Guildford Lions’ Survey Shows Positive Outlook For Good Causes

Published on: 29 May, 2022
Updated on: 29 May, 2022

A survey commissioned by the Guildford Lions Club indicates quite clearly that, despite the current economic conditions and worries about household finances, the people of Guildford are remaining as generous as ever.

The president of the Guildford Lions Club, Andy Bustin.

The president of the club, Andy Bustin, said: “The survey was sent to local business owners, friends of the Lions, supporters and club members as well as via our social media platforms. We were delighted by the amount of replies we received, and while some of the responses were a little negative, on the whole the results are very positive.”

Commissioned to find out how well known the Lions are and what people think of the organisation responsible for hosting hugely popular events such as the Guildford Fireworks Fiesta and the raft race, the survey offers a valuable insight into fundraising efforts and the ways that people contribute to charities and good causes.

Andy added: “The Guildford Lions Club hosts regular events throughout the year, raising tens of thousands of pounds for good causes, as well as organising initiatives such as the recent appeal for laptops that saw more than 100 devices distributed to individuals and families in the area.

“We are essentially all about service to the community and we are particularly proud to have received a 2022 Mayor’s Award for Service to the Community in Guildford.”

The Guildford Raft Race is an important fundraising vent for the Guildford Lions Club. Click here for story about this year’s event.

The chief executive officer of Guildford Action (the drop in service for homeless people and rough sleepers), Joanne Tester, said: ‘The Lions offer support in so many ways, not just financially. As often we require support for vulnerable individuals and families, and whether it’s furniture, a mobile phone or a computer to help people apply for jobs, we know we can always call on the Lions to help.”

Alf Turner, who chairs the Guildford-based Prostate Project, said: ‘The Lions provide us with so much help, supporting our fundraising activities including the latest initiative to buy, kit out and support a mobile prostate cancer testing clinic for Surrey and Sussex.

“We also work with groups giving talks and raising awareness of prostate cancer, helping to debunk myths about the testing processes.”

Andy Bustin, who suggests that while the Lions is the largest organisation of its type in the world, they often feel like a very well-kept secret, concluded: “We sometimes fly under the radar, perhaps it is because we work with so many charities and good causes that people don’t really know who we are as a group, and maybe that’s a good thing, after all we are here to help others, not ourselves?

“But, if you do see us out and about, please give us a wave.”

For more information about the Guildford Lions Club, its activities and events, visit www.guildfordlions.com

And for more details about the raft race on Guildford Lions Club’s website, click here.