Cannanore Lions Club puts 27 families on the road to self-reliance.
For 27 families in Cannanore, March 12, 2026 marked a practical turning point. On that morning, each of them received the keys to an autorickshaw — and with it, a means to earn, provide, and move forward with greater independence.
The project began as a simple discussion and grew into a shared conviction: meaningful service is not only about support, but about creating opportunities for livelihood. Under the Lions Jeevan Ashraya initiative of District 318E, Cannanore Lions Club contributed 15% of the vehicle cost as margin money for each beneficiary, covering a total project outlay of ₹10.85 lakh, in partnership with M/s. Sam Piaggio.
The beneficiaries, all from economically weaker sections, secured the remaining financing through institutional channels, making the initiative a model of self-employment rather than simple assistance.
The key-handing ceremony was inaugurated by Sri Kadannappalli Ramachandran, Hon’ble Minister, Government of Kerala, in the presence of Guest of Honour Sri K.V. Sumesh, MLA, and District Governor Ravi Gupta PMJF.
The initiative was driven by Project Coordinator Umesh Kumar, under the leadership of Club President A.R. Meenakshi. Together with the project team, they navigated the partnerships, documentation, and logistics that turned an idea into 27 new livelihoods.
Outside the Lions Community Hall, a long row of autorickshaws stood in the morning sun — not as symbols of assistance, but of opportunity set in motion.