DWINDLING membership has triggered a call to action by the Gambier City Leo Club, with young “cubs” urged to pounce on the potentially life-changing opportunity.
A decline in numbers over the three years since it was chartered has created uncertainty around the youth club’s future, with just four current members.
Gambier City Lions Club advisor Max Hellyer said becoming a member was the perfect opportunity to help set up the next “leaders of the future”.
“When forming the club our initial thought was to get a mixture of children from 12 to 18 years of age involved in the community,” Mr Hellyer said.
“It gives them a broader understanding of the world and how they can achieve.
“Some of the kids we have seen come through are just unbelievable, you can give them an outlook and they will just go for it.”
Mr Hellyer said the community-minded club – which is supported by Lions – aimed to help young people’s development.
“I think the most important thing they receive is an understanding on how they can help the community and a sense of independence,” he said.
“It also looks great on their CV when applying for jobs as it shows they have volunteered their time at a young age.
“A couple of our past members have been nominated for the Lions Club Australia’s Youth of the Year.”
Mr Hellyer said the club gave younger people an opportunity to show their true potential.
“Sometimes they are just not given the same opportunities as adults,” he said.
“There are a lot of kids out there which are good young people.
“All we have to do is encourage them to step up to the challenge.”
Meetings are held the second and fourth Friday of each month at the Mount Gambier Community RSL from 6pm to 7pm.
“Last year our group donated $2000 to various South East charities,” Mr Hellyer said.
“Our current fundraiser through the Oatmill Cinema Complex will involve Toy Story 4 screening on June 23 at 2.30pm.
“I think the kids get a lot out of it and it does not take much of your time to become involved.”
For more information about the Leo Club contact Mr Hellyer on 0419 574 647.
