HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

From the desk of District Governor, Hudson:

2011 will see loads of new challenges but with strong Lionism at heart, every Lion will be able to achieve all the desired goals in life as long as we have the passion to do what we do!

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

District 308B2 (Malaysia)

Time to Make a Difference! Roar!

Hi all,

It has been a while since we have posted something. Well, here's a video for everyone to think about our lives... the lives of others whom we have supported, helped or given hope to... and the future and the new year that will dawn upon us all....
Have you made your resolution? Set your goals? Review your flaws and perfect your mistakes? Well... it's time to be like this little girl in this video! Happy viewing!!! Roar!!!!

Regards
Lion Alan Thoo
B2 Passion Editorial Team

"We Complain about the brand of shoes that we have until we see people without feet"

It was 2 years back on 10-10-08 when my wife and I traveled to Cambodia for our Anniversary. I was just looking through my photos and I found these two... I chartered a boart and headed off to the middle of Tonle Sap Lake (Largest lake in the world I think.. if not Asia)... my intention was to have a romantic dinner overlooking the horizon at dusk... Instead... we were troubled with a few incidents on the way that totally stopped us and had us puzzled. Kids were "sailing" on their "aluminum boats"... asking for money. My heart sanked as I saw more than 15 "sailors" were doing so...

Our candlelight dinner didn't really end up too romantic as that experience stopped us to ask ourselves... Have I made a difference in my life? Do I value life? Should I be happy with what I have now? Should I complain about what I don't have until I realize what I already have is a luxury to many?

From that day onwards, our Lionism somehow strengthened. Well, that's just the two of us.. and a story to share. Both Cheryl and I have not made any plans for 10-10 this year.. let alone.. 10-10-10....

She asked me the other day about our plans for 10-10-10.. and I told her, instead of spending loads of money doing lame stuff every year.. how about we be M.A.D (Making a Difference)... not in our lives.. but in the lives of others? LCI and our MD308 alone are celebrating 10-10-10, World Sight Day and a lot of us are going for the Walk for Sight projects. 

A friend asked... "Aiya.. Alan... But it's YOUR anniversary!!!! You can put everything else on hold... What difference does it make for the two of you?" And my answer to him was... "It may just be an extra two Lions on the road supporting this cause... but... I know we would have Made a Difference... it's the baby steps we take!"

What are your plans for 10-10-10?
*Penang*Klang Valley*

Regards

Lion Alan Thoo
B2 Passion Editorial Team

B2 Lions Serving with Passion! (Random news)

District 308B2 Lions Clubs would like to wish all Muslim Lions a belated SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI! We apologize for not being to post up materials as we were caught up with a lot of workload prior to the Raya Holidays. Anyway, here's some news for all of you!

DID YOU KNOW? ... 

that we have a LIONS HEADQUARTERS? No? Oh well...No kidding! It is a 3 storey building located at No: 25-1 Jalan Tanjung SD 13/2, Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur! it;s just 10 minutes drive from One Utama Shopping Mall! The ground floor is currently rented out and the 1st & 2nd floor house board rooms and a large seminar hall that can cater up to 70 people forseminars and talks.

Board rooms for small discussions

Seminar Hall

District Governor Hudson Hah in his office on 1st floor & the cabinets housing past year awards, souvenir programmes and a rich history of District 308B1 & B2!!!!

Should you need more information, kindly contact Lion Veronica Koh or Lion Richard Choo at 03-62725399 for booking!

DID YOU KNOW? ...

Lions Clubs in Penang, District 308B2, donated All Terrain 4 x 4 Ambulance to the St.John's Ambulance of Malaysia? This First-in-Malaysia ambulance will be making its debut in Malaysia very soon! The Ambulance Project was first mooted in 2008 when the Rt. Hon'ble Chief Minister of Penang, Tuan Lim Guan Eng in a discussion with the then District Governor Kenneth Saw suggested that Lions try to help out the State Government by providing an ambulance to serve the North East tourist belt of Penang (from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Feringghi). The ambulance will be based in Batu Feringghi and its response time to any emergency in that area will be very quick due to its location. There is already an ambulance serving the South West area of the Island manned by SJAM's EMAS team. Penang Lions managed to raise some RM180,000.00 through direct donations, club contributions and a charity fund raising dinner held at the Han Chiang High School Hall in Penang in June 2009. Major  individual contributors are the 45th OSEAL Forum Committee, Lion Dato' Goh Eng Hoe, numerous Lions and Clubs in Penang. After a much awaited two years, tthe Ambulance will be put to good use to serve the people of Penang through the kind and generous efforts of Lions and the generous public.

DID YOU KNOW? ... The Leo Clubs in Malaysia just celebrated their 40th Anniversary a few weekends ago? Instead of a mega scaled concert, event or dinner, Leos and Lions chose to give back to mother nature by planting trees, cleaning-up, and organizing 3R/Eco related projects!!! Dubbed the M.A.D Celebration (Making a Difference), Leos and their sponsoring Lions Clubs worked hand in hand in green-ing Mother Earth! Here's a video of the biggest concerted event ever held! The best thing is the project gained approval from the Ministry of Education (MoE) and also endorsed and supported by MCG2 (Malaysian Celebrities Go Green)

Video compilation courtesy of LTv!

TV1 Coverage of the event


What's up with the New Century Lions in B2?
A picture paints a thousand words... A video... oh well... happy viewing!!!

New Century Lions Club Penang Island
Conferment Ceremony of Honorary Member
YB Koay Teng Hai,
(Pulau Tikus, Penang, State Assemblyman)
by 1st Vice District Governor Shawn Lee

IMNC Lions Club (Ipoh Metro New Century)  

created historyby being the first club 

in the district to organize a Joint District (308B1 & B2) after the MoU
signing ceremony between the two districts. The event was
a Buka Puasa event & Santai Ramadhan held in Giant Kota Damansara
with local celebrities giving laughter and fun to orphans and the disabled.

What's next?

10-10-10....is International World Sight Day (Click here for Lions International link on this topic) and both Districts 308B1 & B2 (Malaysia) are coming together to pull off a mega scale concerted effort in our respective zones/areas! Is your club a part of the Zone/Regional project for this? Do you have any idea where it will be held in your region? Well, the best thing to do right now is to contact your President or your Zone/Region Chairpersons for more details. We are sure they will be able to help you!

Well... that's all for now... Stay Tuned to B2 Passion for more info! Roarrrr!!!!!!!

Regards

Lion Alan Thoo
B2 Passion Editorial

Have you recognized your Leos lately?

August is declared as the Global Youth Month by LCI, with the International UN Youth Day held on the 12th of August! I remember writing something about steps to organize events with your Leos or perhaps other youths in your region or zone? Past International Director Ellis Suriyati once said, "Success is not defined as what you have achieved...It is what your successors can do when they are on their own, and how they could maintain your legacy or in fact, even do better than you!" True words of wisdom from someone whom I respect since my Leo days sometime back. Probably this is the reason why PID has been climbing the "Lionistic Hierarchy" ladder since she was a DG. 

It is true. Our youths today might have a different view point from our methods today. Their methods of doing things, their mentality, energy, view points and enthusiasm sometimes exceed the expectation of a fellow Lion. At times, with their fire building up, we may have the option of either shut them down by clipping their wings, or we go with the flow, and monitor their progress. Have you ever used this phrase before... 

  

"When I was younger, I certainly didn't do it like you!"

"There is no such nonsence during my time"

"Don't do this"

"You have no rights to say that. I demand an apology from you now!"

Sometimes, if we sit down and listen to them.. perhaps we might be able to even learn a trick or two from them. No kidding!

If your Lions Club sponsors a Leo Club, have you ever thought about giving them some forms of recognition via speeches, blogs, Club awards etc? With the advancement of the internet, youths today are exposed to more elements of lifestyles, management, skills, thoughts, opinions and may be more vocal than you think (or you used to be). 

There was a senior Lion who has been a Leo Advisor for ages... told me that at times he just can't cope with the younger generation as they are so energetic and fiery! So I asked him what was his remedy to keep track of the activities done by the Leos. He said, "Well, it's simple. I opened up a Facebook account!" He laughed. Then, he continued, "I may be in my 50's, but I ain't old. As long as we keep our minds young, fresh and open-minded... we'll live a better life, and even get more respect from the kids"

The Leo Advisor, who chose to remain anonymous, added that he even went to the extend of watching Lady Gaga and Britney Spears music videos on youtube.com just to know what this "Gaga" phenomenon is all about! (If you do not know who is Lady Gaga, well... she ain't Teresa Teng!) I was shocked personally! Gaga has never been my favourite and I probably might have just watched once. As the District Chairperson for Leo Clubs, I felt so honoured to have been able to talk to this Leo Advisor. He gave me an inspiration to go on doing what I do.

Well, for those of you who would like to tap into your young ones, do you know  that Lions Clubs International recognizes both the Lions Club and its sponsored Leo Clubs for activities that are carried out together? Click here for the form. You may download this form after your project, fill it up and send it directly to LCI office. You'll get a patch for that effort. Zone Chairperson Alan Cheah, in his term as President, organized a joint project with their Leo Club, Leo Club of George Town Mutiara, and received a special patch from LCI for their efforts!

In addition to that, if your Sponsoring Lions Clubs guide a Leo Club in organizing a mega scale project, you may even submit the project for the Beacon Award! As long as we Serve with Passion, treat the young ones as a source for creativity & energy... we might just bring the LION out in them!

"Serve with Passion"

Lion Alan Thoo

B2 Passion Editor

MoU to be M.A.D?!!!

M.A.D is the right abbreviation to describe what took place on the 14th of August 2010!!!!! The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Districts 308B1 & B2 (Malaysia) is definitely M.A.D!!!! Oh well, here it's Making a Difference ya!

In order to keep things short and simple for once, We'll let the photos and video do the talking shall we? As the saying goes.. a picture paints a thousand words!!!!

For more photos please click here! We will upload the link online soon@ thanks!

Another good article... food for thought!!!!

I'm still a bachelor in my mid 20's, and I have had a few great experiences with my ex'es, but even though my love life ended abruptly a while ago, I stumbled upon this article reposted by a Leo member... and it just caught my attention how PASSION can actually be slowly rejuvenated if you really put your hearts and soul into it. Maybe our Passion to Serve might differ from one individual to another, but ... the important point is that we kind'a have to build it up and Passion over something (or someone) is never built overnight. This article is truly meaningful. It got me .... I must say.. I stopped, re-think.. and I hope that by sharing this, I won't offend any parties who prefer to be single! Haha. Happy reading!

Serve with Passion

Lion Simon Leong
B2 Passion Writer
DC for IT & District Website
IPP IMNC Lions Club
District 308B2 (Malaysia)

MARRIAGE
by Stephanie Halmilton

When I got home that night as my wife served dinner, I held her hand and said, I've got something to tell you. She sat down and ate quietly. Again I observed the hurt in her eyes.

Suddenly I didn't know how to open my mouth. But I had to let her know what I was thinking. I want a divorce. I raised the topic calmly.

She didn't seem to be annoyed by my words, instead she asked me softly, why?

I avoided her question. This made her angry. She threw away the chopsticks and shouted at me, you are not a man! That night, we didn't talk to each other. She was weeping. I knew she wanted to find out what had happened to our marriage. But I could hardly give her a satisfactory answer; she had lost my heart to Jane. I didn't love her anymore. I just pitied her!

With a deep sense of guilt, I drafted a divorce agreement which stated that she could own our house, our car, and 30% stake of my company.

She glanced at it and then tore it into pieces. The woman who had spent ten years of her life with me had become a stranger. I felt sorry for her wasted time, resources and energy but I could not take back what I had said for I loved Jane so dearly. Finally she cried loudly in front of me, which was what I had expected to see. To me her cry was actually a kind of release. The idea of divorce which had obsessed me for several weeks seemed to be firmer and clearer now.

The next day, I came back home very late and found her writing something at the table. I didn't have supper but went straight to sleep and fell asleep very fast because I was tired after an eventful day with Jane.

When I woke up, she was still there at the table writing. I just did not care so I turned over and was asleep again.

In the morning she presented her divorce conditions: she didn't want anything from me, but needed a month's notice before the divorce. She requested that in that one month we both struggle to live as normal a life as possible. Her reasons were simple: our son had his exams in a month's time and she didn't want to disrupt him with our broken marriage.

This was agreeable to me. But she had something more, she asked me to recall how I had carried her into out bridal room on our wedding day.

She requested that every day for the month's duration I carry her out of our bedroom to the front door ever morning. I thought she was going crazy. Just to make our last days together bearable I accepted her odd request.

I told Jane about my wife's divorce conditions. . She laughed loudly and thought it was absurd. No matter what tricks she applies, she has to face the divorce, she said scornfully.

My wife and I hadn't had any body contact since my divorce intention was explicitly expressed. So when I carried her out on the first day, we both appeared clumsy. Our son clapped behind us, daddy is holding mommy in his arms. His words brought me a sense of pain. From the bedroom to the sitting room, then to the door, I walked over ten meters with her in my arms. She closed her eyes and said softly; don't tell our son about the divorce. I nodded, feeling somewhat upset. I put her down outside
the door. She went to wait for the bus to work. I drove alone to the office.

On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her. For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.

On the fourth day, when I lifted her up, I felt a sense of intimacy returning. This was the woman who had given ten years of her life to me.

On the fifth and sixth day, I realized that our sense of intimacy was growing again. I didn't tell Jane about this. It became easier to carry her as the month slipped by. Perhaps the everyday workout made me stronger.

She was choosing what to wear one morning. She tried on quite a few dresses but could not find a suitable one. Then she sighed, all my dresses have grown bigger. I suddenly realized that she had grown so thin, that was the reason why I could carry her more easily.

Suddenly it hit me... she had buried so much pain and bitterness in her heart. Subconsciously I reached out and touched her head.

Our son came in at the moment and said, Dad, it's time to carry mom out. To him, seeing his father carrying his mother out had become an essential part of his life. My wife gestured to our son to come closer and hugged him tightly. I turned my face away because I was afraid I might change my mind at this last minute. I then held her in my arms, walking from the bedroom, through the sitting room, to the hallway. Her hand surrounded my neck softly and naturally. I held her body tightly; it was just like our wedding day.

But her much lighter weight made me sad. On the last day, when I held her in my arms I could hardly move a step. Our son had gone to school. I held her tightly and said, I hadn't noticed that our life lacked intimacy.

I drove to office.... jumped out of the car swiftly without locking the door. I was afraid any delay would make me change my mind...I walked upstairs. Jane opened the door and I said to her, Sorry, Jane, I do not want the divorce anymore.

She looked at me, astonished, and then touched my forehead. Do you have a fever? She said. I moved her hand off my head. Sorry, Jane, I said, I won't divorce. My marriage life was boring probably because she and I didn't value the details of our lives, not because we didn't love each other anymore. Now I realize that since I carried her into my home on our wedding day I am supposed to hold her until death do us apart.

Jane seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked downstairs and drove away.

At the floral shop on the way, I ordered a bouquet of flowers for my wife. The salesgirl asked me what to write on the card. I smiled and wrote, I'll carry you out every morning until death do us apart.

That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run up stairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.

My wife had been fighting CANCER for months and I was so busy with Jane to even notice. She knew that she would die soon and she wanted to save me from whatever negative reaction from our son, in case we push thru with the divorce.-- At least, in the eyes of our son--- I'm a loving husband....

The small details of your lives are what really matter in a relationship. It is not the mansion, the car, property, the money in the bank. These create an environment conducive for happiness but cannot give happiness in themselves. So find time to be your spouse's friend and do those little things for each other that build intimacy. Do have a real happy marriage!

If you don't share this, nothing will happen to you.

If you do, you just might save a marriage.

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

B1 & B2 Passion... Dawn of a New Era!

In a few days.. comes the 14th of August 2010... the date marks a historical moment where District 308B1 & B2 (Malaysia) will combine as one (again)....! Both District's District Governor, Y.Bhg Dato Yeow and Hudson Hah, will be signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will mark the beginning of a series of combined efforts to foster better understanding via fellowship, events and programs. 

These areas of working include International Relations, Leadership and training, Sight Conservation & Work with the Blind, Youth Camps and Exchange, Cultural and Community Services and last but not least, the Leo Club program.

This initiative by both the District Governors inevitably enhances the two districts' understanding about how to serve the community together, build a safer environment together, giving & sharing together as one! This is like... 

"Serving With Passion Together As One...."

On another note, the Leo Clubs for both Districts, have already kicked start an informal working relationship since early this year with a Go Green 3R project at Mahkota Parade , Melaka, where Leos from both district combined efforts to organize the competition together!

And then, over facebook, we worked miracles as District 308B2 LEO Cabinet President, Eliza Chia posted the plight of a little 10 year old Thalessemia patient called Liew Chon Kong on her facebook. Chon Kong needed RM350 000 for his operations in Taiwan to continue living! Leo Eliza pledged RM100.00 and everyone else started pledging too..! In less than 24 hours, the Leo Cabinet reposted the article on the Star newspaper, and they raised RM1000.00 overnight! And in 7 days, we raised a total of RM25 000.00!!!!!!!

Both District Chairpersons for Leo Clubs, myself (B2) and Lion Sashekala (B1), Leo Cabinet officers and Leos & Lions, visited Liew Chon Kong to present him with the cheque.

This was also featured on 8TV's Night Live too!!!!

This is just the beginning.. with the MoU signed... we will be able to see more activities as such... from both B1 & B2....!!! RoaraarrrrRRRRRRrrrRRRR!!!!

"2+3= 10....!"

The idea of "2+3" was to save resources and have a good event at the end of the day! Hence, the Lions Club of Ipoh Bougainvillea City (IBC) and the Lions Club of Ipoh Metro New Century (IMNC) decided to turn this idea and concept into a reality. Together with the sponsored Leo Clubs...

The installation of the Board of Directors for the fiscal year 2010/2011 for IBC and IMNC takes lead. Then, followed by the installation of the Board of Directors for Leo Club of Ipoh Unity (sponsored by IBC) and the brand new Leo Club of Ipoh Metro Omega (IMO), sponsored by IMNC. The last one would be the installation of the District 308B2 Leo Cabinet! Hence.. we have 2 Lions Clubs and their sponsored Leo Clubs together with the Leo Cabinet i.e. "2+3"

In his speech, Guest of Honour - District Governor Hudson Hah stressed again, on the importance to serve above ourselves, embrace all challenges and not view problems as problems! He told us that it is very important for Lions and Leos to Serve with Passion! Without Passion, there is no way we will be able to provide unconditional love to the needy ones, he added.

Honourary member for IMNC, 8TV & NTV7 Celebrity host & actor, Lion Baki Zainal, received an appreciation pin from DG Hudson Hah for his efforts to take time off his busy schedule to contribute to the community! He praised Lion Baki for his work and passion towards Lionism and hope that more will be like him.. Serving With Passion!

Another receipient of DG's pin was Charter President of Leo Club of Ipoh Metro Omega (IMO), Leo Zenny Lyn Salihuddin. If you don't know by now, Leo Zenny was the Champion of Astro's Biggest Loser Asia Home Champion, pocketing USD$12000.00!
She has been giving lots of inspiration to fellow Leos and Lions as she struggled and achieved her goals. FYI, Zenny was part of the Top 30, and got kicked out in Round 2. However, all at-home contestants were still able to compete for the prize money so as long as they continue to work out under the Fitness First program. Zenny emerged Champion in that category, losing 32kg in less than 3 months.

DG Hudson Hah in his speech said, "She inspired me as she embraced all the challenges with one word.. PASSION! It is with her passion to succeed that brought home that trophy!"

Presentation of mock cheque of RM10 000 contribution to the National Kidney Foundation from IMNC Lions Club, witnessed by DG Hudson Hah, and received by Teen Ambassador from National Kidney Foundation, recording artiste Leo Azizi Zakaria and Fundraising Director of NKF, Lion Shirley Koh. IMNC spent no less than RM20 000 in the last 6 months funding the "Save Your Kidneys" program that took Azizi and a team all over Malaysia to approximately 80+ schools to conduct awareness exhibition and talks on dangers of kidney disease.

The District 308B2 LEO Cabinet... One for the album! Running in the second term, contrary to many skeptical minds and conservatism... The Leo Cabinet has been very successful in providing endless support and aid to the Leo Program in our District. More of their activities will be reviewed in time to come. For starters, via Facebook, they raised RM 25 000 for a 10 year old Thalessemia patient in 7 days. We believe action speaks louder than words. We have never seen such great concerted effort of all Leo Clubs in the District in such a short time frame.

Roar!

Regards

Lion Simon Leong
DC for Information Technology & District Website
District 308B2 (Malaysia)

8 Lies of a Mother .. Something to share!

A Senior Lion sent this to one of my members, and I asked him to forward it to me so that I can repost this here. In a time when we are so busy with our hectic lifestyles, business and many other items... perhaps, you might want to read this.

It's a true story from a successful Malaysian who studied and worked abroad. Here we go:

******************************************************************************************
8 Lies of a Mother...
This story begins when I was a child: I was born poor. Often we hadn't enough to eat. Whenever we had some food, Mother often gave me her portion of rice. While she was transferring her rice into my bowl, she would say "Eat this rice, son! I'm not hungry."
This was Mother's First Lie.

As I grew, Mother gave up her spare time to fish in a river near our house; she hoped that from the fish she caught, she could give me a little bit more nutritious food for my growth. Once she had caught just two fish, she would make fish soup. While I was eating the soup, mother would sit beside me and eat what was still left on the bone of the fish I had eaten; My heart was touched when I saw it. Once I gave the other fish to her on my chopstick but she immediately refused it and said, "Eat this fish, son! I don't really like fish."
This was Mother's Second Lie.

Then, in order to fund my education, Mother went to a Match Factory to bring home some used matchboxes which she filled with fresh matchsticks. . This helped her get some money to cover our needs. One wintry night I awoke to find Mother filling the matchboxes by candlelight. So I said, "Mother, go to sleep; it's late: you can continue working tomorrow morning." Mother smiled and said "Go to sleep, son! I'm not tired."
This was Mother's Third Lie

When I had to sit my Final Examination, Mother accompanied me.. After dawn, Mother waited for me for hours in the heat of the sun. When the bell rang, I ran to meet her.. Mother embraced me and poured me a glass of tea that she had prepared in a thermos. The tea was not as strong as my Mother's love, Seeing Mother covered with perspiration; I at once gave her my glass and asked her to drink too. Mother said "Drink, son! I'm not thirsty!".
This was Mother's Fourth Lie.

After Father's death, Mother had to play the role of a single parent. She held on to her former job; she had to fund our needs alone. Our family's life was more complicated. We suffered from starvation. Seeing our family's condition worsening, my kind Uncle who lived near my house came to help us solve our problems big and small.

Our other neighbours saw that we were poverty stricken so they often advised my mother to marry again. But Mother refused to remarry saying "I don't need love."
This was Mother's Fifth Lie.

After I had finished my studies and gotten a job, it was time for my old Mother to retire but she carried on going to the market every morning just to sell a few vegetables. I kept sending her money but she was steadfast and even sent the money back to me. She said, "I have enough money."
That was Mother's Sixth Lie.

I continued my part-time studies for my Master's Degree. Funded by the American Corporation for which I worked, I succeeded in my studies. With a big jump in my salary, I decided to bring Mother to enjoy life in America but Mother didn't want to bother her son; she said to me "I'm not used to high living."
That was Mother's Seventh Lie

In her dotage, Mother was attacked by cancer and had to be hospitalized. Now living far across the ocean, I went home to visit Mother who was bedridden after an operation. Mother tried to smile but I was heartbroken because she was so thin and feeble but Mother said, "Don't cry, son! I'm not in pain."
That was Mother's Eighth Lie.

Telling me this, her eighth lie, she died.

M - O - T - H - E - R
"M" is for the Million things she gave me,
"O" means Only that she's growing old,
"T" is for the Tears she shed to save me,
"H" is for her Heart of gold,
"E" is for her Eyes with love-light shining in them,
"R" means Right, and right she'll always be,

Put them all together, they spell "MOTHER"

A word that means the world to me... now, it may not mean so much, as I could have done a little more when she was alive....

****************************************************************************************
If your mum is still around... taking 2 hours of your precious time to pay a visit won't kill you. If she lives with you, taking her out for dinner/supper with your kids or other family members once a week.. won't kill you. Surprising your mother with a little souvenir you got from your overseas trip... won't kill you....! Giving her a HUG ... won't kill you

I had a friend whose mother just passed away and he cried non-stop telling himself that he could have done so much more when she was alive. I thought to myself.... "Could have done more?" Well....Yea.. Could Have... Should Have? Would Have? You figure it out yourself.

The phrase "Charity begins at home" starts from our hearts. What's the point of doing so much community service out there where you have no "charity" at home? Love begins at home. Like Y.Bhg Dato Lawrence Chan said at our Cabinet meeting... Love yourself.. Love Your Family.. Love Others. You find that peace in you at home.. that love at home.. then, perhaps, you will be able to SERVE with PASSION...





Roar!

Regards

Lion Simon Leong
DC for IT/B2 Passion Co-Editor
IMNC Lions Club
District 308B2 (Malaysia)

August 2010 - Youth Month (LCI)

Dear fellow Lions, 

According to our LCI website, August is declared as a month where we focus on youth activities!

“Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign.."

This is a call for us, Lions, to put a little thought into the youths of today. Be it your sponsored Leos, or youths at the age of 13-25... these are our future! The United Nations International Youth Day on August 12, 2010 is a day where people all over the world celebrate a day o significantly strengthen the base and foundations of the youths, giving them guidance, support and assistance, and I recall hearing one of the speeches by Past International Director Hjh Ellis Suriyati where she said, "Youths today, are our Future! Train them well, guide them well, and they will be your successor one day! The key to YOU being successful is not how successful YOU are. It is how successful YOUR successors are when they replace you one day! THAT.. is what I can call success!"

District Governor of District 308B2, Hudson Hah once said, in order to strengthen the youths of today, we need to teach them to SERVE with PASSION! It is only via Passion, they will only then learn to do what they like, and like what they do!

We know everyone is very busy with their hectic lifestyle, family matters, Lions Club events, business etc etc. Here are some guidelines for you to look at. If your club has some LEO Clubs under your wing, why don't you take a look at the following guidelines by LCI. Use the following resources to plan and promote your “Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign project.

• Press Release: Send a press release to local media to encourage them to publicize your “Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign.

• Call to Action Flyer: Get an overview of the “Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign – and ideas to jumpstart your project.

• Planning Guide: Use this step-by-step approach to organize your very own “Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign.

• Project Ideas: Review ideas you and your club can use to partner with youth to develop a signature service project during the month of August that will make a big impact on your community. The opportunities are endless!

An idea from District 308B2 Leo Clubs

The trick to focus on youths today is not just about doing it the "Old School" style... Youths today are no longer like before! They think quick, react fast, and their knowledge and usage of the IT gadgets these days outbeat any one of us! However, in order to be there for them.. in order to be their friend in need, how about having your Leo Advisor gather your Leo BOD one day and talk to them about organizing a project together in-conjunction with this month's Youth month? It could be a simple visit to a welfare home, or a school service project. All in all, YOUR presence as advisors to your LEO Club is essential in sending the message across to the "kids" that... YOU are there for them. Not only that, school teachers and authorities would also appreciate that the sponsoring Lions Clubs are there too!

Why not treat this as the first Lions-Leo project in this fiscal year in line with the call from LCI? For District 308B2, I have obtained some sponsors for T-shirts, stationery sets, stickers, books, etc etc.. Best for a visit to an orphanage! Limited stocks apply ya. In order to do this properly.. let's plan it this way:

i) Organize a Lions-Leo Visit to an Orphanage, ensure that both your Lions Club members and Leos are in the Organizing Committee, and not the Leos only.

ii) A minimum of 3 Lions member and your Leos to be present at the home

iii) Form a committee, and have your Organizing secretary send an email to me at alan@eventplusmarketing.com!

iv) Give me details as follow:

- Name of Orphanage and location

- Name of Lions Club and your leo Clubs

- Expected number of Lions and Leos to turn up

- Number of children in the orphanage

v) A draft programme

*Strictly on a first-come first serve basis, I have approximately 300-400 sets of goodies to be given away for you to be used in your project either as door gifts, prizes for games etc etc. Please ensure that your club submit to LCI as part of the "Engaging Our Youth" Global service campaign, and your leos submit to me for the August MAAR report. 

REWARDS

15 GCS Movie tickets will be given away to the Best Project base on most creative category (You can now take your kiddos for a movie!)

My RCCs and I will select the best project from this Lion-Leo Joint Project, and your winning Leo Club will also walk away with RM200.00 cash prize for their Project Account!!!!

 

Kindly note that my warehouse is in Damansara, Ipoh and Penang only, for Kedah/Perlis clubs, kindly arrange for pick up of the goodies!

Well .. what are you waiting for? Think Young.. Think Youth... Think Future!!!!!

Roar!!!

Regards

Lion Alan Thoo

B2 Passion Editor

District Chairperson for Leo Clubs 

District 308B2

The Beacon Awards

From the LCI website....

Lions Clubs International is encouraging Youth Activities in August..

"Engaging Our Youth" Global Service Action Campaign

Lions have an opportunity to engage youth by developing programs they can relate to, and by encouraging their input and participation in the planning process. Engaging youth in service projects now will help determine whether they choose to volunteer as Lions or Leos in the future.

Take Action

During August, your club can plan activities in connection with United Nations International Youth Day on August 12, 2010. Or, organize projects throughout the month that engage youth and mobilize them in the process of helping their communities. Allowing youth to develop and lead a service project helps them learn valuable life skills while emphasizing the role of service.

Campaign Resources

Use the following resources to plan and promote your “Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign project.

• Press Release: Send a press release to local media to encourage them to publicize your “Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign.

• Call to Action Flyer: Get an overview of the “Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign – and ideas to jumpstart your project.

• Planning Guide: Use this step-by-step approach to organize your very own “Engaging Our Youth” Global Service Action Campaign.

• Project Ideas: Review ideas you and your club can use to partner with youth to develop a signature service project during the month of August that will make a big impact on your community. The opportunities are endless!

Your Youth Project, can be filed as a Club level or District level project to go for the Beacon Awards. Click for more info. Meanwhile... in our very own District....

District 308B2 Leo Clubs

If you don't know by now... Come 2nd September 2010, the LEO Program has set foot in Malaysia for 40 years! Yes... The Leo Club of Anderson, Ipoh, was formed 40 years ago in 1970! In celebrating 40 Years of LEO Service, instead of holding a mega scale concert... or organizing a dinner or luncheon at an expensive hotel, District 308B2 (Malaysia) Leo Clubs have decided to GO GREEN in a special way! This would be to conduct what we call as the M.A.D Celebration (Making A Difference)!!!!

On the 29th of August 2010 (Sunday), we are inviting 40 Leo Clubs in the District to conduct Eco-based projects... be it School clean-up, planting trees etc etc... concurrently at 9.02 a.m. (902 symbolizing September 2nd). We invite all Leo Advisors, Sponsoring Lions Club Presidents or members to jointly do this project together with your Leos for 2 main reasons:

i) In line with the call by LCI to focus on Youth Activities this month as a Lion-Leo project!
ii) Be proud that ... 40 years ago there was 1 Leo Club... 40 years today.. MD308 combined we have & 200!!

The M.A.D project is approved and endorsed by the Ministry of Education with proper and certified letter, hence, doing this project at your sponsored Leo Clubs' school is not an issue!

Disclaimer to avoid confusion and disagreement about the celebration at MD level: 

Inevitably 2nd September 2010 is the day MD308 celebrates 40 Years of LEO Service in MD 308 (Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei) but there is no direction from MD Council for a MD level celebration. Hence the M.A.D project is strictly, and I stand noted, a District 308B2 Leo Clubs initiative, led by our very own District 308B2 LEO Cabinet. This is strictly not an MD project. However, we will extend invites to other Leos in the MD base on goodwill. 

Regards

Lion Alan Thoo

B2 Passion Editor

District Chairperson for Leo Clubs

District 308B2 (Malaysia)

Bustling activities & events at the start of the fiscal year!

District 308B2 (Malaysia) Region 1 Lions Clubs recently combined energy and resources to put up a Joint Installation in G-Hotel, Penang! The event was attended by District Governor Hudson Hah and Lady Nelly. Other PIOs included PID Ellis Suriyati, PCC Jeffrey Quah, PCC Patrick Chew and more! It was inevitably a great function as this date marks the beginning of their newly installed Board of Directors who would serve the community and bring hope.

DG Hudson Hah also urged all Lions to SERVE with PASSION.. his tagline for the fiscal year for our District. This was aimed at giving unconditional love and care to those in need as well as doing what we like.. and liking what we do!

And prior to this event, jumping to the Klang Valley was the Installation and Anniversary of one of the most reputable Omega Leo Clubs there... Leo Club of Petaling Jaya Integrity (PJI)! The event saw more than 250 Leos and Lions celebrating their 10th Anniversary too, with members from outstation and overseas coming back for such an important occasion!

Leos in Perak on the other hand, attended the 1st District 308B2 (Malaysia) Region 4 & 5 (Perak) combined Regional Leo Meeting! Board of Directors from approximately 15 Leo Clubs attended the meeting!

District Chairperson for Leo Clubs Lion Alan Thoo briefed
all Leos on the submission of MAAROS
(Monthly Activities & Administration Report Online Submission)

She Serves with PASSION!

A petite lady with a big heart.. that's what she is proudly known as amongst most Lions and Leos in our District! Lion Shirley Koh, has Lionistic hours that date back 37 years ago when she joined the Leo Club in her school. Even in her daily professional working life, she works for the largest NGO in Malaysia, the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Malaysia. as the Fundraising Director. Her duties are to raise funds amounting to no less than RM5 million a year for the needy to continue leaving. 

Happily married to Lion David, Lion Shirley Koh is a highly reputable Lions member as she has received numerous awards and pins (picture on the right) that included three time International President Certificate; Top awards for her roles as Region Chairman, District Chairperson for a few portfolios and not forgetting a Top President too! Lion Shirley has attended 15 OSEAL Forums, 3 International Conventions, 22 Multiple District 308 Conventions and safely say, all Leo Forums to date! She has also been a District Trainer since 1998 for Multiple District 308. B2 Passion Online Blog managed to get hold of her amidst her busy and hectic schedule for an exclusive interview.

How long have you been with NKF?

Since 1998 -  12 years and 5 months!

What kept you going all these years?

I believe its the passion to serve. Sicne 1973, the Leo Club and then the Lions Club later... I knew I was part of the world's largest Service Organization! This made me realize that many people need help and if we can make a difference in our lives by providing the service to make the community a better place to live in.. why not?

What is the most satisfying thing that you have achieved throughout that 12 years?

This is when we are able to achieve the collection of funds on a yearly basis! In NKF, we need no less than RM 5 million per year to maintain our operations. This will help us help those in need. Achieving our target means we get to give hope to the kidney patients.

As a member of the Lions Club, would you find it a conflict of interest when it comes to fundraising for other NGOs by your Lions Club, as well as your work, of which both are also charity based.

I don't find this an issue at all. Lions Clubs are service clubs which are meant to help the needy ones, and NKF does the same thing. In my Lions Club, we also organize projects for other purposes and at the same time, contribute in terms of financial and support to NKF too. There is no conflict of interest as long as we are professional in dealing with both parties. 

What is your formula in making all these happen? i.e. Work, Lions, Training.. etc etc

I believe you have to have the passion for this. Not forgetting also time management! If you believe you can, YOU CAN! We need to care in order to share and we need to share in order to care! This was the theme that I adopted when I was the President of my Lions Club in 1994/1995.

As a District Trainer, what are the common challenges you face?

The typical late confirmation by participants and the last minute requests!

As an experienced Lions Club member, what do you think are the Top 5 most challenging tasks of any District Governor when it comes to the management of the Cabinet.

I would have to say its getting the right and knowledgeable person for the right job to begin with! Next would be the chaing of the MMR reports and dues! The third would be to urge the support of Lions for District Projects or conventions. In addition to that, let's not forget that it is important to make the Cabinet Officers understand their role properly and to ensure the attendance of the Cabinet Officers at retreats or training schools as some or most might not turn up, just like this year. Lastly, I would say it is a challenging task to conduct effective membership growth and install a good retention programme!

1st District 308B2 Lions Cabinet Meeting

18th July 2010 marked yet another great start to the fiscal year of 2010/2011 as Cabinet Officers attended the 1st Cabinet meeting led by District Governor Hudson Hah. Also present were PCC Jeffrey Quah, PCC Patrick Chew and PDG Jason Lee.

District Governor Hudson stressed on the fact that this fiscal year, his theme is SERVE with PASSION. One of the major pointers of this is to serve with "Pleasure" rather than "Pressure". He added that it is essential for us not to force ourselves to do something that we do not want to, but rather doing something that WE want to. His inspiring keynote opening address set a basic guideline to all Cabinet Officers. Later, respective Cabinet Officers reported their plans.

After a quick brunch, cabinet officers and several BOD of Lions Clubs that attending the school for in-coming officers had the privilege of attending the District Theme Talk ~ Serve with Passion!

 Y.Bhg Dato' Lawrence Chan, who is a famous international speaker, rushed down to give this talk despite of his hectic schedule. His credits included the success stories of the Malaysian Hockey Team, the badminton team that brought home the Thomas Cup (those days...) and several other corporate firms that rose from nothing to something to ... THE THING!!!!

His wit and wry humour certainly was a high ice-breaker for all. Not forgetting his sarcasm, his method of revealing the ugly truth about facts of life certainly captured the attention of all and throughout the hour, no one felt bored, sleepy or restless as everyone was just captivated listening to Y.Bhg Dato'.

One of the many areas he touched on is... "To do something... you must first be able to like what you do.. and do what you like. Otherwise.. what's the point of doing what you're doing!"

His method was to train the mind and change the paradigm mindset of his students, and for the Lions that day, the Y.Bhd Dato' certainly have sparked a little something in each of our minds to think, then act! He certainly have motivated us to continue doing what we are doing, and be proud of it too! It is only then, we will be able to share and give love and...unconditional love!

We have recorded snippets of his talk and once it is edited, we shall post it up here!

Roarrrr!!!!!

As for the write-up and photos for the Inauguration of the District Governor the night before, we will only be able to upload later.

District 308B2 Lions Cabinet Retreat & Fellowship

On the 16th of July 2010, it was the first time where the Lions International District 308B2 Lions Cabinet held its first gathering for a retreat where cabinet officers were given a chance to get to know one another, especially there were several new faces in the Cabinet! This started out with an ice-breaker game and later followed by a speech by our new District Governor, Hudson Hah. 

Inevitably, this session has proven useful as it gives a generic outline of the expectation and directions of the district, as well as created a platform of reminders on the roles for returning Cabinet Officers and provided valuable information to new ones too! With experience trainers and speakers like PDG Kenneth Saw, Lion Shirley Koh and DC Lion Dr. Anthony Ng, the open-floor talks were very fruitful.

PDG Kenneth Saw touched on the Protocol topic while Lion  Shirley spoke about the roles and expectations of Cabinet Officers in general. 

The closing of the session before the distribution of Lions Cabinet T-Shirts was a brief Q&A session to sum up the talks of the day. Thereafter, fellow Lions were given an opportunity to take a rest before the Fellowship dinner at Onn Kee Chicken & Beansprout, Ipoh's famous local delicacy. Ipoh is famed for this where tons of tourists throng the Ipoh Town at night for a sumptuous dinner, and these restaurants are always full!

The dinner ended at approximately 9.00pm. Everyone is eager for the 2nd day of the retreat and the Inauguration Dinner of District Governor Hudson and the installation of the International Lions Clubs District 308B2 Lions Cabinet the following day.

-Lion Alan Thoo-
Passion Editor

DC for Leo Clubs

District 308B2 (Malaysia)