Lions Clubs New Zealand

Media Release
10 April 2007

Lions International President hits NZ to promote volunteerism

Lions Clubs International President Jimmy Ross arrives in New Zealand this week to encourage local Lions in their work and to highlight the impact of Lions Clubs International worldwide.

Jimmy Ross, a rancher and retired judge from Quitaque, Texas, USA, will take centre stage at the Lions Clubs of New Zealand 2007 Convention, which is being held in Invercargill this weekend.

He will see first-hand how Lions’strategy of active leadership in ‘Volunteerism’ has enabled them to entrench their membership as leaders in the voluntary sector of this country, without any obvious organisational structures or public figures to champion their cause.

President Ross will meet with Hon Winnie Laban, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, in Invercargill to discuss Lions’ contribution to the voluntary sector, and both will address delegates at the Lions Convention.

The Lions Clubs of New Zealand 2007 Convention runs from Friday 13 April until Sunday 15 April. Lions Clubs International President Jimmy Ross and his wife Velda will be in New Zealand from 12 to 16 April.

ENDS

Lions Clubs New Zealand

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Jimmy Ross
International President

Jimmy M. Ross of Quitaque, Texas, USA, was elected to serve as 2006-2007 president of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 89th International Convention, held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA June 30 - July 4, 2006.

President Ross is a rancher and a retired judge.

A Lion since 1969, President Ross is a member of the Quitaque Lions Club. He has held many offices within the association, including club president, multiple district secretary, state membership & extension chairperson, multiple district convention chairperson, multiple district council chairperson and international director. Additionally he has taken part in eyeglass recycling missions to South America and been involved in chartering more than 500 clubs.

President Ross has also been active in numerous professional and community organizations. He was a member of both the Water Control & Improvement Board and the District Juvenile Probation Board and chairperson of the board of the All Emergency Systems in 26 counties of Texas.

President Ross’s special interests have been in membership extension, the strengthening of clubs and community service. In recognition of his work on behalf of the association, he has received many awards, including District Governor Appreciation Awards, International President’s Awards and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honour bestowed upon association members. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

President Ross and his wife, Velda, have three daughters, two sons-in-law and one granddaughter.

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