On Monday evening, November 21st, the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club hosted the 40th Annual Brotherhood Service: A Community Praying Together Before Thanksgiving, in the auditorium of Holy Family School, located at 9719 Flatlands Avenue. The event, a long-standing tradition for the Canarsie Lions, was attended by over 120 guests, Including elected officials, community and clergy leaders, NYPD, Canarsie residents and fellow Lions.
Jean Joseph, President of the Canarsie Lions Club, welcomed all and acknowledged a host of attending dignitaries. “I am honored to address you today in celebration of the 40th anniversary of our Brotherhood Service. It is at times such as this that we show our true measure of giving and brotherhood and in so doing, honor the Good Samaritan spirit that dwells in all of us as Lions,” Joseph stated in her greeting.
The service included a dance recital by students from P.S. 276 The Louis Marshall School, poetry readings and renditions by the Brooklyn Rehoboth Church of God choir. State Senator Roxanne Persaud, a Canarsie Lion, commended them for their riveting performances. She also stressed the importance of communities uniting not just on occasions, but always and as models for young people. “We’re happy that people are understanding that coming together in the season of Thanksgiving and in fellowship is what we should do as community. We want to make sure our young people see communities coming together as one, not only on Thanksgiving but at all times,” she said.
Before the service concluded, Lion Ingrid Andrews-Campbell, District Governor for Region 20 K-1 (Brooklyn and Queens), performed what is arguably the most historic induction (of Lions) for the Region. Five new members, including esteemed Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, were added to the Canarsie Lions’ roster. “I’m humbled to induct Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. It is liberating to know that such a powerful man has the desire to serve and give back to the Brooklyn community. While he could have been home celebrating his rise in Congress, he took time to attend the 40th Annual Thanksgiving Service with Lions who were giving away baskets to the community,” the District Governor said. “This speaks to the type of person who, although powerful, is still humble to be among his people. He showed that he has the passion for community, and he accepted on the spot, that he wanted to make a difference. As my team for this year says, he was willing to ‘Lead Today For A Better Tomorrow.’”
The service ended with everyone singing “Lean on Me” while the Canarsie Lions distributed turkeys and hampers with other food items, in support of the eradication of hunger, one of five global causes espoused by Lions Club International (LCI).
