Celebrating Community - Waimate Lions and Whitehorse Lions

WAIMATE LIONS CLUBS PUT SERVICE FIRST

There’s more than one pride of Lions here - Waimate Lions Club and the Waimate Whitehorse Lions – both full of good locals making good things happen.

Part of an international network, communities across Aotearoa New Zealand benefit from volunteering work done by Lions Clubs. The name Lions stands for strength, courage, loyalty and action - qualities that guide both our Waimate clubs as they raise funds, lend a hand and look out for those who need a bit of help.

If you’ve ever bought a raffle ticket at the Strawberry Fare, grabbed some homemade baking at the community market, or spotted a Lions logo on a donation tin - chances are you’ve met Mavis Andrew or one of her friends from Waimate Whitehorse Lions.

This local club’s all about fun, friendship, and giving back. They meet on the third Monday of each month and welcome anyone keen to lend a hand. As Mavis puts it, she’d “love to see new faces.”

Their projects include ‘Cake and Care’ - visiting people who live alone or have just come out of hospital, dropping off home baking and a friendly chat. Every Easter, they also deliver chocolate eggs to people who might otherwise miss out including staff and residents at Lister Home.

Money raised from things like raffles, cheese rolls, garage sales and cake stalls goes straight back into the Waimate community. Recent proceeds have supported groups like the Cancer Society, South Canterbury Hospice, and Relay for Life.

Mavis has been giving back to the Waimate community through various groups for over 45 years and her service hasn’t gone unnoticed. Her dedication was recognised when she received the Melvin Jones Award – the highest international honour within the Lions Clubs, celebrating outstanding humanitarian service.

Over at the Waimate Lions Club, members have been busy lending a hand building bridges for The Waimate Trail - Te Ara Waimatemate.

Members of Waimate Lions Club install a bridge on The Waimate Trail

Club member Erin McConway said projects like this are what it’s all about. “It brings everyone together to work alongside each other,” he says. “It’s good for the

town and good for us as a club.”

The Lions will take any excuse to get on the tools -you’ll spot seats and tables across the district that were made and donated by the team over the years.

Getting out doing practical work also helps raise the club’s profile. “Most clubs these days struggle for members, so it’s nice when people see what we’re doing and think, actually, I’d like to be part of that.”

The Waimate Lions have a long history of community projects since they first formed in 1969. David Owens has been a member for 37 years and has seen members come and go in that time.

“We’re joining forces with the Whitehorse Lions in 2026 on a membership drive”.

New members are always welcome - because the more hands they have, the more good they can do. Joining your local Lions club is one of the simplest ways to give back, meet great people, and keep Waimate’s strong community spirit growing.

Phone Lions Club New Zealand on 0800 546 672 to get in touch with either group