Palmerston North Annual Food Bank Drive - since 1991
An ongoing project was initiated in 1991 when our President and Past President were invited to a meeting with our member of Parliament Mr. Steve Maharey and the then Mayor of Palmerston North Mr. Paul Reiger, at which they were told that the city‟s Methodist and Salvation Army‟s food banks needed help.
They took up the challenge and agreed to Organize a city-wide food drive. They rallied support from this and other services clubs and what became known as the Mayoral food drive was born. That first drive proved so successful that it became an annual event that still continues today.
Relay for Life
The “Relay for Life” a project to raise funds for the Cancer Society in this area was brought to the city in the year 2000 and could not take place without the support of the Middle Districts Lions club and other Lions clubs from across the region. Since it‟s inception members of this club have worked together to provide the infrastructure which ensures that the event runs smoothly. Up to 1300 people can be on site for the full twenty four hours and they need such things as security, power, toilets, rubbish disposal, tables, chairs and a host of other things, all of which have to approved ob O.S.H. This is a mammoth undertaking which continues to get full support of our members.
Disaster Relief donations
Contributing to both New Zealand disaster relief through Lions Clubs in New Zealand and Worldwide disaster relief through Lions International Foundation (LCIF). Funds enable the early purchase of essential goods to assist those directly affected by these events.
Including Christchurch Earthquake - Kaikoura Earthquake - Austrialian Bushfires and also contributing to Lions Clubs International Foundation Disater relief funds.
Lions Market Day in the Square
Organiser of the annual Lions Market Day (Old English Faire) in the Square, held in the last Saturday of October.
The Lions Market Day (Old English Faire) in the Square and is held in the last Saturday of October. It is organised by the Lions Club of Middle Districts (Inc) and celebrates the event's 66th year.
The Plaza corner of The Square is filled with approximately 90 craft stalls. Stalls include: Collectibles, Arts & Crafts, Quality Wares, Clothing, Jewellery & Trinkets, Hot Food and Drinks.
Entertainment is provided throughout the day with the Manawatu Scottish Pipe Band and a selection of local School Music Groups.
All funds raised by the Lions Club are redirected back into the local community.
Annual Jimmy Carter Quiz
A real high point in our history occurred when an invitation was issued to the former President of the United States Jimmy Carter, to address a fundraising dinner for the Lloyd Morgan Trust in Palmerston North. The invitationwas issued by the combined Lions Clubs of Middle Districts and Manawatu, and offered the inducement of a trout fishing holiday to sharpen his interest.
This highly successful venture continues to be commemorated by the annual Carter Quiz for Manawatu Secondary Schools.
Helicopter Hanger at PN Hospital
Middle Districts played a major role in the provision of a hanger at the Palmerston North Hospital, to house the Trans Rail Rescue Helicopter (now the Square Trust Helicopter), arranging the supply of all materials and liaising with the N.Z. Army Engineers who carried out the actual building.
PN Surf Lifesaving boat
The Club presented a surf boat and a rescue craft in successive years to the Palmerston North Surf Lifesaving club at Himitangi. These were financed mainly by two „Garden Rambles‟ in and around the city, the organization of which was spearheaded by Margaret Baines and Jill Hart with the full support of their husbands and other club members. For this project the club received the prestigious Ron Usmar award for community services.
