The Lake Lenore Lions Club has once again proven its commitment to community service and charitable giving throughout 2024, building on its legacy of support for a wide array of causes. President Gerry Gerwing reports that the club has enjoyed another successful year of fundraising and service, with the year marked by a series of events that made a tangible impact on the local community and beyond.
As in previous years, the Lions conducted three major annual fundraising events. The 14th Annual Fish Derby was a standout success, attracting both local participants and visitors. The second key event, the annual $2000 cash draw, once again generated significant community involvement, while the third fundraiser, the Lions’ Walkathon-Journey for Sight, united members, students, and community supporters in a shared commitment to raising funds for vision-related causes.
On the service front, the Lions Club took part in a range of initiatives throughout the year. The year kicked off with community members and Lions joining forces to net whitefish and assist in smoking the fish for a local project. In May, the Lions participated in the inaugural Bethany Polar Bear Icebreaker event, supporting the local community's efforts in unique and engaging ways. Summer saw continued service, including repairs and cleanup at the local ball diamonds, along with the sponsorship of the annual Walkathon. This event, which included Lions, local students, and members of the Ladies Service Club, culminated in a gathering featuring hot dogs, drinks, and ice cream.
In June, the Lions continued their tradition of giving back by helping with Heatwave, an annual event where they served a popular marinated pork chop feast. August brought a well-deserved picnic for the members before a quieter period during harvest season. However, service continued into the fall, with Lions helping to replace plastic coverings on local Co-op greenhouses and assisting the Ladies Service Club by tending bar at their Mock Wedding Social. December will see the Lions once again supporting Santa in delivering Christmas treats to the daycare and grade 8 students, along with making food bank deliveries.
Throughout the year, the Lake Lenore Lions Club raised more than $30,000, enabling them to contribute to numerous causes. Several thousand dollars were donated to support Lions Dog Guides and the construction of a new training facility. Donations were also made to the Blind Curlers and Blind Golfers Associations, as well as a diabetes camp at Christopher Lake that provided a wilderness retreat for diabetics of all ages. The local school benefited from various contributions, including a new freezer for the Breakfast for Learning program, funds for library books, and a scroll saw for the Industrial Arts program. The Lions also supported a motivational event, sponsored an annual Peace Poster contest for local youth, and helped fund a joint graduation scholarship with the Ladies Service Club.
The Lions' generosity extended beyond local initiatives, as they contributed to numerous other causes such as the Seniors Mental Health and Fitness program, First Responders, and the Humboldt Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Donations were made to several local organizations including St. Mary’s Villa, the Humboldt Food Bank, and the Royal Canadian Legion. The Lions also supported the expansion of Ronald McDonald Houses across four major centers and assisted local families facing significant medical travel expenses.
As the year comes to a close, the Lake Lenore Lions Club expresses gratitude to all who supported their fundraising and service activities. Their efforts reflect a deep commitment to the well-being of the community and beyond, embodying the club’s motto, “We Serve.” With 2025 on the horizon, the Lions Club is already looking forward to continuing their mission of service and community betterment in the year ahead.