Having donated more than $60,000 to charity in 2014, Sylvan Lake Lions have more than good reason to be excited about the start of another new year.
The Sylvan Lake and District branch of the international service organization currently has about 35 members, and is seeking more to help with club endeavours throughout the year.
Club fundraisers and volunteering activities support groups and organizations in both the community and beyond. Providing help to those in need, President Peter Moir feels, is simply a way of living up to the Lions Club’s “We Serve” mandate.
“(Volunteering) is just an excellent way to give back to the community,” he said. “Locally, we try and raise as much money as we can, and then we give it out to just a whole variety of different local, and even international, groups.”
Scouts, Girl Guides, the Food Bank and STARS Air Ambulance are just some of the club’s many donation recipients.
The annual Flight Night dinner and dance on March 7 is just one of several club fundraisers that will take place this year. Others include bingo events, a bike sale and a dog walk in support of providing guide dogs to individuals in need. An eye-screening program in elementary schools is part of the club’s dedication to vision health.
Casinos every 18 months also provide a significant source of funding, and can boost the club’s total annual contributions by up to $20,000, Moir said.
While 2015 is shaping up to be another successful year for the club, 2016 has the potential to be every bit as big. The Sylvan Lake club was recently selected to host a convention for its entire district, which encompasses Lions Clubs from all around the province.
“We should have about 200 people coming into town next year for the convention,” said Moir.
The convention will be the first for the club’s new home district, he added.
“We used to be in the same district as Montana with the Lions Club, and they’ve separated. The new Alberta district is going to be a huge district, and Sylvan Lake is going to host its first convention.”
Having recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, the Sylvan Lake and District Lions Club is about the same size now as it was formed, said Moir. And further growth is always welcome.
“Anybody who can help is appreciated,” he said.
Individuals interested in joining are asked to contact Moir at 403-887-4037, or attend one of the club’s meetings, held the first and third Mondays of every month at 5119 50A Ave. in Sylvan Lake. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively.
“We’re also a good place to make friends,” said Moir. “I consider most of the club’s members to be good friends.”