Following his appointment as the Town’s Mayor, Councillor Martin Brookes and his fellow Oakham Town Councillors have announced The Lions Club of Rutland as the Mayor’s Chosen Charity for the 2026–2027 civic year.
Throughout the year, the Mayor and Town Council will host and support various charitable events to raise vital funds for this long-standing local organisation, ensuring that all money raised goes directly toward supporting residents and community groups.
A Brief History of the Charity The Lions Club of Rutland is a proud local branch of Lions Clubs International, which was founded in 1917 by Melvin Jones under the guiding principle: "You won't get very far in this world until you start doing something for somebody else." Today, it stands as the largest humanitarian service organisation in the world.
The Lions Club of Rutland was officially created in 1975. For over half a century, this small but highly dedicated group of local volunteers has embraced the international motto, "We Serve." Operating as a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), the Rutland branch focuses almost all of its resources locally, channelling thousands of pounds every year back into the Rutland community to help individuals, local groups, and independent charities.
What the Charity Does for the Community, The Rutland Lions operate entirely on volunteer power meaning no trustees or members receive payment, and every penny raised from the public goes directly toward community support.
Their work primarily impacts children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, and fellow voluntary groups. The charity supports the Oakham and wider Rutland community through two main avenues: Community Projects & Presence and Financial Grants.
1. Community Events & Fundraising The Lions are the driving force behind some of the county's most cherished annual traditions. The funds they raise during these events are what allow them to support local causes:
The Santa Sleigh: A Christmas staple, bringing festive joy to local children while collecting vital winter donations. November Firework Display: Organising and running large-scale community bonfire and firework events.
Event Marshalling & Catering: Providing hands-on logistics, marshalling, and catering support for major local events, such as the annual Rutland County Show. Community Health Support: Actively volunteering time to assist the community during critical public health drives, including managing logistics at local vaccination clinics.
2. Grants and Local WelfareWhere there is an individual or local group in a tough spot, the Rutland Lions step in. They use their funds to provide direct grants to people in need, support local food banks, and supply resources to smaller charities (such as Peppers-A Safe Place for mental health, or local children's hospices). Additionally, they run the Rutland Community Service Awards, which celebrate and financially reward local school and college students who show an outstanding commitment to volunteering and helping others. Where There’s a Need, There’s a Lion: By choosing the Lions Club of Rutland as the Mayor's Charity for 2026–2027, Oakham Town Council is backing a group that has spent over 50 years ensuring that vulnerable "Rutlanders" are never left behind.