2: RICH AND LEARNING EXPERIENCE 1965

 Reminiscing the 60s - A Rookie Lion

I remember…

One fine day, I was pleasantly greeted with the news that the “Numero Uno” in our district would be visiting our club.

He was the District Governor Eng Ah Koon who had arrived from Singapore. DG Eng, later became the Past International Director, a first for our district! Everyone was excited and duly accorded DG Eng the VIP treatment, only to be told later that he had placed the club under “status quo” for the next six months! My guess was that the club did not pay its dues on time and/or it had recorded a low membership of less than twenty active members.
 
However, it did not take long before the club was lifted off its ‘status quo’ and we reverted to normality and became more active in its services to the community. 

I still vividly recall the excitement I felt upon learning that a distinguished Lion dignitary from Lions Clubs International (LCI) was scheduled to visit our club. This was all the way back in 1968. It marked the first occasion for me to interact with and greet a foreign visitor. Numerous meetings were held to meticulously plan out his itinerary. 

Upon his arrival at Bayan Lepas Airport, six Lions from our club were there to extend a warm welcome. He was escorted by an Asian Secretary.  I was fortunate to be part of this welcoming committee. We then escorted him to the Merlin Hotel, where he stayed and also where our club meetings were held monthly.  As evening approached, he made his way to the lobby, and we guided him to the meeting room.

We were all dressed in our club jackets, while he was elegantly attired. After the initial welcome, a hush fell over the room as he began to address us.

He commended the Lions who greeted him at the airport, as well as all those present at the meeting. Such words of praise were rare and served as a great source of motivation for us. He displayed respect and offered his support for our endeavors. His words encouraged us to actively participate in various activities. Before his visit, my knowledge of Lionism on an international scale was limited. However, he generously shared valuable insights on Lionism, available resources, and the necessary guidance to remain dedicated to our objectives. He emphasized that many clubs falter due to inadequate communication among members, between the club and district, and with LCI. It was evident that he was a true leader, urging us to continuously strive for personal growth, as we all held leadership roles in our own capacities. 

My enthusiasm…

After three years as a Lion, my enthusiasm began to wane. Naturally, career came first for a young man like me. I was missing many club activities as my work in the office piled up. In addition, there needed to be more information from the club and a drive to get everyone involved. I was absent from club meetings for nearly six months! Things started to change when the late Tan Pek Eam took office as President. Pek Eam had a personal touch and he knew the art of empowerment!

 

My First Service Project to the Community…

President Pek Eam assigned me my very first project. “Lion Allan, go and help the orphans! We can make a difference.” A gentle nudge from a charismatic President can often go a long way in getting things done! Together with a few Lions, we brainstormed ways of fund-raising and coined the project ‘Fruits Galore’. Then we set about to work on our plan with unbridled zeal. We were very determined to help the orphans.
Yes, we can make a difference! For the first time in my life, I had to open my mouth to ask for contributions. We approached the fruit sellers at the busy Sia Boey Market at Maxwell Road (now an urban park in Jalan Prangin) to appeal for contributions in kind. To our delight, many of the fruit sellers and well-wishers came forward willingly, and before we knew it, we had several baskets full of fruits for the Home. Not to rest on our laurels, I decided to go the extra mile and sourced for new bed sheets and pillow casings for the home. The orphans deserved better bedding sets too. Our appeals did not fall on deaf ears. In a short period, it was “Mission accomplished!” My mantra soon became, “Knock, and the doors shall open!”

And till today, I still remember with pride my maiden project. It was at the Ramakrishna Home, an orphanage at Scotland Road. During the presentation, the beaming and gratifying faces of the orphans touched our heartstrings. For the first time, I understood why there is a need for Lions to make a difference. Trust me, once you have done your bit to help others, it really gets addictive. Soon enough you will get hooked!! The great man, Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Man becomes great exactly in the degree in which he works for the welfare of his fellowmen."

 
Henceforth, my enthusiasm “cajoled” me into volunteering for several more projects including the presentation of tables and chairs to the Silver Jubilee Home at Sungei Nibong. From orphans to old folks. And many, many more to come!!