Prime Minister Lord Tu'ivakano received the first membership pin of a newly established Lions Clubs International Tonga that will be launched on Friday 30 November, at Liku'alofa Beach Resort in Tongatapu.

Barry Palmer the first Vice President of Lions Clubs International based in Sydney, presented Lord Tu'ivakano with his pin, at the Prime Minister's Office today.

Barry will officially charter and launch the new Lions Clubs International Tonga, and present pins to 35 members, headed by Vanessa Heleta as President.

Lions Clubs International is a secular service organisation present in over 206 countries with 1.4 million members around the world.

"Our aim is to help out the communities in which the clubs are present in any area, from assisting children in education, disaster relief to health. The organisation aims to meet the need of the communities on a local and global level," he said.

Barry said Tonga had previously had a Lions Club some 30-years-ago but it died after loosing momentum. "I am glad it is being revived by a group of people who want to help and build the local community, in order to improve their lives."

The Lions Clubs International Tonga had already started doing some doing some unofficial work, which included 14 containers of schools supplies and clothing sent over for schools, he said.

In Tonga members, include first Vice-President David Ngaue, second Vice-President Tanusia Paea, Solomone 'Alipate as treasurer and Ruby Ma'afu as secretary.

International

Lions Clubs International is a Non-Profit Organisation founded by Melvin Jones, a Chicago businessman in the United States on June 7, 1917.

Barry said on the international front they are working together with the Gates Foundation and have just raised $15 million to eliminate measles worldwide. "We also work with former US President Jimmy Carter's foundation," he said.

The Lions Clubs has a foundation in response to natural disaster relief such as tsunami and cyclones. "We can transfer to local clubs up to US$10,000 dollars overnight so they can use to help people in emergency situations," he said.

It is understood that much of the focus of the Lions Clubs International is to raise money for worthy causes. All funds from the public are used for charitable causes and administrative costs are kept strictly separate and paid by members.