Welcome to the Vernon Lions Club

Contact: Webmaster Lion Sharon Cain @ 250-540-8270 or vernonlio nsclub1945@gmail.com

Vernon Lions Club partners with BC & Alberta Guide Dogs

November 14, 2025

Several Vernon Lions met with Holli Coward, OSI-PTSD Service Dog Apprentice Instructor and Cristina Castrejon, certified Service Dog Instructor of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs for the graduation ceremony of our newest Autism Service Dog Team - Todd and Malia Montgomery and Service Dog Fletcher.

l-r: Lion Peggy Price, Todd Montgomery, Malia Montgomery and Fletcher,
Lions Sharon and Ken Cain, Lion Kevin Lyon and Lion Dave Connor
Kneeling, Instructor Cristina Castrejon

BC & Alberta Guide Dogs breed, raise, and professionally train Guide Dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; Autism Service Dogs for children with profound autism ages 3-7 and their families; and OSI-PTSD Service Dogs for Veterans and First Responders living with an Operational Stress Injury (OSI), such as Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD).

The dogs work with clients to maximize their independence. It takes two years and upwards of $35,000 to produce one certified dog, which is provided free of charge to the recipient.

Vernon Lions Club Celebrates 80 Years of Service to the Community

Vernon, BC – November 8, 2025 – The Vernon Lions Club was proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of dedicated service, fellowship, and community impact. Since its founding on November 6 in 1945, the Vernon Lions have been a cornerstone of volunteerism in the North Okanagan, working tirelessly to support local initiatives, provide aid to those in need, and foster a spirit of compassion and unity.

W.L.Seaton Jazz Band directed by Mr. Jason Paas

Over the years, the Vernon Lions Club has contributed countless volunteer hours and raised funds for projects ranging from vision care and youth programs to community health and local infrastructure. The club’s motto, “We Serve,” continues to guide its mission as members strive to make Vernon a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.
The 80th anniversary celebration took place on November 8, 2025 at the Coldstream Community Hall, bringing together members, dignitaries, and residents to honor the club’s legacy and to look forward to the future. We welcomed guests from the Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country and Lumby Lions Clubs in our zone and Lions from Kamloops as well as representatives from Easter Seals and from BC & Alberta Guide Dogs.

Lake Country Lions Armstrong Lions

Enderby Lions Lumby Lions

Following a welcome by Emcee Lion Sharon Cain and invocation by Lion Simon Dufresne, a lovely dinner was catered by Vernon Catering and Hospitality. A beautiful Anniversary cake was made and donated by Safeway. The cake was cut and served by VCC Wanda Eddy and 1st Vice President Simon Dufresne. The program printing was donated by SMA Printing in Enderby. Bar service was donated by Kaden Short. A huge thank you to all.

The event then featured the following speakers: Councillor Allan Louis for the Okanagan Indian Band, Mayor Victor Cummings for the city of Vernon, Linda Anderson, wife of MP Scott Anderson for the federal government, 19-I District Governor Steve Sweeney, 19-I-10 Zone Chairperson Linda Vlasveld and the Vernon Lions Club 1st Vice President Simon Dufresne. Each of these dignitaries expressed their congratulations to the club and highlighted some or the historical highlights and recognition of the many volunteers whose efforts have shaped the club’s success. This milestone is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a recommitment to serving Vernon for generations to come.

Councillor Allan Louis Linda Anderson, MP Scott Anderson's wife

District Governor Steve Sweeney 1st Vice President Simon Dufresne

The guest speaker for the evening was Multiple District Vice Council Chair Lion Wanda Eddy of Kamloops. Her words were very inspiring as she congratulated the club’s commitment to service, mentorship and building strong connections in the Lions world and in the community, country and world.

Vice Council Chair Wanda Eddy

VCC Wanda Eddy then presented certificates to long serving members: Life Member Lion Nick Shaigec for 65 years of service, Lion Mike Herrling for 46 years of service and to Lion Brian Willows for 35 years of service.

Life Member Nick Shaigec (65 year member)
with ZC Linda Vlasveld, DG Steve Sweeney and VCC Wanda Eddy

Bobbe and Marne MacKenzie were recognized as founding family members. Bobbe spoke of their memories when their father William MacKenzie was the Charter President of the Vernon Lions Club in 1945 and as Lion member for many years. His leadership, vision, and commitment to service helped shape the foundation on which the club proudly stands today.

Founding Family Members Bobbe and Marne MacKenzie
with ZC Linda Vlasveld, DD Steve Sweeney and VCC Wanda Eddy

The program of the organization, which is non-profit, non-sectarian and non-political, carries out civic and community service projects. Meetings in Vernon are held on the first and third Thursday each month. New members are always welcome.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.