From the left, George Tackaberry, Barb Fritz, Lions Chantal Blair, Lori Crawford and Jeannette Harper present a cheque to Athens Lions treasurer, Jeff Baker. Photo credit: Wayne Bent
Westport Lions Roar
By Barb Fritz
The Westport Lions Reuse & Recycle (R&R) opened in 2021 on 5295 Salem Road next to the Tackaberry Quarry. Use of the building was generously donated by George Tackaberry of Tackaberry and Sons Construction. Now, in its 6th season, the R&R has become a popular place for the residents of Westport and the surrounding area to search for bargains and “treasures”. People who donate items are pleased that they are not ending up in landfill, but finding new homes. Along with the store, there is also metal, aluminum and e-waste recycling.
Volunteers at the R&R, who are from the community, students earning community service hours, cottagers, and Lions members, enjoy the smiles of people finding something new or unique, something they need, or something they just have to have. They often hear what a great environmental initiative the R&R is and how much it is appreciated.
George and Kevin Tackaberry are members of the Athens Lions Club and each year, at the Athens Appreciation Night, R&R staff give a donation to the Athens Club in honour of the Tackaberry family whose generosity provides a home for the R&R. This year Lions Jeannette Harper, Lori Crawford, Chantal Blair and volunteer Barb Fritz had the pleasure of presenting the cheque. Thanks to the Athens Lions for a great evening.