7: A LANDMARK FOR LCGT - LIONS PLAY CENTRE

Lions Play Centre

A landmark project is all-important as it leaves the “Lion” imprint that others could emulate.  We sought not just a project but a legacy to commemorate the 15th club’s charter anniversary. Something that embodies our spirit of service and international fellowship.  

With enthusiastic support from our sister clubs from several countries, we commemorated their visit and imprinted their names to celebrate our shared Lionistic bond. This wasn’t just a local effort—it was a global gesture of unity. 

Thanks to the generosity of the City Council, which granted us a modest plot of land within the MBPP Youth Park. There, we built something truly special: a play centre for the youth of Penang. At RM20,000—a princely sum in 1978—it was the only project of its kind in the state, and a bold undertaking for our club.

Spanning 1,500 square feet, the Lions Play Centre offered a safe and welcoming space where young people could gather freely for indoor recreation. From table tennis to Scrabble, it was a place for play and connection. But it didn’t stop there—the centre was designed as a multi-purpose hall, ready to host lectures, forums, celebrations, and community events. 

By late November 1978, the Lions Play Centre stood proudly at Penang Youth Park—completed and waiting for its grand unveiling during our 15th Charter Anniversary. It was more than a building. It was a symbol of what Lions can achieve together: across borders, across generations, and always in service.

 

Many Sisterclub Lions from LC Adelaide Light (Australia), LC Bangkok Dusit (Thailand), LC Castle Peak (Hong Kong), LC Makati Central (Philippines), LC Taipei Northwest (Taiwan) and LC Urawa Nishi (Japan) attended. We were deeply honoured by the presence of the overseas Lions.  and called it a joint project with these six clubs. As written in the Lions Charter, we were proud to do our bit in promoting better international understanding.

FUNDRAISING PROJECTS 

The club carried out several fundraising projects to help the needy; one of which was a charity premiere screening at the Cathay Cinema along  Penang Road. 

Y.A.B. Tan Sri Wong Pow Nee, the Chief Minister of Penang, was invited as the patron, and this added glamour to the event. We were truly delighted as generous Penangites bought all the tickets to the show. We SOLD OUT!

SETTING UP A S.O.S. COUNSELLING CENTRE

One of the projects aimed at assisting individuals was the expansion of an S.O.S. Centre, designed to aid those who have lost their way and were on the verge of suicide. We received a request from Mr. Khoo Keat Siew to revive and refurbish the S.O.S. Centre. He was prepared to secure trained personnel to oversee the centre at the YMCA. Without hesitation and following a swift decision from the Board, the project received approval. The club contributed RM7,000, which was raised through a walkathon. The project was launched on 8/12/1978.