By Casey Neill
A Doveton stalwart has found new way to help the community – Lions.
Juan Carlos Loyola, better known as ‘Carlos’ around Casey, is the Lions Club of Endeavour Hills’ newest member.
He was sponsored by Lion Daniele Alexa and inducted by past district governor Ian Gration.
“I’ve been working on different things for the community, especially for mental illness and disabled people, for the past 25 years,” he said.
“Also I’ve been involved with White Ribbon and working with the Spanish community in the South East.
“Many people in the community need the Lions Club to help them.”
Mr Loyola gave the example of a mother with a disabled child having a hard time, under pressure from having to travel to the Royal Children’s Hospital.
“She struggled for different reasons and we are there for her,” he said.
“We supported some projects like research for cancer for kids.”
Mr Loyola said the club raised cash to support guide dog training and much more.
“We meet every second week and every time we’ve got new projects,” he said.
“I feel very grateful to be there.”
He said Lions had been around for more than 100 years.
“For a long time the Lions Club has been helping, in Australia but also around the world,” he said.
Mr Loyola said the club always needed more help and encouraged anyone who was “bored with nothing to do”, young or old, to join.
“Do something for the community,” he said.
“You feel fantastic.”
Mr Loyola received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) and in 2012, Narre Warren North MP Luke Donnellan created the Juan Carlos Loyola OAM Award for Longstanding Community Service following his 20 years of tireless service to the Doveton Special Soccer School.
The Lions Club of Endeavour Hills meets the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
Call Pauline Spry on 9700 1687, email address ehlions@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/endeavourhillslionsclub
