​Cans 4 Camp Turns 15 years Old!
Helen Keller said, "I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something." Lion Ralph Bostwick, an Iola Lion, personifies that ideal. Ten years ago he approached the Iola Lions Club about giving to the Lions Pride Endowment Fund; his Club agreed and made their donation. However, Bostwick wanted to "make more of an impact," specifically to help ensure the future of Lions Camp for generations to come. Not to be dissuaded, he went home and made signs that said, "Cans for Lions Camp, call Lion Ralph for Pickup" and hung them up around town. Though a few people called him, things weren't moving fast enough so Bostwick spoke to a couple of area businesses about collecting their aluminum cans and he put up collection bins around town. These commitments got Bostwick's project up and running. Today, the Iola Lions Cans for Camp project collects aluminum cans from 9 businesses, four drop off collection bins and they have collected cans from the Iola-Scandinavia Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Celebration and the annual Corn Roast in Scandinavia.
Lion Ralph aka ”Can Man,” has chosen to commit himself to this endeavor, but he is quick to point out, "When I need help from one of my Club Members, they are always there." After just ten years, Bostwick's "doing something" has brought in over $30,000 to the Lions Pride Endowment Fund. He chose Lions Pride because he knows the money raised through the Iola Lions aluminum can recycling project will help ensure future generations of campers will get to experience Wisconsin Lions Camp. If you would like more information on how to donate your aluminum cans to the Iola Lions you can contact Lion Ralph Bostwick at 715-445-2226. If you would like to make a monetary donation to Lions Pride Endowment Fund or more information about Wisconsin Lions Camp, contact their office at 715-677-7000 or at prideoffice@lionspride.org.
