Seamus Cowan, left, Tracy and Bryan Colford at the 25th Mobility Van Breakfast. Seamus and Bryan received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award at the breakfast held on April 19. Photo Credit: Lion Bob Reddick
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
What is success? It is 50 litres of maple syrup donated by Bryan’s Septic Service, 45 dozen eggs supplied by Stewart Jackson, marketing rep. for Nature Plus Eggs, 50 loaves of bread from Patrick Yates, Weston Bread distributor, and various other supplies contributed by Findlay, Sysco, Kudrinkos and The Cove. At least 30 volunteers were involved, and 440 plates were served. Wow! That’s a successful breakfast fundraiser!
In 2025, the Lions’ vans made 214 trips to medical appointments. The donations received at this year’s record-breaking breakfast will go a long way to sustain the Lions’ Medical Mobility Service. Thank you, Westport and community, for your incredible support.
Kaileigh Reddick from Westport won the litre of maple syrup donated by Bryan Colford.
This highly successful fundraiser started 25 years ago when Bryan Colford decided to make French toast for some hunting buddies at Ducks Roadhouse. Ducks doesn’t exist today, but at that time it was a bar located where the Westport Market functions today. There were a group of motorcyclists who wanted French toast, but it wasn’t on the Ducks’ menu. Bryan said, “No problem, I’ll cook some for you.” The motorcyclists insisted that they pay Bryan for their breakfast, but Bryan suggested they make a donation to Lion Sammy McGregor towards the Lions’ mobility van instead. From that experience, Bryan decided that it should be a yearly event. After a couple of years at Ducks, the breakfast became so popular that Bryan needed a bigger venue, so he approached Terry Cowan of The Cove. Terry and The Cove staff were fully on board, and the event has increased steadily over the years in terms of numbers and donations.
At the breakfast, Bryan Colford and Seamus Cowan were awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the highest form of recognition offered by Lions Clubs International Foundation. The Melvin Jones Fellowship symbolizes a commitment to humanitarian service and acknowledges individuals who embody the Lions’ motto, “We Serve.” The Westport Lions have only presented the award to two other non-Lions since 1946. They are Lucille Bresee and Ken Rose.
Both Byran and Seamus quietly serve the community without fanfare or seeking recognition. Bryan has not only spearheaded the mobility van breakfasts for 25 years, but he is always willing to help the club by being involved in other fundraisers, plowing the parking lot, and pumping out our septic tank for free. You will not find a bigger heart than Byran Colford (Garter) anywhere. As Seamus said at the presentation, “Garter is the epitome of community involvement.”
Seamus was quick to point out that he is accepting his Melvin Jones Award on behalf of The Cove. His parents, Mary and Terry Cowan, started the tradition of The Cove supporting community causes, and Seamus has continued this practice of raising money for community groups. Seamus and The Cove staff are always supportive of Lion initiatives.
The Westport Lions congratulate Bryan and Seamus on this well-deserved honour.
Correction: To contact the Reuse & Recycle Centre, use FB Messenger or call 613-273-5791. Email photos of all donations to devilake@rideau.net.