News and Press

Guernsey, Monday 18th May 2026 – The Lions Club of Guernsey is delighted to announce the return of its much‑loved Donkey Derby, taking place on Saturday 22nd August 2026 at Saumarez Park. One of the island’s longest‑running and most cherished community events, the Donkey Derby promises a full day of entertainment, family activities, and charitable fundraising.
 
Now in its 50+ year history, the Donkey Derby has firmly established itself as a highlight of Guernsey’s summer calendar. Visitors can look forward to donkey races, a wide range of food and craft stalls, children’s attractions, charity stands, live music and a lively atmosphere that brings the whole community together. Previous events have welcomed thousands of attendees and raised vital funds for Lions Club projects supporting people across the island.
 
John McLoughlin, President of the Lions Club of Guernsey, said: “The Donkey Derby remains an important fixture in Guernsey’s community calendar. It offers families an enjoyable low-cost day out while enabling the Lions Club to continue supporting local charities, young people, and those in need. We are grateful for the community’s ongoing enthusiasm and support of this event.”
 
How to Get Involved:
 
Charities:
Apply for a stall via the online form:
Donkey Derby 2026 – Charity Booking Form
 
Traders & Vendors:
Book a pitch here:
Donkey Derby 2026 – Trader Booking Form
 
Spaces are limited, so early booking is encouraged.
 
For updates, follow the Lions Club of Guernsey on Facebook or contact the Club directly by emailing [email protected].

Guernsey, 15 May 2026 – The Lions Club of Guernsey has launched its annual SpekTrek initiative, inviting islanders to donate unused or unwanted spectacles at participating opticians across the Bailiwick. The collection drive runs until 30 June 2026.
 
Opticians throughout the islands are once again acting as official drop‑off points. All donated spectacles will be sent off‑island for sorting and processing before being distributed to people who lack access to essential vision care. This long‑running project reflects Lions Clubs International’s global commitment to improving eye health and supporting underserved communities.
 

“Good vision can change a person’s future, but far too many people simply don’t have access to the care they need,” said John Mc Loughlin, President of the Lions Club of Guernsey. “SpekTrek allows our community and local opticians to work together to give these glasses a second life, and to give someone else the chance to see their world clearly.” 

 
The Lions Club encourages all Bailiwick residents to take part. Donating spectacles is a simple but meaningful way to support both local community action and global vision health. Please note that only spectacles can be accepted; cases, cloths, and other accessories cannot be processed.
 
Spectacles can be donated at participating opticians until 30 June 2026. For more information or to find your nearest drop‑off point, visit the Lions Club of Guernsey on Facebook at facebook.com/LionsClubOfGuernsey or email [email protected].
 
About the Lions Club of Guernsey 
The Lions Club of Guernsey is part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organisation, with over 1.4 million members dedicated to serving their local communities. The Lions Club of Guernsey has been an integral part of the island for decades, with members volunteering their time and resources to support a wide range of local causes and individuals in need. The Club’s fundraising efforts are focused on making a difference, with most of the money raised being reinvested directly back into the Guernsey community to support initiatives that enhance the lives of islanders, from health and social welfare to education and environmental projects. The Club is entirely volunteer-run, ensuring that local efforts translate into meaningful local impact.
 
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Guernsey, 16th March  – The Lions Club of Guernsey is proud to announce it will be funding two summer internship positions at the Nature Commission, providing a unique opportunity for returning students to gain hands-on experience in the environmental sector.
 
The funding will enable the Nature Commission to host two interns over the summer period, who will assist the small but impactful team with a range of vital projects. The roles will offer practical involvement in areas such as citizen science initiatives, habitat monitoring, and public engagement activities, all aimed at protecting and enhancing Guernsey’s natural environment.
 
The initiative underscores the Lions Club’s commitment to supporting the local community and investing in the island’s future. Paul Allaway, Lions Club District Environment Officer and member of the Lions Club of Guernsey, emphasized the importance of fostering local talent to address environmental challenges.
 

“The Lions Club of Guernsey is delighted to support these new internships at the Guernsey Nature Commission. We believe in investing in our community, and that includes investing in the people who will go on to protect it. By funding these roles, we are not only helping a valuable local charity but also providing a stepping stone for the next generation of environmental stewards. We are thrilled to see young islanders gain the skills and confidence needed to make a real difference to Guernsey’s biodiversity,” said Allaway. 

 
The Guernsey Nature Commission, which relies on a small core team, will greatly benefit from the additional capacity and fresh perspectives that the interns will bring. Jessi Jennings, CEO of the Nature Commission, expressed her gratitude for the funding and highlighted its practical impact.
 

“We are incredibly grateful to the Lions Club of Guernsey for this generous support. Their funding allows us to open our doors to enthusiastic individuals who are eager to contribute to our work. These internships will provide invaluable practical experience, from assisting with our State of Nature reporting to helping run our People and Nature Survey. It’s a fantastic chance for someone to learn what it truly means to work in conservation while helping us amplify our ‘voice for nature’ here in Guernsey,” said Jennings.

 
About the Nature Commission 
The Guernsey Nature Commission is an independent local charity established to protect and enhance the island’s natural environment and biodiversity for the health of the economy and the well-being of the community. The Commission acts as a collaborative hub, creating a ‘nature network’ that brings together the States of Guernsey, the third sector, businesses, and the public. Its work supports the delivery of the States’ Strategy for Nature, with key aims that include connecting the community with nature, increasing awareness and understanding, reducing pressures on the environment, and sharing knowledge through education and citizen science. The Commission is working towards the ambitious goal of enhancing the island’s natural environment within a generation.
 
About the Lions Club of Guernsey 
The Lions Club of Guernsey is part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service club organization, with over 1.4 million members dedicated to serving their local communities. The Lions Club of Guernsey has been an integral part of the island for decades, with members volunteering their time and resources to support a wide range of local causes and individuals in need. The Club’s fundraising efforts are focused on making a difference, with the vast majority of money raised being reinvested directly back into the Guernsey community to support initiatives that enhance the lives of islanders, from health and social welfare to education and environmental projects. The Club is entirely volunteer-run, ensuring that local efforts translate into meaningful local impact.
 
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Guernsey, 24 October 2025 – The Lions Club of Guernsey is proud to announce the return of Project Sparkle, a community initiative now entering its ninth year. Originally launched by the former Leo Club of Guernsey, the project was the brainchild of past Leo Sophie Veron, who is delighted to be involved once again.
 
Project Sparkle aims to brighten the festive season for those living alone by delivering small gift boxes – typically shoeboxes or similarly sized gift bags – filled with everyday essentials and thoughtful treats. With the continued support of the Lions Club of Guernsey, preparations are underway to collect donations and establish drop-off points across the island.
 
Confirmed donation locations include:

• Aladdin’s Cave
• The Vale Douzaine Rooms
• Castel Douzaine Rooms
• St Peter Port Constables
• St. Andrews Constables
• Earlswood Garden Centre
• Le Friquet Garden Centre
• Forest Stores

Further drop-off points will be announced shortly.
 
John McLoughlin, President of the Lions Club of Guernsey, said:

“Project Sparkle embodies the spirit of community and compassion that defines our club. We’re thrilled to see it flourish year after year thanks to the generosity of our volunteers, local businesses, and the public.”

 
Donated items may include:

• Hats, scarves, socks, warm tights
• Toiletries, flannels
• Games, puzzles, writing paper, pens
• Long-life food, individual Christmas puddings
• Shoe boxes, gift bags, and Christmas wrapping paper

 
Anything suitable for someone spending Christmas alone is welcome.
 
Members of the public who wish to nominate someone to receive a parcel are invited to email: [email protected].
 
Those interested in donating or volunteering can contact: [email protected].
 
Updates and further announcements will be posted on the Lions Club of Guernsey Facebook page: facebook.com/LionsClubOfGuernsey and the dedicated Project Sparkle page: facebook.com/projectsparklegsy.
 
About the Lions Club of Guernsey
The Lions Club of Guernsey is a member of Lions Clubs International, a global service organization dedicated to serving communities and addressing humanitarian needs. The club focuses on a variety of local and global issues, including vision health, disaster relief, and youth development.
 
For more information about the club and its initiatives, visit: lionsclub.gg
 
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Guernsey, 18 September 2025 – The Lions Club of Guernsey is proud to once again sponsor the visit of the Healing Waves Ocean Therapy Charity, based in Jersey. This marks the third year of collaboration between the Lions and Healing Waves, a charity dedicated to improving lives through Ocean Therapy.

Originally scheduled to arrive on Monday, the team’s travel was disrupted due to high winds affecting the DFDS inter-island ferry. Thanks to the support of Brittany Ferries, the team was able to travel on Wednesday’s sailing and arrived in Guernsey that evening.

Sessions began promptly at 9am the following morning and will continue throughout Friday, Saturday, and into Sunday afternoon. A full schedule was quickly reorganised to make the most of the team’s short stay.

“We are really looking forward to the trip and to catching up with you in person. It promises to be a special time together, and your continued support is helping to make it even more meaningful.

Thanks to your generosity, this year is shaping up to be truly impactful: sessions are already booked up with nearly 70 athletes and their families benefitting across the week.

That’s 70 people whose lives will be brighter because of you pledging your support towards HW. And just to make sure it’s even more perfect we’ve even gone ahead and booked the sunshine and the waves too!”
— Max Wiltshire, Co-founder and Executive Director, Healing Waves

The sessions will cater to a wide range of participants, including:

• Children of primary and secondary school age
• Adults
• Individuals using adapted surfboards

The Lions Club encourages the community to support Healing Waves and learn more about their work. Visit www.healingwaves.org.je for more information.

About the Lions Club of Guernsey

The Lions Club of Guernsey is a chapter of Lions Clubs International, a global service organization dedicated to serving communities and addressing humanitarian needs. The club focuses on a variety of local and global issues, including vision health, disaster relief, and youth development.

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