THE CHRISTMAS DAY PROJECT OF THE LEO CLUB OF POLGASOWITA A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE Children are similar to flowers. For these flowers to bloom, they need proper education and all the happiness. In time of Christmas, Leos of Polgasowita organized this project to provide all the stationary items necessary for an identified group of 55 Children of Koralawella (Moratuwa area) within the ages of 6-15 whom were suffering from dire poverty and numerous difficulties. As the initial step we went there to the Koralawella village and carefully chose the neediest kids that must be lent a hand after talking to them and their guardians. Then picking 55 kids carefully we asked them to write down what they needed for the new school year. Although it was a worthy project with an earnest ambition behind it, the prime obstacle was to find the necessary funds for the project since providing 55 children with school accessory was not an easy task given the cost of shoes, school bags and stationary. So we took a step to fund raising to new level through the social media. We made a small video clip from the footage we acquired when we visited Koralawella to inspect their condition and posted it on facebook and Instagram. By around three days of posting the video and promoting it all around social media and email we were able to get 4000+ views for it. This brought the concern of many benefactors from around the world. They were very much interested in our cause and joined in hands with us through their valuable donations and helped us to make this project a real Christmas miracle for the kids. On the event day kids were provided the stationary items they’ve asked for and before the distribution of the gifts we sang with them, danced with them and all the participants of the project including parents were provided with refreshments. Event was colorful with our very own Leo Devin Wijesuriya came in as a Santa distributed several sweets and gifts for the kids. All in all it was a happy day for all of us Leos for knowing we were the reasons for someone else smile and their joy. We departed Koralawella with our hearts elated and souls overjoyed sharing the true spirit of Christmas. LIONS our We best leos have to serve to the society always with using leadership skills, organizing talents and kind heart. Service People who have helpless in the society should faced lot of difficulties when they going to do things they need. When some kindness Day people have felt their heartbeat and understand the situation well. As we leos of Piliyandala got an opportunity to do that marvelous service project joint with the Lions club if Miriswatta Piliyandala, District 306 A2. It was Public service day project which was very successfully organized on 12th December, 2015 at kesbewa temple at 8.30 am to 2.00 pm. During the event we made arrangement for many kind of services to the public such as Blood donation, kidney testing, marking ID cards, who lost or unclear ID holders, advising about law and giving some law points and teaching for their problems, job bank and gave the opportunity to learnt about the beauty culure and made haircuts for some needy people. Project was going for 6 hours with over 250 men and women were brought the service from it. 09 Leos of Leo club of piliyandala were gave their support to turn this project a success with their best knowledge, leadership skills and kindness hearts. Message from District President “ Stop waiting for things to happen, Go out and make them happen” My dear Leos, today all the Leos of A2 celebrating their success towards humanity. We could mark at least one major event in each month. Club Presidents, Council officers, Members and Lions gave their fullest to uplift the standards and the pride of A2. Together we spent 184 days … What do you think? I know each of us sacrificed our precious time, money, more sweats and so many problems, but still we stand as one family, because we did not wait for things to happen, we make them happen. Our heart says, we did well, but we need to do better to bring the glory to our district and for the betterment of our community and our country. I thank every single Leo for staying with the A2 name for the past 6 months, and I know all of you will stay forever with the name A2. Let’s Roar together! Your friend, Leo Pramod Wimalatunga Leo of the Month In appreciation of dedication for the betterment of leo movement LEO ISURU GAYAN LEO CLUB OF PILIYANDALA “ Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success. “ - Henry Ford - The first ever Mid Year Conference of Leo District 306 A2 THE MOMENTUM The first ever Mid Year Conference of Leo District 306 A2 was held on the 10th of December at Hotel Prashanthi. The Chief Guest of the evening was Lion Duminda Munasinghe MJF and the Special Guests were 2nd Vice Governor Lion Widyakeerthi Dissanayake and Multiple District President Leo Dumindu Jayakody ,The District Chairman for Leos, Lion Thulitha Piyasena and Chief Advisor for Leos, PDG Lion Kamal Seneviratne PMJF were also present for this wonderful evening. The Chairperson of the event was Leo Dinusha Amarasekara who did a fantastic job in organizing this event within a very short period of time. With the efforts of the Chairperson and her team together with the Organizing Clubs could make it another successful milestone passed in the Leo Calendar of 2015/2016. The main objective of this conference was to recognize the efforts of the Leos with regard to the work done during the past 5 months. All the projects and the services were taken into account and the winners were awarded with certificates and awards with the hope of appreciating what they have done and also to motivate them to do more service and better projects in the future. This evening was not just merely an award ceremony. The evening was given much more value with the recognition given to the the Past District Presidents of Leo District 306 A2. Their presence made the event priceless and memorable. It was indeed a rare opportunity for the Leos who are fresh to the Leo movement to see and recognize these true leaders who have done a great deal of work in the past to bring our District - Leo District 306 A2, to the position where it is now at the present. At this conference, another important event happened. From the funds collected to the One Rupee One Child District project, 5 students from low income families of the Horana area were given scholarships and the necessities they were lacking for their education. On behalf of the District, I would like to thank everyone What led you to become a LEO ? Now, what are your goals in both LEO career & personal life ? Well, I was invited to join Leoism by two of my uncles, In Leo life my goal is to be a Multiple District President Ravindra uncle ( Chuti uncle) and Lionel uncle. At that time I was a and to do some great unforgettable things to Leos and for the member of Gampaha JCI club, Leo club of Gampaha Metro, which betterment of Leo Movement. In addition to that I have many has a proud history. It was extended by PDG President’s counsel goals in my academic life, personal life, career life and spiritual Dunsten De Alwis during fiscal year 1971/72. During 2008 to 2012 life as well. My ultimate goal is become a CEO in a Multinational it was in an inactive mode and was reactivated in 2012 under my Company in my career life. So I always dreaming and chasing my leadership as the charter president of Leo club of Gampaha metro ii. dreams. What is the most memorable incident in your LEO career? What do you think about the “Leos of A2” and what words Ummm I have an unforgettable incident in my Leo life. I of advice would you like to offer these youth volunteers ? joined Leoism in 2012/13 as the charter president of Leo club of I don’t have to think twice when I am answering this Gampaha Metro ii and senior lions of Lions District 306 B2 including question. Leos of A2 are wonderful and awesome. I have a sincere Past governors invited me to take over the district presidency in bond with Leos of A2. I think I am the one who is very close to Leo District 306 B2. I accepted their invitation and took over the your Leos as an outside Leo. You have shown others of your unity district presidency in 2013/14. Ultimately Lions International, and as a family. It is the most important fact that other district Leos my Lions district informed me officially that I have made a world can learn from you. My piece of advice to you to be a true Leo record because I was elected as the District President within one year and mold yourself through this organization and go to the outer of experience. The day they informed me about my world record is world as a perfect leader. the unforgettable day in my Leo life. Actually this is my forth year as a Leo and I am today serving as the multiple district vice president. So, at last we would like to know your thoughts about the official newsletter of our District ? How do you balance LEO with your personal life ? Leo Amanda and her team is doing a nice job in a very Leo and personal life balancing…It is not easy to innovative way. Your newsletter is so attractive. maintain a balance between personal life and Leo Life. You Keep the quality of your newsletter up and see how the nail and skin is closely attached. Right, that’s try to discover more and more attract- how I feel my personal life and my Leo life. So I don’t want to ive and innovative points and topics balance it because it is flowing with importance and priorities. to make your newsletter memorable and useful one. What are your suggestions to take the Leo movement into the future? Well that’s a tricky question. I strongly believe, sustainable administration reformations can bring Leo movement to the sky high. I am not going to explain each and every one but I would like to say I always stand for those sustainable administrative reformations for the betterment of organization. Leos of A2 have shown others of your unity as a family LEO Rajitha Abeygunasekara Leo Multiple District Vice President 306 WHITE NIGHT T he 67th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paris by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948 was celebrated recently. However, the answer to the question whether people are aware of their rights remains vague. It is a must that the people from lower and lower-middle social classes know about the human rights they are entitled to. T he Leo Club of Piliyandala organized the project Dhawala Rathriya (White Night) in light of the 67th anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the hopes of leading the society around us with the values of peace and unity. Organized around the city of Piliyandala, the Leos distributed informative literature that includes handbills, posters, and banners in order to educate people regarding the human rights. Signifying the peace and unity, Leos clad in white holding lit clay lamps on their hands, started marching from the iconic clock tower of Piliyandala. T he project was ended with a ceremony at the city’s Cooperative Stores building. The Chief Guest Former Human Rights Commissioner Senior Lecturer at University of Colombo, Dr.Prathiba Mahanamahewa. The Special guest, Chief Minister of Western Province, Honorable Isuru Devapriya, decorated the ceremony in the presence of many other important personalities in the area.The timely project was spearheaded by Leo Ashan Perera of Leo Club of Piliyandala and the event was witnessed by many Leos from neighboring Leo clubs. January 2nd and 3rd � District Pirith Sajjayana January 24th � Leo Parade I will be a District Governor and that I should go all out for it. I say ... if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t ORDTHE RLD 1. What led you to become a Lion? A W WITH WO I was a Leo before this. From 1991-2006, my Omega Leos are getting older and all of us realised the need to convert ourselves into Lions members. So we did just that. 2. Who has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout the journey ? Lion Alan Thoo MJF To be honest, I have had quite a few. In my journey there were ups and District Chairperson for Leo Clubs Region 5 downs. Some due to work and personal matters, and some based on District 308 B2 - Malaysia challenges faced while being a young Lion at that time. Without some Lions Club of Sunway Damansara Metro senior Lions’ guidance and support, I would not have lasted that long. I have always been this fiery young Lion wanting to do a lot. If you have watched Marvel’s Agents of Shield, I am one of those who probably have the power but lack of knowledge, perseverance and compassion to use it. Well, if it’s not because of the guiding Lions whom I proudly call “Papa and mama”, as well as “big bro”, I wouldn’t be able to learn how to contain myself. They taught me well. Clip my wings if I fly too far away, swaying beyond redemption; or simply drag me back to the ground to learn how to “fly again”. All in all, I strongly believe every single Leo who converts to be a Lion, need to have a few guiding Lions to support him or her. Not for a year or two, but this is like a lifetime guidance and support. I thank all my seniors who have never stopped believing in me and what I am capable off. My Lionistic journey continues flaring is because of them. 3. What is the most memorable incident in your Lionistic career ? Well... the one thing that is memorable is being able to represent my Multiple District 308 (Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei) as the first speaker in the international Lions Convention in Sydney, and 2 more consecutive years thereafter in Seattle, USA and Busan, South Korea. 4. You are a multi-faceted individual and considered to be one of the greatest Lion ever in your District and a devoted family member; how were you able to achieve all this and be the prestigious personality you are today ? That is a very strong honour to claim. I just do what I do best in making a difference in the lives of others. There are many Lions in my district who have done very well and contributed a lifetime of selflessness. If you were to ask me, they inspire me to do my work. And to answer your question of balance. Well, timing plays a vital role in everything that we do. I’m a busy person as I am in the field of Events Management and entertainment. To strict a balance we sometimes have to sacrifice a little here and there. We can never achieve everything that we hope to achieve. No matter what it is, family is still the utmost important priority in my life. Spend enough time with the family and whatever we have left for our work. And the balance of that, we can do whatever we wish to do. But remember... nothing should compromise family. 5. What are your suggestions to take the Lionism and Leoism into the future ? I must say ... Lions should focus into understanding the needs and wants of the Leos of today. When i was as a Leo ...vs any Leo today ... the needs and requirement is a huge difference there. Lions today need to understand that the growing needs of the Leos in order to teach them and guide them. Many Lions fail to realise that we all do not live forever and someday these bunch of young Leos will be taking over our roles and responsibilities. For the Lions movement to grow, we need to invest a lot of time and effort in grooming the Leos of today in this modern ever-changing and ever-demanding generation. 6. Now, what are your goals in both Lionstict career & personal life ? Many Lions kept on telling me that someday I will be a District Governor and that I should go all out for it. I say ... if it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. For me, my simple goal is to be a part of the master plan of the Lions Movement to make a difference in the lives of others. And that alone is the important goal for me to continue my journey. As to personal ? That’s an entire questionaire altogether. 7. What do you think about the “Leos of A2” and what words of advice would you like to offer these youth volunteers? I think not just A2, but the entire MD306 Leo members are very committed and active. I feel that your projects are very interesting and that you all have a great passion to serve the community and that’s very important. My advice would be simple. Do not contribute to the society when you feel that you need to. Trust yourselves and go all out when the time is right and when you feel it’s right. And good luck in all your future undertakings. THE CHRISTMAS GIFTWhat W hat comes to your mind when you say childhood? First few things that cross my mind are toys, playing, watching car- toons, smiles and happy times spent. Everybody loves to have an awesome childhood filled with sweet memories. But do you think every small child is capable of getting a childhood that appears in their dreams? No, some are not that lucky, especially the small ones who live in slum areas. It might be their fate, but still they are small ones who know nothing about this world. Rather than smiling most of the time they spend their childhoods suffering and crying. So for this Christmas Leo club of University of Mor- atuwa decided to bloom some smiling faces in a slum area called ‘Bombe Castle Waththa’ in the midst of Karapitiya town, Galle because Christmas is all about giving and sharing. Ac- cording to a survey done by us there are more than 60 chil- dren living in that area excluding the infants. So joining hands with Lion club of Galupura Central, we made a successful ef- fort to bring some candle light to their gloomy childhoods. So in the eve of 19th December after all the small ones were gathered to a bare land near the slum area with their parents we showed them the animated movie “The Croods” in a wide screen put up by us. During the intermission we gave a packet of snacks to each and every child and parent. At the end we distributed a pack of stationary items as gifts of the day for each and every one. It was heartwarming to see their giggling faces and smiles filled with excitement and happiness throughout the session. Their smiling faces assured us one thing. Their journey of thousand miles seeking miracles began that day with those smiles and they’ll make their now suf- fering lives to a best-selling story book one day. Once Upon A Time ......... Editor’s Note Well.. It has already 6 months have gone and another energetic 6 moths have left for our leos to complete their project plans and upcoming events and we saw that during the past 6 months the efforts that our leos had been put, was quit fruitful and working more to fulfill the endeavors as a group of social workers, giving the maximum to the society as a whole, hence our leos have been engaged in various kinds of fund raising projects. Specially we have to mention about the “MOMENTUM”,the mid year conference which was held recently was a rewarding platform for our leos of A2, which encouraged them to work more on leoism. So we hope that we’ll be able to witness many more fruitful and valuable projects by our leos,in this latter half of our leoistic year. Cover Photo Official Media A2 MEDIA CREW A2 Leos at MADD 2015 Leo Distrcit 306 A2 Photograph : Chenthuran @Letmeknow.lk A Publication of Editorial Panel | Leo District 306 A2 SRI LANKA Design : Leo Pramodh Senanayake
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