William joined the Lions Club of Sunshine in 1981, after he and his wife Loretta had their 4th child. At that stage in their life, they thought it was time to give back to the community. William was approached by Brian Priest and Chris Detlefsen to join Lions. Both William and Loretta were strict Catholics. William was blind for 10 years prior to his death. His blindness was the result of a stroke, but he remained a member of the Lions Club until he died on 15th May 2013. William was the Lions Club President from 1989 to 1990 and made a life member in 2011. William was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellows Award in 2005. The Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) is the highest form of recognition from the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), honoring individuals who have made significant, sustained contributions to humanitarian service. With over 520,000 recipients worldwide, this award is bestowed upon Lions and members of the public who have demonstrated exceptional humanitarian service. Loretta Martin was part of Lions ladies as women couldn’t become members in 1981. Loretta officially joined in August 2013 after William died. Selling Christmas cakes and working at BBQs. Loretta was awarded the James D. Richardson Honour Award in 2011. Loretta’s Award was for supporting William during his time as a Lion. This Award is named after James D. Richardson, who in 1958 was the first Australian to serve as a Director on the International Board of Directors. Jim Richardson was one of the most beloved and respected members of Lions in the formative years of the Association in Australia. He served in the Royal Australian Air Force during the 1939-45 World War. The demands he placed upon himself meant that he travelled enormous distances by road, so that he could visit all his Clubs, attend to Association and other business, as well as run his hotel with the great support of his wife Pam. The strains caused him to have a Cerebral Thrombosis whilst attending, the International Board meeting in New Orleans in 1959. He recovered after a long convalescence, but without his capacity to speak. He was never again capable of carrying on a conversation or making a speech but continued to work for Lions at club level and attend conventions. Lorretta made a significate contribution to the Lions Club and was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Sunshine Lions Club5680.01 - William Martin - Brimbank City Council Volunteer Appreciation Certificate 2002.JPG 5680.02 - William Martin - Certificate Of 10 Years Monarch Lions International.JPG 5680.03 - Loretta Martin - Certificate Of Appreciation Sunshine Lions Club 2023.JPGwilliam martin, loretta martin, sunshine lions club, city of brimbank, lions international, marian leos, melvin jones fellowship, james d. richardson