Westport Lions Club

All age groups in the Westport Village and area are gearing up for one of the most popular events at this special time of year. Christmas is fast approaching and November 30th, is the annual Santa Claus Parade with the theme, Christmas Magic begins in Westport. Lions Club president, Lion John Rempel reports that bands have been booked to get everyone’s toes tapping and smiles on all the faces. They are The Trin Can Band, The Gordon Pipe Band and the Perth Citizens Band, The theme gives lots of scope for ideas and local business people are invited to include their storefronts as part of the displays in their windows as well as individual floats. Add all these to animals of all sizes and colour, clowns, antique cars, all helping to bring magic to the event and hopefully a large crowd of spectators. In the past the local business community and others have supported the parade with entries and donations making it all a huge success.

As usual the parade will form up at St. Edward School for a 2 p.m. start and wend their way down to the Village central block of Church, Rideau and Bedford Streets and back to St. Edward for refreshments, an opportunity to meet and visit with Santa. Here the Lions Club Elves will distribute treats to the children and serve hot chocolate and hot dogs. Along the route there will be a collection of items for the Food Bank and other surprises to delight both young and old.

So get your entries ready and perhaps you will receive one of the winners plaques which are, Closest to the Theme, Most Creative and Honorable Mention.

During this season, the Lions Mobility Van will be on the road to deliver the annual gift of a Christmas cake and have a personal chat with the shut-ins and seniors in this area. For those who have had to relocate to other communities or unable to be out and around, this is a real blessing and keeps these people feeling important and cared for.

Lion David Blair reported the Halloween Van which was set up in the Village were thrilled to have nearly 200 children stop by to say �Hello� and receive a treat from the Club members who were present.

Lions Jim McGlade attended the 60th Charter Night of the Perth Lions Club who expressed appreciation to the Westport Club for their generous donation to the recent Pennies for Puppies drive.