THE Melvin Jones Award, which is named after the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones, was created in 1973, and is the highest form of honour and recognition made by Lions Clubs International.
It recognises outstanding commitment to humanitarian work made by an individual and Melvin Jones Fellows receive a lapel pin and a personalised wall plaque.
At their monthly meeting last Tuesday, Newcastle Lions president John McDonagh and vice-district governor Marian McGreevy presented the award to Dan O’Reilly.
Over a number of years Dan has been involved in a wide range of club projects.
These include looking after the 10 defibrillators in Newcastle, Maghera and Castlewellan and organising the collection of glasses, which are sorted and sent to Lions Medico France, where they are refurbished and graded before being dispatched to Africa, Asia and South America through the network of Lions clubs.
Dan also helps to organise the annual recycling day, when donations of bicycles, both rusty and good, as well as sewing machines, treadle or electrical, and tools, broken or good, are collected and after refurbishment are sent to Malawi, Tanzania and Madagascar.
“District governor of Ireland Lions District 133, James O ‘Loughlin, stated he could not think of a more deserving Lion to receive the award and he reflected on Dan’s quiet but effective work, which is an inspiration to us all,” added a spokesperson for Newcastle Lions Club.
“He sent his warmest congratulations to Dan and his family on this superb achievement.”
Dan’s wife Eilish, sons Dominic and Daniel, daughters Jane and Aoife and Jane’s three sons were all present for the occasion.