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Chairman Hosts President Gudrun Yngvadottir of Lions International
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin was delighted to host President Gudrun Yngvadottir of Lions Clubs International on Friday, 26 April in the Council Chamber, Newry. They were joined by Paul Convery from Newry Chamber of Commerce, District Governor Frank O’Donaghue, and various members of local Lions Clubs in the District.
Speaking at the event, Councillor Murnin said, “It is a humbling experience to host the President of the world’s leading voluntary service organisation. With 1.4 million members in over 47,000 Lions Clubs throughout the world, the work the organisation undertakes is extraordinary.
“I would like to congratulate President Yngvadottir on her election to President at the Association’s 101st International Convention in 2018, after years of dedicated service. I know she has excelled in many local, national and international offices within the Lions Global Family, including District Governor Council Chairperson, and she has achieved these through her hard work ethic and unwavering determination.
“I note that the Icelandic ethos is that of ‘a small and mighty country where the citizens boast a long history of overcoming obstacles and achieving success’. In the case of President Yngvadottir, this is entirely true.
“As international president, Gudrun is actively promoting the Lions programmes in the areas of diabetes, hunger, childhood cancer and the environment, all the while spearheading the ‘New Voices’ initiative which recognises and promotes the role of women within Lions Clubs International.
“Since 1990, she has worked at the University of Iceland as Vice Director of the Institute of Continuing Education and remains active in the Icelandic Association of Biomedical Scientists. In recognition of her service, Gudrun has received numerous awards from the Kjarans Medal, the highest award of Icelandic Lions, to the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest Lions Club International Award.
“Our Council is focused on supportive and improved health and wellbeing outcomes, empowering and improving the capacity of our communities and advocating specifically on those issues that really matter to our citizens. We could not achieve these objectives without the specific support from the local branches of the Lions Club International.”
Councillor Mark Murnin then invited President Yngvadottir to accept a crystal vase as a token of appreciation from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
