Lions club members’ contributions recognised

Gore Valley River Lions member Wendy Goodwin (left) receives the Melvin Jones Fellowship from...
Gore Valley River Lions member Wendy Goodwin (left) receives the Melvin Jones Fellowship from Invercargill Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) district representative Maree Hayes and New Zealand LCIF co-ordinator Leo Danz on March 23. PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Two Lions club members have received international recognition for their contribution to the organisation.

Gore River Valley member Wendy Goodwin and West Otago Lions member Liz Murray were both made Melvin Jones Fellows at events on March 21 and 23. The Melvin Jones Fellowship is named in honour of Lions Club International’s founder. Lions clubs contribute to the fellowship fund which provides humanitarian relief in communities throughout the world, and in return they can nominate a member to become a Melvin Jones Fellow.

Mrs Goodwin said she was stunned to receive the award.

"It was a bit out of the blue and quite an honour," she said.

"The Lions is a big part of my life and to receive recognition for the work I do with the club is very special."

The Gore woman also received an international president’s certificate of appreciation.

Mrs Goodwin has been a member of the Gore River Valley Lions Club for 17 years. She is a key contact for Rowing For Life, trustee for the Lions Skin Cancer Screen Trust and Toot for Tucker organiser.

Tapanui teacher Liz Murray received a Melvin Jones Fellowship award on March 21 in recognition of...
Tapanui teacher Liz Murray received a Melvin Jones Fellowship award on March 21 in recognition of her work with the West Otago Lions Club.
She has also served as district governor at national level and is the incoming trustee for the New Zealand Lions Lloyd Morgan Charitable Trust.

Mrs Murray said the award was a huge surprise.

"I thought my husband and I were just going to a normal monthly team meeting. Everyone knew about it but us," she said.

"They did very well to keep it a secret."

The Tapanui teacher has been a member of the West Otago Lions Club for 17 years and has been involved in a variety of community projects. She has served as district governor and is the cabinet secretary.

Both women thanked their respective clubs for their support.

nicola.simpson@alliedpress.co.nz