The Lions Club of Grand Cayman’s new president, Siri Jones-Russell, says she gets inspiration from her favourite quote, by American author John Maxwell: “Leaders become great not because of their power but because of their ability to empower others.”
Jones-Russell, who was installed as the sixth female president in the service club’s 53-year history on 29 June, hopes to empower other Lions to continue their legacy of service, compassion and making a difference by embracing her theme for the year: “A beacon of hope through service to our community”.
“From supporting youth programmes and vision care, to assisting families in need, our work touches their lives in meaningful ways,” she said in her acceptance speech.
“My plans for the club are to focus on fostering a strong sense of community, promoting impactful service and ensuring the club’s long-term sustainability,” she said.
“Key areas include membership growth, effective communication, strategic planning and active engagement with the club’s chosen service areas, which include vision, hunger, diabetes, environment, and childhood cancer.”
Jones-Russell follows a successful year by Immediate Past President Brian Barnes, which included joining with the Department of Children and Family Services to sponsor the Seniors Sports Day and donating vegetable seedlings to the John Gray High School Agricultural Project.
“Through our Prostate and Colon Cancer Event, we raised awareness about testicular cancer and donated US$10,000 each to the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and Jasmine, both of which provide vital care to those in need,” Barnes said during the presentation of the report for the year 2024-2025.
Barnes also noted that the club maintained its signature projects such as Christmas morning gift deliveries and the annual all-island kids party with the support of generous donors, members and volunteers.
“Each project exemplifies our motto and demonstrates how Lions continue to answer the call when the community needs us most,” he said.
Upcoming Lions Club projects include a run/walk/ride event to benefit the prostate and colon cancer initiative on 25 Sept. starting at 5am at Smith Barcardere, and the Benzarama raffle, which will be held at Mango Tree on 8 Nov. Tickets for the Benzarama event, which are on sale now, are $25 for one, $65 for three or $100 for five.
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