HAGERSVILLE—Service that spans local projects, district leadership, and international impact has earned Hagersville Lion Wilrik Banda one of Lions Clubs International’s highest honours.
Banda was recently presented with a Lions International President’s Award, a distinction that recognizes exemplary service and leadership within the global organization. Unlike many awards that follow a nomination process at the district level, Banda said this recognition came directly from the international president.
“It certainly came unexpected,” Banda said. “Typically, as district governor last year for A-2, we get the request for a number of medals for people we want to recognize at our convention. What makes this one different is that this one was basically handpicked by the international president … so it’s quite the honour.”
The award was presented following the international convention in Orlando, where Banda was not in attendance. Instead, he received the medal at a recent district cabinet meeting.
Banda served as district governor during the past Lions year, a role that followed several years of leadership development within the organization. He said the position involves setting measurable goals for the district, including membership growth, service reach, and financial support for the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
“We set a number of goals for our district,” Banda said. “Basically, all those goals we set out, we actually met by the end of the year.”
As part of his role, Banda visited all 43 clubs in the district and used those visits to encourage members to stay engaged.
“I went out and visited every single club,” he said. “I told them my own personal story of how I got to be where I am today, to inspire other people to seize the moment and do what you want to do when you can do it.”
Banda joined the Hagersville Lions Club in 2010, initially as a way to make new friends, having only been in the community a few years.
“For me, it was a tool to meet people and become involved in the community,” he said. “Through this, I now have connections all around the world. Everywhere I go, I meet somebody I know, and you’re always friends.”
Over the years, his involvement has ranged from hands-on local projects to province-wide responsibilities. At the club level, Banda has taken part in food drives, community events, and infrastructure projects, including oversight of the splash pad. He now serves in a vision-focused role, acting as a liaison for eyeglass collection programs across Ontario.
“There’s always something for anyone to do if you’re interested,” Banda said of the Lions. “We have a lot to offer, and it’s never boring.”
Banda said the leadership roles he has held within Lions have helped him develop skills beyond volunteer service, including communication, organization, and people management.
“You’re dealing with people from different backgrounds with different ideas,” he said. “Finding a balance between rules and understanding where people are coming from has really helped me.”
He hopes the recognition also serves as a reminder that Lions Clubs remain open to new members.
“Our goal is to grow and make sure we’re here for the next generation,” Banda said. “Even an hour here or there can make a big difference.”
For more information, visit lionsclubs.org or follow a local club on social media.
