SIR,

Monmouth Lions Club is once again rolling out its annual fundraising event – the sale of bedding plants, pots and baskets.

We have delivered order forms to many houses in and about Monmouth. If you want an order form and haven't received one, let us know (call Peter Davies on 01600 715301).

We have kept 2011 prices and the plants can be delivered to your door – a real bargain.

In placing an order with the Lions Club you not only get a good choice (11 varieties of bedding plants, nine pots and two hanging baskets) and the plants delivered to your door but you also contribute to the causes supported by the Monmouth Lions Club.

For example, locally the club provides Christmas food parcels to those in need and supports local charities such as the Scouts, the Guides and Riding for the Disabled; nationally it supports a host of charities ranging from cancer research to Megan Baker House; and internationally the club supports the provision of eye-camps and water wells in the Third World and donates to various disaster funds including, in particular, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).

Through LCIF, Lions provide funding in the form of grants to financially assist Lions districts with large-scale humanitarian projects that are too extensive for Lions to finance on their own.

Grants from LCIF provide both immediate assistance following natural disasters and long-term disaster relief for reconstruction efforts. Grants help preserve sight, combat disability, promote health or serve youth.

Since LCIF began in 1968, it has awarded 9,000 grants totalling US$640 million.

The club's future fundraising activities include a fun ride on 28th April and, in the autumn, a walk which should not be as challenging as last year's – look out for details on our website.

If anyone is interested in joining or helping the Monmouth Lions Club, or would like an order form for bedding plants, contact club president Steve Brettle on 01600 716267 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

You may also find further information and the plants order form at http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/monmouthgwent">www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/monmouthgwent

Andy Raynor

(Treasurer, Monmouth Lions Club)