Local bank supports Lions Youth Exchange

By Melissa Piche Times Contributor

The Strathmore Lions Youth Exchange received a grant from the connectFirst Credit Union on Oct. 1. Brad Walls, Lions Youth Exchange chair for District C2 was on hand to receive the grant, which was presented by Member Experience Specialist Cassi Weiss and Branch manager Shawndra Bodkin. 

The Lions Youth Exchange program is a local incentive funded by The Lions International. It has programs that range from international exchanges with homestays and also international camps for youth between the ages of 15 and 22. The program was designed to foster understanding among people of the world and to foster global relationships. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the exchange program.  

Walls explains that when the students are on their exchange, it’s nice for them to represent the Lions Youth Exchange with a golf shirt, sweater and backpack. However, he knows that asking families to finance this can sometimes be a stretch. The clothing also allows the students a little more of a formal look for special events while abroad. 

“This money went towards some of the apparel for the international kids that went overseas – so we were able to utilize their $250 dollar donations towards that,” said Walls. “It’s fantastic we were able to do that. We saved some parents some money because most of the time it falls on the parents to pay for that clothing for the students to go overseas. We tried to change it up a little bit so that we would try to fundraise so that other businesses would be able to sponsor that. We want to make it so it’s fun and it’s affordable and no one is restricted. That’s really important – anybody can apply. We want to make it so that everyone has equal opportunity.” 

Walls said that the program is very affordable for families as their local Lions club sponsors a portion of the program such as flight – and now with this grant, the apparel is covered. 

Walls said that the program is slowly gaining popularity again after a brief decline because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The goal from our District Governor last year was to have a student from every club go (on an exchange), which is like 140,” he said. “The biggest challenge we have is getting the word out that students can apply to go international through this program.” 

He encourages all students to apply if traveling internationally interests them. More information on the exchange program can be found on their website (www.lionsclubs.org) under the service tab for programs.

From the bank’s perspective, Weiss said they were excited to be a part of the Lions Youth Exchange. “This was the first time hearing about the Lions Youth Exchange, and we are excited to be a part of this great initiative,” she said. “Community investment is an important part of what makes a Credit Union special.”