July marks the beginning of a new year for the North Durban Lion’s Club (NDLC) which ushered in a new era with the induction of their new leader, Belinda Blakeman who will take over the reigns from outgoing president, Avril Hobbs.
Blakeman became part of the Lions family in 2000 after she was involved with the Empangeni Club, offering assistance in various projects and fundraisers. It was during this time that they approached her and extended an invitation to become a member of the Durban North based club, and without hesitation, she accepted.
“When you become part of the Lions, you become a member of a close-knit family, where we genuinely care for and support one another. Contributing to the well-being of the communities around me brings me great joy, and being a member of a substantial organisation enables me to make a more significant impact,” said Blakeman.
She said some of her favourite projects that hold a special place in her heart involve assisting children, stating that as responsible adults “it is our duty to safeguard the future leaders of our nation”. Another project that deeply resonates with her is raising awareness about diabetes.
“Being a leader in Lions means taking on the responsibility of guiding and inspiring fellow members towards the shared goals and values of the organisation. It involves demonstrating strong character, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others. A leader in Lions is someone who leads by example, encourages teamwork, fosters collaboration and effectively communicates with others. You empower members to contribute their unique skills and strengths, while also promoting the mission of Lions to make a positive impact in their communities. Overall, being a leader in Lions entails promoting unity, service and making a difference in the lives of those in need,” said Blakeman.
For the next year of her reign, Blakeman has adopted the theme “think outside the box to change the world” to encourage members to bring forth projects and fundraisers that ignite their passion and creativity, with the aim of reigniting the enthusiasm and drive within each ‘Lion’ in the club.
“As one of the younger members in terms of age, I believe that I can bring a fresh perspective and ignite a renewed sense of passion among all our members. By demonstrating our enthusiasm and dedication while also enjoying ourselves, we can inspire others to join our cause. Together, we will work diligently to make a significant impact on our community, striving to accomplish even more for those in need.”
For more information on the Lions or to contribute to any of their projects, Blakeman can be contacted on 067 238 4516.
