Leo’s start year with a global roar

The fundraising and volunteering efforts of local Marlborough Boys’ College students have been recognised globally.

Marlborough Boys’ College (MBC) Leo Club were acknowledged in the international 2023/24 Leo Club Excellence Awards for their community focused efforts.

In the past year, the Leos raised nearly $7000 for the Graeme Dingle Foundation’s Drop for Youth, donated $1000 to mobile skin cancer screening services and worked with Forest and Bird.

MBC Leo Kevin Barnard and Lions liaison Malcolm Williams say they are incredibly proud to be recognised

“The Club Excellence Awards look at growth of membership, service, innovative project and organisational excellence, and so we were so pleased to be selected as one of 60 clubs across the world,” Malcolm says.

The group’s variety of community works focuses fundraising efforts in a variety of ways.

From collecting old and foreign coins, bagging kindling for Alzheimers Marlborough, marshalling at Energize Marlborough, sausage sizzles and raffles the Leos are always busy.

Alongside their local volunteer efforts, the Leo’s have been getting increased exposure to attend leadership opportunities – with four of the group being a part of the National Camp in October.

MBC Leo and upcoming Year 11 student Kevin Barnard says that he’s pleased to see the increased interest from students getting involved.

“It’s all really been very exciting for us, as we saw a huge amount of new college students join the Leos last year to allow us to do all these volunteer projects which has contributed to the award.

“You’d expect Leos to be more led by senior students which it was when I joined, but the energy from new students has been great to have.

“The amount of keen year nine students eager to get involved has given me real hope for the club continuing to do great things for our community for many years to come.”