The newly formed Southeastern MA Paws of Comfort Lions Club [SEMPOCLC] first of its kind in the world, celebrated its charter on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Bethany Village Fellowship church hall in South Attleboro. Keynote Speakers included Joyce Middleton, Immediate Past International Director, and via Zoom, Dr. Anthony Salvatore, former assistant principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
Students and faculty of Sandy Hook Elementary School experienced first-hand the gentle healing power of furry friends when South Attleboro Village Lions members Monique Tedino, Debby Horner, and Cheryl Olson attended the six-month memorial service of the senseless, deadly shooting of 20 students and six adults that took place Dec. 14, 2012. The children, as well as adults, were able to shed tears, express their grief, or to just be still while they either hugged or played with these gentle “Paws of Comfort” dogs. As stated by Dr. Salvatore, “When words are ineffective, Comfort Dogs are Magical.”
The day of that visit confirmed the need to form this first of its kind Lions Club to provide comfort, healing and hope.
Please remember The Southeastern Paws of Comfort Lions Club will pick up redeemable cans and bottles, can tabs, hearing aids, and eyeglasses. For pick-up, please call either Joyce at 508-761-4855 or Monique at 508-431-0282.
