Sponsored: Big Hearts, Busy Hands: The Lions Club of Blenheim

If you’ve ever wandered along the lower Ōpaoa River and spotted predator traps, browsed through books at the annual book fair, or picked up a handmade gift at the Mistletoe Market, you’ve already seen the Lions Club of Blenheim in action.

Adrienne Matthews

Since 1963, this local volunteer group has been quietly, but powerfully, making a difference across Marlborough. From youth leadership to environmental protection, firewood deliveries to foodbank collections, the Lions are deeply woven into the fabric of our community.

With a membership of 50 passionate individuals aged 18 to over 80, the Lions Club of Blenheim brings together a diverse range of talents and life experiences. What unites them is a shared commitment to serve.

Part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organisation with over 1.4 million members in more than 200 countries, the Blenheim club is proudly local but globally connected.

The Lions motto, “We Serve,” is more than just words. It’s reflected in the countless hours members put into projects that touch lives daily. Whether it’s helping a local family stay warm or mentoring the next generation of leaders, the Lions are there.

One of their longest-running projects is the annual book fair, a much-loved community event. Held this year from October 16 - 19 in the old Harvey Norman building, it features thousands of donated books, puzzles, CDs, and DVDs, all ready to be rehomed to new owners at bargain prices. Every dollar raised goes straight back into local causes.

Last year’s book fair proceeds funded a wide range of initiatives from lighting upgrades at Riding for the Disabled and travel support for sports teams, to car seats for the Red Cross refugee programme and support for groups like CARE Marlborough, Alzheimer’s Marlborough, and the Salvation Army.

Another standout initiative is the Lions’ firewood project, which involves the preparation of trailer loads to be delivered to vulnerable families, including the elderly and newcomers settling into transitional housing.

The project is made possible through generous support from OneFortyOne, George Shallcrass, and the Marlborough District Council, who supply and help transport logs, making it a true community collaboration.

The Lions Club of Blenheim is also planting seeds for the future through its support of young people. The Marlborough Boys’ College Leo Club, sponsored by the Lions, offers boys an opportunity to gain leadership skills and give back to the community. Currently boasting around 20 members, the club organises BBQs, participates in planting projects, and raises funds for charities like Four Paws. They also make time for social activities like ten-pin bowling and small-bore rifle shooting.

Another significant youth initiative is the Science and Technology Fair, coordinated by the Lions since 1990, highlighting the talents of Marlborough’s budding scientists and inventors.

A touching new project this year, Children of Courage, celebrated the strength and resilience of young people facing serious challenges like cancer, hearing loss, or chronic illness. It was a heartwarming event that brought together families and volunteers to honour these inspiring kids.

Throughout the year the organisation helps with various street collections such as Life Flight Trust, the Cancer Society and the Heart Foundation. They are also into recycling with proceeds from aluminium can tabs, wine caps and sleeves donated to the Kidney Society in Christchurch. Old New Zealand coins and foreign currencies fund the Lions Clubs NZ Charitable Trust with the funds supporting youth development programmes such as attending Outward Bound at Anakiwa. And old spectacles and sunglasses are sent to the Pacific Islands.

The Lions Club of Blenheim is unique in that not only do they facilitate the MBC Leo Club but they are also the host club for the newly formed Skate Marlborough Club Branch. This small group of enthusiasts are working towards upgrading the skate parks in Marlborough with work in Picton nearing completion already.

Their second club branch is the New Zealand Motor homing Lions Club. These club members maintain contact by zoom meetings. Membership is open to anyone anywhere throughout NZ who likes to volunteer. Their members join with other Lions clubs whenever possible to complete volunteering activities or meet socially.

Whether you’re looking to make new friends, give back, or just find meaning in helping others, there’s a place for you at the Lions Club of Blenheim.

If you’d like to learn more or get involved, the Lions would love to hear from you. Contact Club President and Secretary Helen Williams on 021 1458 572 or email [email protected]. You can also reach Delphine Lee on 029 942 5004 or Membership Chair Jim Thomas on 027 340 9520.

In a world that often feels too busy and disconnected, the Lions Club of Blenheim reminds us of the power of community, compassion, and showing up for each other one project, one volunteer, and one good deed at a time.