Volunteers at the Westport Lions Mobility Service Breakfast.
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
Lions Pitch–In Day, April 20
There was an image on Facebook this winter of a perfectly cut rectangle in the ice used by ice fishermen/women. What was bothersome about this abandoned hole was it was crammed full of plastic bottles, candy wrappers and chip bags. Why do people do such things? There could be numerous reasons such as laziness, selfishness, carelessness, or the lack of education about the consequences of littering.
What can we learn from this image? Perhaps, we must never give up trying to convince people not to litter. If we could educate people not to litter, our quality of life would increase, and it would put money in our pockets. How many tourists have said that one of the things they enjoy about Canada is how clean it is?
On Saturday, April 20, the Westport Lions will organize their annual Pitch-In to collect garbage along community roads. Participants should meet at the clubhouse to pick up yellow garbage bags and coordinate routes, and then gather back at the clubhouse at 11:30 a.m. to enjoy a free lunch. Lion Marty Hawkins would appreciate anyone who plans on participating in this event to email the club at westportontariolions@gmail so he can prepare sufficient food.
The Westport Lions encourage families to participate. What better way to teach your kids or your grandchildren the importance of keeping our environment clean? It is well documented that families, including grandparents, that work and play together develop cohesiveness and greater emotional support for each other. Spending time as a family volunteering is a win-win situation for everyone. Young people learn the importance of volunteering and feeling good about their contributions to the community.
If you cannot participate in the Lions’ Pitch-In event on April 20, Rideau Lakes Pitch-In will be taking place from April 14 – 27. Yellow pitch-in bags are available at the Municipal Office in Chantry, community halls and libraries. Put roadside litter in a yellow pitch-in bag and when the bags are full, place them out on your regular collection day, no bag tag is required. (Rideau Lakes website)
The ideal way to handle the problem of littering is for each member of society to take responsibility and try their best to properly dispose of waste. The presence of existing garbage acts like a trigger and gives the impression that it’s the right place to litter. As the existing debris attracts more litter, removing garbage frequently and promptly may help to discourage people from littering. So, the next time you are about to toss litter or leave garbage in a public space, please take a second to think of the consequences.
Lions Breakfast Raises Over $7,400 for Mobility Vans
On Sunday, April 7, Brooke, Josh, Bryan, and Tracy Colford, along with The Cove staff and volunteers raised $7,400 at the Lions’ Medical Mobility Service breakfast. Approximately 300 people enjoyed french toast with fresh maple syrup, meat patties, sausages, and home fries.
The Colfords donated 5 gallons of maple syrup for the event. This is impressive since syrup production significantly dropped this year because of the weather.
The litre-and-a-half bottle of maple syrup donated by Bryan’s Septic Service was won by Linden Provost who donated his prize back to the club.
Medical appointments have increased dramatically in 2023 as medical services are returning to normal since the pandemic. Eight volunteer drivers have completed 152 trips to various health facilities for 2023 and have made 50 trips so far this year.
The Westport Lions wish to thank The Cove, the Colford family, Stuart Jackson, Sysco, Gordon Food Service, the breakfast team, and the community for their support and donations.
Westport Lions Club 