap. Let us make it a memorable one. Several DCs are still planning and implementing projects including those related to hearing impairment and cultural activities, despite the fact that these are the last two months of their tenure. This is commendable and to be proud of. Our DC for Diabetes has still few more prostheses to be given out. Please keep looking around for those in need of this aid. Keep it going Lions.
Serve with Dignity
Dr.J.P.Kamalanathan
District Governor |
