THE Lions in Swindon are looking for new blood this year to help with its fundraising efforts.

The charitable organisation had a successful 2018 but it hasn’t been as good as previous years.

It finished the year raising around £17,000 but that was £10,000 down on 2017.

Helen Marston, president of the town branch, said: “It was a good year. The work we do helped a lot of people in the community.

“Unfortunately we have become limited by manpower, which prohibited us from being able to do as much as we would like to.

“In an ideal scenario we would want to be in a position where we can go out every week raising funds but sadly this is not the case.”

Helen said one of the challenges the Lions faces is the number of volunteers it has, which in recent years has dropped from 30 to 15.

She added: “We are lacking a younger influence as many of us are older.

“Having new younger members will bring new ideas and give us the opportunity to commit to more.”

Alan Mitchell, a Lions volunteer, said: “It has been an interesting year that has made us rethink what we do and how we go about recruiting.

“The work we do is so meaningful to us and it gives us a chance to put something back into the community.”

He added: “There is a greater need for input from the voluntary sector due to government cuts and the service we supply is pivotal to helping people.”

In 2018, the Swindon Lions donated a to Brighter Futures, SCUBU, and helped vulnerable people who have been rehomed.

It hosted fundraising events, including runs at Lydiard Park, Easter eggs raffles in pubs, collection pots, and the annual fireworks display at the Polo Ground in Old Town.

The firework spectacular was the best held in a while, according to the club, but the number of people in attendance was down. Committee members claim this is due to other displays across town being held at the same time.

Since launching in 1965 the club has raised more than £450,000 for local good causes.

To get in contact about becoming a volunteer email contact@swindonlions.org.