The offspring of Lions Club International lives on to make an impact 93 years after its existence. LEO (Leadership, Experience, Opportunity) Club is the youth spawn of the world’s largest service organization, and it’s only fitting that Canes set of the highest standards for its first year with inductees.
“My Grandma’s blind and I went to India last December, which included volunteering at a blind school. Those are my two inspirations to make an impact with LEO club.” Junior club president Jasmine Naik says.
Jake Leichtenschlag, junior club vice president, adds to what Naik had to say. “We are excited to have new members interested about participating in up coming projects such as Eye Care for India and Use Solar Save Lives, which is in Kenya.”
The main focus of LEO and Lions club service is sight. Some PHU inductees have already taken up community projects over the summer, but the ambitious plans to help serve the world was conveyed to about 40 people in club sponsor’s Ms. Laura Tabajdi portable. The first service project is Eye Care for India, an organization made to help build free eye care camps around India to help the 15 million blind people in its population that can easily become an outcast without any care. In order to help the region, a LEO club fundraiser is being planned during the local India Festival.“80 percent of blindness can be preventable. Eye Care for India, in conjunction with Lions club International, is a huge deal over there because of it.” Jasmine describes.
The second service project is not planned until second semester, but it is very prevalent to the local current. Junior Samantha Kendal is currently in Swaziland with HopeAlive helping build improvements to improve the quality of life there. Leos hope to help with Use Solar Save Lives. Started by CNN Hero Evens Wadongo, this organization helps provide solar lamps to those using kerosene. Studies show that blindness is decreased if flames were not used to light up the night.“The way these lamps are used can change lives all while improving simple nightly tasks,” Naik mentions.
Fifteen dollar dues for this club are being collected through October 15th, the date for the next meeting. This price includes a club shirt, which is still in need of a design. If you would like to design the shirt, or just follow the club, you may do so on their Facebook page. Those in search of CAS hours will be able to earn them with LEO Club.