On Wednesday, April 12th, eighteen members of the Westport Lions Club attended the first general meeting of the month. During this meeting we allocated $3,340 to local causes, and such events as the Blind Anglers International Tournament. This tournament enables a blind child to participate in a fishing tournament. In addition to cash donations, the club often donates resources and time to various organizations. For example, in conjunction with the Westport library committee we supplied the food, facility, and help for a fundraising dinner. Also, the club will host two meals for local seniors in lieu of donating money to Community & Primary Health Care.
For our next meeting, our club will travel to the Seeley’s Bay Lions Club to celebrate with them the investiture of new members to their club. Their club has been struggling with numbers for the last couple of years, but has turned the corner, and recently added new members to their dedicate core group.
Lions Bob Reddick and Jim McGlade reported on the District A4 Lions Convention held in Cornwall. The keynote speaker, Lion Melvyn Bray, a director of Lions International, spoke about the importance of increasing our membership, and keeping existing members engaged. He also commended the Westport Lions who raised $19,500 for a pair of eSight glasses, and the Chesterville Lions Club who spearheaded a campaign to raise $66,000 for a young boy who was run over by a lawn mower, and required extensive surgeries. One of the great things about being a Lion is being able to witness the tremendous support given from our community and neighbouring Lions clubs for people in need. Lion Jim reported on the great work the Mobile Eye Clinics are doing, and the purchasing of a new well-equipped van.
Lion Bill Garland is again coordinating our Spring Cash Draw, which is directed towards maintaining our beach programs. Watch for Lion members selling tickets in front of Kudrinko’s and other locations around town. First prize is $1500 cash and second prize is $250. The draw will take place July 1st at Rideau Vista Elementary School.
On April 19th Lion Michael Harris has organized first aid training for all mobility van drivers and interested members.
Starting on Saturday, April 22, the metal recycling site at 245 Mountain Road will be open for drop off every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 -12, or by appointment if you have a large load. Please call Mike Robinson at 613- 273-6812, and give twenty-four hour notice. You must present certification of refrigerant removal for disposal of refrigerators. Aluminum cans only, and please no hazardous waste materials. Please support this fundraiser for the club.
Lion David Blair reported that 440 people were served at the recent mobility van breakfast at The Cove. A special thank you to The Cove, Delbert Adrain, Bryan Colford and the many volunteers that helped to raise $6,027 to help maintain this very valuable service.
Westport Lions Club 
Thank you for organizing and covering the first aid training yesterday for some of our volunteer drivers (and others) — and for the catered lunch — especially that super Caesar salad!!
(Could we possibly get the recipe for that Caesar dressing?) It makes driving for local people who need it … that much more rewarding! And also good to meet a few more of our neighbours.