Westport Lions Club

The participants of the Lions’ Pitch-In, from the left, are Lions Dave Blair, Bob Reddick, Dale Lyons and Barry Winfield.  Lions Kim Kelly, David Lowery, Julian Bahmann, Marty Hawkins and volunteer Pat Reddick are missing from the photo. Photo credit: Kim Kelly

Westport Lions Roar

By Lion Bob Reddick

During World War II, citizens were encouraged to establish Victory Gardens to help feed people domestically so more produce could be sent overseas to feed the troops.  Many Canadians have started home gardens to reduce the need for imported food and enjoy their own fresh, pesticide free produce.  The main purpose of the Westport Community Garden is to provide a space where local citizens and clients of the food bank can grow healthy food for themselves and the Westport Food Bank.  If you do not have space for a garden at your residence, then you are welcome to rent a plot from the Westport Lions Community Garden.

The garden is located next to Westport’s water tower, on property owned by the village of Westport.  It consists of 20 garden beds, each measuring 4 x 8 feet, but there is room for expansion if needed. To help offset the costs of building the beds, installing fencing, buying plants, and preparing the soil, the Club charges $20 for each 4 x 8-foot garden bed. However, if a gardener donates all their produce to the food bank, their plot is free. The Westport Lions will gratefully accept sponsorships of one or more beds from individuals, organizations, or companies.

Gardeners will be responsible for maintaining their plots to a set standard. Rules for maintenance will be communicated to all gardeners, and they must ensure that their gardens remain organic. Gardeners can choose what they want to grow, except for marijuana, and they are responsible for planting, weeding, fertilizing, and watering their plots.  A water hose is provided. 

If you wish to obtain a garden plot or sponsor one, please contact the Westport Lions at westportontariolions@gmail.com or call 613-273-5789 and press option three to leave a message and along with your callback number. 

On Saturday, April 19, eight Lions and one volunteer picked up 30 bags of garbage. Most of the items were aluminum cans, plastic bottles and bags.  The most unusual item collected was a discarded pool pump.  After two hours of collecting litter, the crew gathered at the clubhouse where Lion Marty Hawkins had prepared a delicious lunch. 

The Westport Lions encourage people to be considerate about their litter and collect roadside garbage individually or participate in other Rideau Lakes Pitch-In initiatives throughout April.  The yellow garbage/litter bags require no tags and are available at community halls, libraries and the Municipal Office in Chantry.