By Lucille Bresee
The president, Rick Warriner was in the chair for the recent meeting of the Westport Lions Club and welcomed two guests from the Storrington Lions Club. Several items of business were discussed and an excellent report on the Westport Mobility Van was given as it was kept busy over the winter months when volunteer Lions Club drivers logged 112 hours on the roads. These included at least 22 trips when more than one person was accommodated in being taken to medical appointments. The following handled the driver responsibilities, Lions Bob Weir, Wayne McGregor, Jim McGlade, Mike McIntyre, Bob Lavoie and John Rempel. Thanks are extended to these gentlemen for their time and expertise as they visited destinations such as Kingston, Brockville, Perth and Smiths Falls. Anyone needing this service is asked to call Lion John Rempel at 1-613-374-2665 to make an appointment.
There was an interesting discussion on a Lions International project which adds to the familiar one with the canine vision dog program, where specially trained dogs can assist those who have other disabilities and help them live a normal life. In the past, former Lions Club District Governor for Zone 20 Bill Dixon has made presentations to the Westport Club on the vision program and is one of those heading up the additional drive for funds and volunteers to include – “Hearing Ears”; “Special Skills”; “Seizure Response” and “Autism Assistance”, all at no cost to the individual. To prepare these dogs for service, an intensive training program is set up, from the foster puppy stage through the various levels. We can all help in various periods of this time and to obtain needed information contact the Lions Foundation of Canada, Dog Guides in Oakville and call toll free 1-800-768-3030 or locally, Lion Jim McGlade 613-273-5201.
This is another way that our Lions Club support programs to benefit our community.
Westport Lions Club 