Ayr and Prestwick Lions open charity shop in Maybole

Apr 15 2011 Ayrshire Post (main ed)

Ayr and Prestwick Lions open charity shop in Maybole

ORDINARY people who do amazing things ...

That description would fit well within the mission statement of Ayr and Prestwick Lions Club.

It may seem a far-fetched claim, relating as it does on this occasion to the taking over of Maybole’s High Street charity shop for a week – from Saturday, April 23.

But listen to Lions' fundraiser Jim Young and suddenly the statement makes a bit of sense.

Said Jim: “The Lions have been gathering up all sorts of ‘goodies’ over the last year or so.

“And with a lot of help from our friends have an amazing collection of clothes, books, jewellery and bric-a brac for sale, and we are again very confident of hitting our £1500 target.”

It's also the stated aim of the group to help local charities in and around Ayr and Maybole.

Charities such as PHAB,Women’s Aid, Ardfin House and Combat Stress have all benefited in the past, and that's only a few.

For example, from their last fundraiser, Ayrshire Hospice were delighted with a gift of £400.

Added Jim: “Of course we couldn’t do that without donations of goods from the good folk of Ayr and Maybole. We have always been made hugely welcome in Maybole and enjoy our stint in the shop.”

The Lions are an international fundraising body with 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs worldwide. Founded in 1917, they are best known for the fight against blindness.

Says local president Brian Heddle: “This is part of our history as well as our work today. Our motto is 'We Serve' and we put that into practice locally.”

The Ayr and Prestwick branch have 20 members which means they punch well above their weight alongside other local fundraisers.

Brian went on: “Since our inception in 1995 we have met on the last Monday of every month in Ayr’s Abbotsford Hotel at 7.30pm.

“Anyone is welcome to come along. We are always delighted to welcome visitors.

“We also supported the education of two schoolboys in Kenya and many other overseas projects.

“We identify the needs of others and do something about it, having a lot of fun in the process.

“As far as the Maybole shop is concerned that starts next Saturday. See you there!”