Author: Rhonda McCallum

Posted on

Welcome Kirkland Lake Lions Club

After 5 long years of hard work, the Kirkland Lake Lions have progressed from a branch club to a full-fledged Lions club. What a journey of hard work and dedication and isn’t that what Lions are all about.
It all started in 2018 when then District Governor Lion Verner Presse and 3 other PDG’s went door to door to find interested persons in getting a Lions club re-started in their area. The original Lions club closed in 2009 and the community hasn’t had a Lions presence since.
Let’s walk with these Lions while they made their journey from branch to full club. In the 2018/2019 year, the club had 9 members and were a branch to the Charlton-Englehart club. One of the first things the Kirkland Lake Club did was to help clean up a local grocery store so that they could re-open after a fire. As a thank you, the store donated baskets to the Lions for their 1st fundraiser, tickets on a draw. They also gave the Lions the space to sell the tickets. The club also manned the kettles for the Salvation
Army at Christmas.
In February of 2019, they hosted their first Family Day event in conjunction with the Winter Carnival. They wanted to revive the memories they had as children growing up in the north. It was the coldest week of February in years!
From late 2019 to early 2021, the club gained in numbers and they inched their way up to 13 club members. During this time came the dreaded shutdowns and unprecedented worldly events called Covid. Thanks to modern technology, they managed to keep in touch with members by hosting meetings online and good old Facebook chat groups. They also had a great idea to keep engaged with the community by hosting online events.
One such event was called “Social Isolation Distraction”, in which they purchased $50.00 grocery gift cards and held draws from Facebook posts.
An example of that was to nominate someone you felt went above and beyond for others. The community loved the distraction and this gave them something good to talk about.
Another event was the online Stuff-A-Bear for a Kid fundraiser. Using advertising on their Facebook page, people could sponsor a stuffed bear that went to North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services children.
They had a total of 100 sponsors sign up to provide bears to kids. The local senior residencies, TPR and Extendicare, came on board. The seniors had a project to stuff and dress the stuffed animals that were purchased.
They also hosted their first Trade-A-Can for a Cone fundraiser. Joining forces with CJ’s Drive In and our local car club, The Road Legends Cruisers, they raised just under $500, along with a truck bed full of food for the Salvation Army Food Bank.
Climbing out of 2021, the Lions were at 15 members and moving into 2022, they rose to 17 members. So close yet still so far away. During 2022, the club was fortunate to have many hands that came along with the new members, to which they were able to create sub-committees to run some great fundraisers, such as Breakfast with the Easter Bunny.
THEN IN DECEMBER 2022, they swore in 3 new members. THEY DID IT!! 20 Members!! MAKING IT OFFICIAL!! As of March 2023, the Kirkland Lake Lions Club officially became the newest club in District A5. Due to other obligations, they decided to celebrate their charter night in October 2023.
This amazing club has had a long journey, but the trip has been worth the effort. The Kirkland Lake Lions are an inspiration to all of Lions in their determination to become a club and make a difference in their community.
Congratulations Kirkland Lake Lions.
Posted on

Espanola Lions Help With Life Saving Research

The Espanola Lions found out that a little girl in their town was diagnosed with Pompe Disease.  Until they found out about this child, many had never heard of this disease.  Pompe disease is a genetic condition in which a complex sugar called glycogen builds up in the lysosomes of your body’s cells. The disease occurs when you lack a specific digestive enzyme called acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA). The condition causes severe muscle weakness and wasting. Without early detection and treatment, the disease can be fatal.  The club decided to do a fund raiser to help with the research being done at Duke Health Rare Disease Centre at Duke University in the US.  This facility is a leading researcher for Pompe Disease and has make many breakthroughs in early detection and treatment to improve the lives of those with this disease.
The Espanola Lions held a fundraising BBQ to raise awareness and money for this research.  Due to the generosity of the people of Espanola, they raised $5000.00 to donate for further research.  Once again…..small town HUGE HEART.
Posted on

Minnow Lake Lions Fall Clean Up

Twice a year, Lion Keith Argent organizes the Minnow Lake Lions club to do a community clean-up.  Many of our Lions come out to help make our neighborhood a lot cleaner.  We even recruit a few of the new members and family to help out with this task.  Then it’s back to the club house for a luncheon put on by our kitchen Lions.  You may not think that picking up garbage can be fun, but it is when you are a Lions.  The area looks much cleaner now and the Lions are a big part of this.

Posted on

Minnow Lake Lions Garden

 

 

 

 

With the help from the city of Sudbury, the Minnow Lake Lions built raised vegetable planters and a new shed to help with our community.  All vegetables grown are given to a local soup kitchen to help the homeless and seniors in our area.   This is just another way that our Lions clubs can help to support our community.  A great big Lion’s roar to these great Lions that work all spring and summer to produce food for our community.

Posted on

A5 Memorial Forest Golf Tournament

Each year, the Iron Bridge Lions hosts the Memorial Forest Golf tournament.  All monies raised go towards the Memorial forest in Iron Bridge.  Any club or member in all of District A5 can plant trees in memory of their lost Lions.  This years tournament was attended by a few teams.  Unlike last year, we had beautiful weather and didn’t have to dodge any lightning bolts.  You don’t have to be a golfer, just make up a team and come and have some fun.

At the end of the day of golfing, we had a dinner prepared by the Lions and prizes were given to everyone who attended.  Thanks to all of the Lions and friends that came out for this tournament and look forward to seeing even more Lions next year.

Posted on

A5 Wild Women of Lions

As women in Lions, we do so much for our communities, that we decided to do something for ourselves at least once a year.  Out of this, the “Dream Girls” retreat was born.  We all headed to Camp Caritou in Bonfield for 3 days of fellowship and fun.  But what happens at the retreat, stays at the retreat, except of course the fun.  That we can share.
Besides sharing stories, we also had a lot of fun games.  The best one involved a multi-layer gift wrapped in paper and packing tape, gloves, a hat, scarf and a knife and fork.  After donning your accessories, you had to try and remove as many layers of paper with the knife and fork before the gift is passed on to the next person that rolls a pair with dice.  When these ladies play, they are in it to win it.  At the end, Lion Elly Charrette prevailed in getting through the last layer and winning the prize.
The food was great and the fellowship even better.  Lion Margo made homemade crepes with cream cheese and blueberry sauce that was so delicious.  We may have a few years on us, but blowing bubbles around the fire is great at any age.  The only man allowed at the camp was to give us ATV rides, then he had to leave.  All of the ladies had a great time and we are looking forward to having this again next year with even more members attending.  The women of Lions roar.
Posted on

Minnow Lake Lions OCOF Presentation

The Minnow Lake Lions are proud to be involved with the Backpack and Shoe Program for the children of Minnow Lake.

Besides helping making sandwiches they donated $1,000.00 to the program.

Accepting the cheque are Lynne Ethier and Nicole Jameus (Family Resource Worker)

Posted on

Temiskaming Shores Lioness Lions held a fundraising draw to raise money for their local community

Recently, the Temiskaming Shores Lioness Lions held a fundraising draw to raise money for their local community.  Thanks to their local sponsors, they collected enough items to have a spa, garden and kitchen baskets so they could have 3 winners.
The ticket sales were a great success and the winners were delighted with the baskets.  The money raised will help the club in their many efforts to help their community.
Pictures
1-Lion Janet Spencer selling tickets
2-spa basket winner Colleen Matthews
3-garden basket winner Jodee Francoeur & her son
Posted on

Sault Ste Marie Lions Club Celebrates Past District Governor for 70 Years of Service

The Lions Club of Sault Ste. Marie had some special guests at its Dinner Meeting on April 12th. International Director Allen Snider travelled from Niagara-on-the-Lake to present a special award from Brian E. Sheehan, Lions Club International President, and a chevron recognizing 70 years of long-term service to Past District Governor Lion Peter Bissonnette. Peter’s sons, Bill and Donald also Past District Governors, and his daughter-in-law Dianne also attended the surprise celebration.

The Chevron Program recognizes Lions for their long-term service beginning at 10 years and continuing in five year increments until 75 years of service. Other Lions that received their chevrons that evening included:  Cheryl Pavoni and Zak Good – 10 years, Rick Boucher -15 years and Ron Anderson – 50 years!

Peter became a Lion in Arthur, Ontario in 1953 following in his father’s footsteps. Over the years he was in the Lucknow, Teeswater, Ripley, Fort Erie and then St. Davids and District Lions Club where his wife Grace joined the Lioness Club. Lion Peter moved to the Sault and transferred to the Lions Club of Sault Ste. Marie in 2021.

He has been the recipient of many awards over the years including the Melvin Jones Fellowship, Brian Stevenson Fellowship, Helen Keller Award, Quest Fellowship and an International President’s Medal. He received the title of International Councillor as 100% District Governor in 1964-65, the last year this title was awarded.

Lion Peter was very proud of his awards but his greatest pride was to see his two sons become District Governors and they attended several international conventions together.  Counting all the years the three generations have had in Lionism, Peter’s father Neill, Peter, his two sons, and Peter’s wife, it adds up to over 240 years!

“Thank you again to Past District Governor Lion Peter for dedicating 70 years to Lionism, for helping those less fortunate and for making a difference in the lives of all the communities he has served. “