District Governor's Message:
Friday, September 27th forever changed the lives of The United States of America with a hard hit to District 31L, Western North Carolina Lions. We were hit with the deadliest and estimated to be the costliest, in repair damages, hurricane in the history of our country. We never would have dreamed that a catastrophe of this magnitude could have possibly hit the high and historically beautiful mountains of North Carolina, but it did, along with a slew of other southeastern states.
Hurricane Helene touched every county of our Lions’ Multiple District 31L, with the majority of clubs and lions club members located in the high mountains who were hit the hardest in North Carolina. The saying, “where there is a need, there is a lion,” has never before rang so true. With time and the unity that has been displayed so greatly since the initial hit, together we shall rise stronger than before. I could not be prouder of those who have stepped up to make sure that our lions and McCune Community residents are safe and secure. Thank you to the lions in our district, throughout the state, and around the country who have reached out to support through prayer, checking in, supply donations, monetary donations, and more.
Emergency Shelter for Lions:
Any NC Lion that has been displaced due to the effects of Tropical Storm Helene, may receive free lodging for themselves and their family members by calling the Camp Dogwood office. The kitchen will not be opened, so bring your own meals. The dorms have refrigerators and microwaves. Laundry facilities are available. Camp Dogwood is acting as a shelter currently for at least six families in need.
#LionFamilyStrong
Every county within District 31L has been affected by Tropical Storm Helene. Lions have been affected varying from no water, no power, dwindling resources of gasoline and food. Some have had flooding in their home, tree damage to their homes, and worse. Some have lost their homes and everything they own. Let’s all keep each other in our thoughts and prayers and check in on one another. If you are able to, please check in with District Governor Dawson to let us know you are okay and if you need help: cell (828) 302-6957 dawsonhart313@gmail.com
We have not heard from these clubs:
Haywood County was washed out - Please let us know if you hear anything from the Waynesville Club or PFHS Leos Lake Lure was washed out - Please let us know if you hear anything from the Lake Lure Lions or Leo Clubs Hot Springs was washed out- Please let us know if you hear anything from the Hot Springs Club
Updates:
~The disaster trailer from Multiple District 31N is scheduled to deliver supplies to the Hendersonville area on Saturday, October 5th.
~District Governor Dawson has been granted a $15,000 grant from Lions Clubs International for disaster relief efforts. He is actively coordinating the purchasing and delivery of food to be delivered to citizens who need it most to staging areas in Asheville.
Donating to the cause:
Visit the NCLF website: https://nclf.org and click on “DONATE TODAY” You will be redirected to the Zeffy page Be sure to note that donation is for Western NC Disaster Relief
Donations can be made out to and mailed to NCLF at PO Box 39, Sherrills Ford NC 28673- note in memo Disaster Relief.
Thank you to those who have donated to the disaster relief through NCLF. Funds are actively being used to purchase and deliver supplies to affected towns and cities in the mountains. 10/4: The delivery today is to a food bank in Lake Lure.
McCune Update:
Just days after the storm hit, Lions clubs on the eastern side of the district came together to start purchasing large food and supplies load deliveries to our District 31L’s Majorie McCune Community: Assisted and Independent Living.
We are continuously staying in contact with the McCune Community to ensure that their needs are met. List of needed items are being shared with zone chairmen. If your club would like to contribute, please contact your zone chairperson for more information. A company is letting us schedule and borrow their box truck. Two loads went up this week and another is planned to be brought up the mountain next week.
VIP Fishing Tournament:
Due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, the 2024 North Carolina Lions Visually Impaired Fishing Tournament has been cancelled. The Board of Directors made this difficult decision at its meeting on Sept. 30, with an overwhelming sentiment that funds typically used for the tournament would be better directed to disaster relief efforts. Executive Director Gwen White shared that many participants and volunteers who normally attend the three-day event in October have been affected by the hurricane. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted, and we are committed to supporting our community during this challenging time. Stay safe, and thank you for your understanding and support.
The District 31L Fall Convention is being postponed to February 14th and 15th. The location will be at Camp Dogwood.
There’s a leader inside every Lion.
And leaders know that, through collective action and individual commitment, we can inspire and empower whole communities. Make them healthier and stronger than ever before. And making our mark in the process.
As leaders, we unite people through our clubs, and in our mission of service. We foster collaborations so we can do what others say can’t be done. We embrace innovation so we can bring our bold service vision to life. We give caring people the chance to serve with us so they can lead with us as Lions. And with every new member we bring, we make our mark on the future of service.
Together, we reach out to the people who need us. We amplify voices that would otherwise go unheard. We change lives in ways that only Lions can. And with every life we touch, with every community we service, we make a mark that will endure, and will never be forgotten.
Fabrício Oliveira, Lions International President
of Catolé do Rocha Lions Club
Catolé do Rocha, Paraiba, Brazil
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