Evelyn Golden (left) from Dowling, Ontario won the $1,000 for having the first number drawn in the Lions’ $10,000 2024 Cash Calendar. Her sister Joyce Byrne from Westport bought Evelyn the calendar.
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
Many people at the end of the year or the beginning of the new one, reflect on past events or accomplishments and perhaps make some goals. Over the next two weeks, I would like to share with you some of the Westport Lions’ highlights, events, and accomplishments during 2023.
January and February
Roger and Sharon Crites of Brockville started the New Year by winning $1,000 for having the first number drawn in Westport Lions’ 2023 $10,000 Cash Calendar Draw.
Although there are few major events in January and February, it is a productive time spent visiting other clubs, and planning future activities.
March
On March 21, people all over the world wear colourful, crazy socks to signify World Down Syndrome Day. The idea was first started in 2013 because chromosomes are shaped “like socks” and people with Down Syndrome have an extra chromosome.
At the March 22 meeting, all attending members received a pair of colourful, crazy socks. The purpose of wearing them is to start a conversation to raise awareness of Down Syndrome.”
The Westport Lions’ Medical Mobility Service (MMS) continues to be busy taking residents of the Elgin and Westport areas to doctors’ appointments. The caravan transports mobile clients and the MV1 carries passengers who require a wheelchair.
Lion Harry Beckett, the dispatcher for the MMS reported that from March 1 – 20, the Westport Lions Club received 23 requests for transportation to medical appointments, and the club was able to accommodate 19 of those requests.
April
The Westport Lions participated in the District A4 project to create backpacks for children undergoing cancer treatment at CHEO and the Kingston Cancer Clinic. The backpacks were filled with books, games, stuffies, no sew blankets, pillowcases, anything that can make a child’s stay in the hospital more enjoyable.
Lion Jim McGlade reported that he delivered 200 pairs of glasses to the Kemptville Lions Club, which will then be sent to Georgetown, Guyana. Since 1998, area Lions have sent over 29,915 pairs of glasses to Guyana.
On April 12, membership chairperson Lion Kim Kelly organized a Member/Recruitment and Activity event. The purpose of this event was to recruit and provide information pertaining to the 35 activities of the Westport Lions and allow volunteers to sign up for activities.
On Sunday, April 16, Bryan and Tracy Colford’s family and friends, along with The Cove staff raised $9,000 at the Lions’ Medical Mobility Service Breakfast. The club appreciates the efforts of the breakfast team and the support and donations from the community.
At the District A4 Convention held in Kingston, the Westport Lions received a Certificate of Appreciation from Diabetes Canada in recognition of the club’s support of Diabetes Tag Day. This initiative involved Lions educating the public about diabetes and collecting money to fund education, support services, advocacy, and diabetes research. Also at the convention, Lion Bob Reddick received the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation.
The Reuse and Recycle Centre opened its doors for another successful season on April 28. The Centre appreciates the support and generosity of the community and was open every Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to the end of September.
On Saturday, April 29 the Westport Lions organized their annual PITCH-IN event to collect garbage along community roads. Participants met at the clubhouse to pick up garbage bags and coordinate routes and then gathered at the clubhouse to enjoy a free barbeque lunch.
May
At the Westport Lions’ May 10 meeting, Lion Wayne Bent received the International Leadership Award from Past International President Dr. Jung-Yul Chois for his distinguished leadership over the years. Lion Jim McGlade received his 50-year service chevron, and Marty Hawkins awarded his 30-year service chevron.
A motion was passed to donate $13,000 for the spring disbursements.
During May, the Westport Lions hosted their first-ever yard sale at the Lions Beach. Jeannette Harper was busy organizing plots for the foodbank at the Westport Lions Community Garden.
June
At our June 14 meeting, District Governor Sue Tunnicliffe presented Lions Dave Blair and Rick Warriner with a 35-year chevron for service. Lion David Lowery received his 15-year chevron. Governor Tunnicliffe recognized numerous ways the Westport Lions Club supports the community through the clubs’ events and fundraising.
Lion Wayne Bent reported on the club’s successful steak barbeque. Lions’ clubs from as far away as Maxville and Northbrook attended this major fundraiser.
Lion Rick Warriner received applause from the membership for his hard work organizing 247 fish dinners at the Club’s annual fish fry.
Lion Wayne Bent proposed that the $25,000 donation that the club made 18 months ago for a palliative care room at the Perth Hospital site be transferred to the new MRI facility at the Smiths Falls site. The club decided to do this because the money was sitting in a trust fund and not being used.
At the Westport Lions’ last general meeting of the Lion year on June 28, it was time to celebrate the hard work of volunteers and members.
The club inducted new members, Kris Henderson Klatt and Julian Bahmann. The President’s Appreciation Award went to Lion Kim Kelly. The Lion of the Year Award went to Lion Marty Hawkins and Lion Jim McGlade received the Helen Keller Fellowship Award. The worldwide Melvin Jones Fellowship is the highest form of recognition and embodies the humanitarian ideas and purpose of Lionism. Lion Baker is only the seventh Westport Lion to be honoured with this award since 1946.
Lion Wayne Bent was awarded a Life Membership by Lions Clubs International. Only 55,000 members worldwide have been granted this award since the formation of Lions Clubs in October 1917.
The meeting ended with great applause when Dorothy Maynard became the first woman President of the Westport Lions Club.
Westport Lions Club 