MY JOURNEY AS A LION MEMBER

The Lions Clubs are doing great community service and promoting better understanding amongst people worldwide.

My blog may have captured just a minuscule of what the Lions have done over the decades, yet I felt it was a step in the right direction to share my contribution as a Lion. This blog reflects upon the life experiences I encountered and I share my cherished memories and experiences with my Fellow Lions, Friends, and Readers alike.

Happy Reading!

FOREWARD

Sometime last year, Allan Cheah confided in me that he had spent three-quarters of his life as a Lion and he had quite a voluminous collection of everything "Lion".

"Start a Coffee Table Book!" I said without hesitation but he didn't take to my nudging seriously. Allan somehow didn't get going with the idea of writing a book ... not until the deadly Coronavirus caused havoc and upset everyone’s daily routines!

On March 18, 2020, the entire nation was experiencing a lockdown for the COVID-19 Pandemic. Practically everybody had to stay at home to stay safe. Aha, an excellent opportunity for Allan to rethink and write that book! So, he reached out to me and asked me if I could lend a hand in editing his jottings.
And we have been communicating ever since! Indeed, it was a fruitful way to pass the time during the idle lockdown. Hence, the Coffee Table Book ‘I am a Lion' was meticulously compiled. It is common knowledge that the Lions are doing great community service and promoting better understanding among people worldwide. While this compilation may have captured just a minuscule of what the Lions have done over the decades, Allan Cheah felt it is a step in the right direction to do his bit. Rightly so, he takes pride in sharing this very spirit of Lion brotherhood and philanthropism with his fellow Lions, friends, and readers alike.

Happy reading!

Ooi Gim Ewe

THE PREFACE

Sometimes, it can be heart-rending to discard decades-old memorabilia, especially of events that we hold so dearly. As a die-hard and long-standing Lion, I have kept most seminar materials, bulletins, magazines, photos, and souvenirs of Lions' bygone days. Having moved house a third time, albeit to a smaller place, more than two-thirds of these prized collections have somehow been misplaced or lost.

Being a sentimentalist, I have decided to scan and store these wonderful memories in cyberspace. However, these memories may also vanish at the push of a button or be destroyed by some virus. There are old newsletter reports, letters, photographs, and bulletins in this book. These postings really encapsulate the people, their emotions, and the moments: be it laughter and joy, the spirit of giving and sharing, boundless friendship, challenges and sacrifices, the preparations and protocols, funny moments … in essence a brief of District 308B Lionism. Unfortunately, volumes of photographs went missing or could not be retrieved. I am so thankful to Gim Ewe who has inspired me to start writing this book.

Gim Ewe and I are both members of the 'EatingKakis', a close-knit group of food lovers. We often go for our culinary get-together where we talk about everything and anything under the sun.

It is my sincere hope that readers will get a glimpse of Lionism as seen from my sojourn as a rookie, a full-hearted Lion, a District Governor, and a Council Chairperson.

Bonne lecture!

aLLan Cheah