David’s idea gets stamp of approval
A Wexfordman can take credit for the forthcoming issue by An Post of a special stamp to commemmorate the centenary of the founding of Lions Clubs International.
David Dempsey of Killurin was District Governor of the Lions of Ireland when he approached An Post back in 2007 with a view to having a commemmorative stamp marking the 100th anniversary in a decade’s time.
An Post took the idea on board and come June 1, a ‘Lion Stamp’ will be issued, featuring a photograph from the Lions annual holiday project in June last year and reflecting the international motto ‘We Serve’.
In light of the international membership of Lions, An Post have decided that the stamp should be for postage worldwide at €1.35. A first day cover will also be available for purchase.
David, a Senior Vice President and Ireland Managing Director of Salesforce, said he is delighted that the milestone occasion for the Lions Club has been considered worthy of a national postage stamp. His original request to An Post was regularly followed up by Provincial District Governor Marion Connelly with a very successful outcome.
Lions Clubs International was founded in Chicago in 2017 by a group of philanthropic business people headed by Melvin Jones. In 1920, the Lions Club organisation became international when the first club was established in Canada. Today, Lions Clubs operate in more than 200 countries with a membership of 1.4 million.
Lions Clubs were first introduced to Ireland with the chartering of the Dublin club in 1955 and have expanded throughout Ireland since that time.