SWANWICK Lions Club has been helping the community since it was founded in 1976.

The non-profit charity is part of the global Lions Club, encouraging volunteers to roll up their sleeves and take action in the community to make it a better place, working closely with charities and individuals.

This year alone, Swanwick Lions raised £2,000 for PCSO – a charity run by prostate cancer patients who aim to raise awareness of the disease so that men are diagnosed as early as possible.

While last year the Swanwick Lions donated the same amount of money to support people who had been affected by the war in Ukraine.

Swanwick Lions welfare and membership officer, Kate Scott, 55, told the Echo: “We’re finding more and more that we’re helping individuals whose life has changed since the pandemic and with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“We help raise money for causes close to our community’s heart and also run a food bank each month from Waypoint Church where we’ll buy hundreds of pounds worth of items for those that couldn’t otherwise afford them.

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“It’s lovely when you get positive feedback. We’re not looking for appreciation but it’s helpful to know we’re making a difference because that’s why we volunteer.”

The charity is run by 11 members, aged from 20 to 88, and with the collaboration of Eastleigh Lions are getting ready for their annual duck race on Bank Holiday Monday.

It’s the 35th time the event has taken place by the picturesque river setting, as thousands of plastic ducks are released from Mansbridge Bridge in a quacking race to the end of the river, in a fun day out for all the family.

The race is due to begin at 2.30pm.

The event is free to attend, but raffle tickets can be purchased on the day by visitors who can win prizes (such as gift vouchers) while also raising money for the charity that will be redistributed to help those in need in the local area.

Kate added: “It’s something for all the family and it would be great to see a big turnout as there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes.

“It does get quite crowded, particularly at the start line but it’s something we’re very excited about and it’s for a good cause.”