Nearly 50 members of the Lions Clubs District 105SE (South East Lions) came together at our Charity Headquarters at Rochester Airport on 5 September for a special Open Day celebrating their longstanding partnership with KSS.
The day was an opportunity for members of Team KSS to thank Lions members from across the region for their support and to share with them how their fundraising continues to help us save lives across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Among those representatives from the Lions attending were Past International Director Howard Lee and District Governor David Harvey, who addressed their members and joined updates on the work of KSS from Assistant Director of Service Delivery – Operations Richard de Coverly and Executive Director of Service Delivery Leigh Curtis.
The event also saw Susan Saunders, President of the Adur Lions Club, set off on an inspiring eight-day sponsored cycle ride across the eight zones of the South East Lions District. The challenge aims to raise both awareness and funds for KSS, with all proceeds supporting the Lions’ current fundraising appeal for a fuel transfer pump which will help the charity to progress plans for all weather flying.
Helene Poursain, Head of Individual Fundraising at KSS said: “Our partnership with the South East Lions is something we value enormously, and it was a pleasure to welcome members to Rochester to celebrate everything we have achieved together.
“The commitment shown by Lions clubs across our region continues to make a significant difference to our lifesaving service. We are incredibly grateful to Susan for taking on this remarkable challenge, and to everyone who has already supported her fundraising efforts.
“Community support is vital in helping us provide advanced critical care to patients when they need us most, and we wish Susan the very best of luck as she embarks on her journey across the South East.”
Howard Lee, Past International Director of the Lions said: “It’s been great to return to KSS and learn more about the amazing lifesaving work carried out by its crews every day. We are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile charity. KSS objectives are so closely aligned with our Lions purposes that our partnership with them is just such a natural fit.”
Lions clubs have supported KSS for many years through fundraising, volunteering and advocacy, helping to fund equipment and projects that enable our charity’s specialist doctors and paramedics to deliver lifesaving care wherever it is needed. The open day gave members the opportunity to see first-hand the impact their fundraising has and learn more about the future of the service.
Since they began supporting KSS in 2012, Lions Club District 105SE have raised over £568k. During that time they have helped us purchase essential equipment including four Rapid Response Vehicles (RRV), bespoke medical kit bags and the night vision goggles which in 2013 enabled KSS to become the first air ambulance charity in the UK to fly around the clock 365 days a year.
Everyone at KSS would like to thank the South East Lions for their continued support and wish Susan every success as she cycles across the district in aid of the charity.
