Friends of the Lions

In 2010, at the outset of the last financial crash and as a specific response to the economic and financial circumstance in which certain people found themselves, Ennis Lions Club set up the “Friends of the Lions Club”. Understanding that there are people in our community who are unable to give of their time but would like to contribute in some way to the less well off in Ennis and its environs, this initiative provides an opportunity for people to donate small amounts on a regular basis, to help alleviate the financial challenges of those who are less well off in our community.
Many of those whom this initiative supports are single parent families who are struggling to deal with the challenges of financial difficulty and need supplementary emotional and financial support, outside of the normal welfare assistance available to them. Despite living in a time of relative financial prosperity, many people who never dreamt that they would be in financial difficulty are living on the poverty line.
Since its inception, FOTL has supported over 100 families to the tune of nearly €45,000 by way of paying overdue bills (ESB, Oil, etc.), taking out money lenders, one off costs such as back to school, confirmation, equipment breakdowns, hospital fees, school grinds, etc. In addition we support families at Christmas with food vouchers, gifts, and hampers. We are also currently supporting 13 families through our Winter Fuel Scheme which runs from October to March each year.
Therefore, if you do not have the time to join the Lions Club and participate in the services we provide, then you could participate by joining the Friends of the Lions Club. This simply entails your setting up a monthly standing order for the amount of your choice, beginning with as little as €5 per month. If you can increase your generous contribution to €21 per month (€252 per annum), the Lions Club can claim additional tax relief of €113 on that amount.
Our motto is “We Serve”. Through your contribution we can do more serving and less fundraising.