HISTORY OF LIONS CLUB OF MERRITTON
In October 1938, the late Rev.C.J. Lamb and the late Herb Karberg called a meeting of some of the more active citizens in the Town of Merritton to consider forming the Lions Club. At this meeting, which was instigated by some officers of the Lions Club of St. Catharines and the late District Secretary Bruce Malcolm, it was decided that Merritton should have a Lions Club. The Club Charter, dated January 25,1939, lists twenty-six Charter Members.
The first few meetings were devoted to finding a suitable major project. Since drownings in the “old canal,” which passed through the town, were a common occurrence, it was evident that a properly supervised swimming pool was of prime importance. Such a venture would appear impossible to most new clubs at that time. To the Merritton Lions, flushed with the success of their first money-raising activity ($200) at the St. Catharines Lions Carnival, anything seemed possible. After several years of delay caused by wartime restrictions, the Merritton Lions Memorial Pool was opened to the public in July 1948.
Now was the time for a new project. After much discussion, it was agreed that the Town required a Community Centre. As with the swimming pool, the Club did not have sufficient funds to undertake the project immediately. The Town Council was approached and agreed to contribute $100,000 for the building, with the Club underwriting the balance required to build and furnish the Centre. The Club was still short of the cash required, and individual members co-signed a loan from the bank to provide the $75,000 needed to complete the project. The building was opened in 1955, and by 1957, the club had repaid the debt to the members.
In 1966, some of the club's newer members were urged to get involved in another major project. The Merritton Lions Centennial Arena was built after a very close membership vote. Once again, the Club had to borrow money to complete the project.
This time, the City of St. Catharines advanced the Club sufficient funds to complete the $200,000 arena. The club repaid this in three years. The arena project not only provided further recreational facilities for the Community but also cemented the ties between the Lions Club and other organizations in the town. The Merritton Volunteer Fire Department, Merritton Legion, and the Merritton Athletic Association all contributed to building the Arena.
In 1977, the Club realized that improvements were needed to the swimming pool, community centre, and arena. The cost for these upgrades was $318,000. Financing was arranged through Wintario grants, club fundraising, and a City of St. Catharines loan.
In 1987, the Club approached the City of St. Catharines for a grant to renovate the arena. A grant of $500,000 was awarded, and the work was done over the summer months. The Club also received a grant of $75,000 for repairs to the swimming pool.
In 2000, the Club again approached the City about a major arena renovation. The cost was $2,100,000, and the club agreed to pay $500,000. This was repaid to the city in five years.
In 2019, major work was again needed at the arena, and the City spent $2,000,000 on much-needed repairs.
All these ambitious projects have required the cooperation and assistance of the people of Merritton and much hard work by the entire membership. Ever since they earned their first $200, the Merritton Lions have been confident in their ability to operate successful fundraising activities and confident of the support of the local citizens. Almost every conceivable means of making money has been tried, including dances, variety shows, auctions, walk-a-thons, raffles, carnivals, and bingo.
Our club continues to support many worthwhile charities, including many supported by Lions. We support the Lions Foundation of Canada, Dog Guides, Lions of Canada Fund for Lions Clubs International Foundation, CNIB Lake Joe (camp for the visually impaired), Camp Dorset (camp for people needing dialysis), Campfire Circle (children with cancer), Lions Homes for Deaf People, Camp Kirk (children with learning disabilities), Lions Quest (teaching children life skills), and Diabetes Canada.
Locally, we support Community Care, Wellspring Niagara cancer support, Niagara Children’s Centre, YWCA, Start Me Up Niagara, The Salvation Army, Westview Centre 4 Women, Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, FACS, Community Crew, Niagara Nutrition Partners, Hospice Niagara, Food 4 Kids, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Niagara Health, Niagara Catholic District School Board, District School Board of Niagara, United Way Niagara, St. George’s Church Breakfast Program, and Linhaven Home for Senior Citizens.
Our fundraising activities include the Community Days Festival on Labour Day Weekend, Blind Bowling to support LFC—Dog Guides, an Elimination Draw and Turkey Raffle, Trivia Night, a PET VALU Walk for Dog Guides, and Bingo.
Service activities include operating the Merritton Community Centre, collecting used milk bags and eyeglasses, screening vision, road cleanup, the Peace Poster Contest, and the Merritton Matters Newsletter.
The Club has been very active with Lions International. Members have attended district, multiple district, and international conventions. Members have provided leadership beyond the club level, serving as zone chairpersons, region chairpersons, and three as District Governors.
The current membership of the Merritton Lions Club shares a very proud heritage and is very proud of our contributions to our community and Lions International.
Author: Lion Geoff Crane
