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Local Heroes
community Local Heroes...
(Because not all heroes wear capes) Jill Thomas
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Jill presenting a donation to iCARE in Green Street Green
Jill dresses as Rory collecting at Bromley South station
Peter Li nominated Jill Thomas as a local hero for the contribution she makes as a volunteer
fundraising officer. Peter said: “Jill has been a member of Bromley Lions club for about 13 years, she is a tireless volunteer who is currently our fundraising officer which means she organises and runs most of our events that bring in donations which we distribute primarily to charities and individuals in Bromley borough.”
Q: Congratulations on the nomination Jill! How does it feel to be nominated as a local hero by Peter?
I am surprised and honoured to have been nominated. Being part of Bromley Lions Club CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) is like working with friends whilst helping others, who just need a bit of help as we all have done at some point.
Q: Can you provide a bit of background about how you became involved in the work you do?
I joined the Bromley Lions Club in 2009 after attending one of their Quiz nights a friend was running. I liked the group because they were so friendly and I thought the Club’s primary ethos – to raise funds from the Bromley public to distribute amongst and aid the sick and disadvantaged within the Borough – was a laudable objective.
Q: What do you particularly love about your job?
As well as being a Trustee of the CIO, and therefore approving grants and donations to local organisations and people, I am the fundraising organiser which means I propose fundraising events to the Club members and, if approved, I then arrange and organise them. As well as our regular monthly Quiz Nights at venues around the Borough we also have Lucky Dip stalls at local village events, collections at local stations and supermarkets, and various social events. The funds raised are then mainly distributed to local frontline charities or to assist individuals in need.
Q: What does a typical working day for you look like?
Days are busier when we have an event imminent, I will be checking emails from people who wish to attend and making sure everything is prepared.
Q: Have you been involved in anything else community-related locally?
When asked we have joined with local groups like Rotary Clubs and other Charities i.e. fundraising and supporting of Ukrainian refugees, marshalling at local fun runs, car shows and firework displays to name a few. We have also provided a number of local schools with packets of seeds for the children to plant, watching them grow and observing the wildlife living and working within these areas.
Q: What does community mean to you?
comfortable for as many as possible. Having pride in where you live and taking part in events helps build a community. The stronger the community the safer the area will be for your family.
Q: What’s new on the horizon?
We have recently developed a much stronger social media presence in an effort to get the Lions message across to more people. We would like to increase the Club membership so that we can become involved in more community activities.
Q: What do you most enjoy about living in the Bromley borough?
It is a green Borough close to countryside/parks and yet very convenient for the bright lights of London, the transport links are generally very good in all directions and I enjoy the suburban family vibe that permeates the area.
Q: What message would you like to give people reading this?
A lot of associations such as ourselves frequently complain that their membership is gradually ageing, we would love to see more Generation X volunteers to reverse this trend! But, more seriously, if any of our regular event supporters are reading this may I just say that without you being prepared to come along to our events and part with your money we would have no reason to exist so we are very grateful for your support over the years. We have an evening meeting on the first Tuesday of every month at the Two Doves Pub Oakley Rd, Bromley BR2 8HD and you can find us on Facebook.
