Lion Bill Garland, centre, presents a cheque to students of Rideau Vista and teacher Janene Donnelly, right, for a Buddy Bench.
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
The Westport Lions were able to donate $14,600 to 18 different organizations this spring due to the generous support of the community. Thank you for your patronage.
One of the appreciative recipients was Rideau Vista Public School. The money the school received will go towards the purchase of a Buddy Bench. Buddy Benches were created to combat loneliness and bullying on school playgrounds. Sometimes called a friendship bench, these benches provide a way for students to signal to others that they are feeling lonely and isolated and need a friend to play with or someone to talk to. The bench signals other children on the playground to see when another student needs support or a friend, and they can join them on the bench for a chat or invite them to play.
Buddy Benches can benefit all children, not just the ones who are feeling isolated. It teaches children empathy by showing them how to recognize when someone else is in need and how they can help them. Also, it teaches them to be more proactive—to recognize the feelings of others and to step forward to do something about it. (PollyProducts.com)
At the club’s last meeting on May 22, incoming District Governor Lion Roxanne Backes presented service chevrons to Lions Gary Warriner for 40 years, Dale Lyons for 25 years, Barry Winfield for 15 years, and Jim Scala for 10 years. Congratulations to these members, and thank you for your service to our community.
After the meeting, Lion Jim McGlade showed Roxanne and Past District Governor Dave Howard the Westport Lions Community Gardens. Lion Jim says “They were visibly impressed and thought providing fresh product to the local food bank was a great idea.”
Several reports were given on Lion future fundraisers, social activities and maintenance chores. Members are looking forward to a night at the Thousand Islands Playhouse to see Momma Mia and several future Lion golf tournaments. Lion Wayne Bent is busy organizing the club’s annual steak barbeque for approximately 170 Lions from area clubs. This is a major fundraiser for the Westport Lions and is only open to other Lion members.
On an interesting note, Lion Jim McGlade called MP Michael Barrett’s office to obtain a picture of King Charles. Jim was told that protocol dictates that a picture of King Charles will not be provided until he makes an official visit to Canada.
Smokey Sherwood has been working hard at renovating the beach washrooms. He has asked that the washrooms not be open to the public until he has finished the extensive repairs. The washrooms should be open to the public soon.
The Westport Lions will host their annual fish fry at the Lions’ Sand Lake Beach House on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Takeout will be from 4 – 5 p.m. and dining inside or outside will be from 5-7 p.m. A ticket costs $20. Hope to see you at the beach.