Welcome to the Vernon Lions Club

Contact: Webmaster Lion Sharon Cain @ 250-540-8270 or vernonlionsclub1945@gmail.com

or mail to P.O. Box 20102, Vernon, BC V1T 9L4

Meeting Place: ANAF, 2500 46th Ave. on the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month, September to June.

Events in 2024-25

Upcoming Events

Nov 23 - Vernon Lions club (sponsors) invited to attend the Information Meeting to form a new club in Salmon Arm

Nov 29 - Downtown Vernon Association FROSTIVAL - Vernon Lions Hot Chocolate event.

Dec 19 - Vernon Lions club Christmas party.

November 2024

During the months of October and November The Vernon Lions preformed vision screening test in all the Elementary schools in SD22 Vernon as well as three private schools. Lumby Lions screened children in Lumby, Cherryville and Lavington. All children in Kindergarten, Grade 3 and Grade 6 were screened. The results showed that 7.9% of the children screened were referred to have an appointment with an optomotrist.

Nov 5: More than 200 students were present at the eighth-annual No Stone Left Alone ceremony in Vernon, B.C., on Wednesday — an event that tasks the students with placing a poppy on the gravestones of the men and women who died serving their countries.

October 2024

October 20 - Ten Vernon Lions attended the Camp Winfield meeting at Camp Winfield. Chairperson Michele Materi-Baker presented Easter Seals Camp Winfield with a cheque in amount of $19,852.13 raised at the Lions Golf Tournament last May.

October 19 - Another successful Charity Poker tournament was held at the ANAF hall. Twelve Lion volunteers were on hand to welcome over 100 players. Benefits of this and our other Poker tournaments are purchasing equipment for handicapped people at the Peanut Pool in Lakeside Park.

October 17 - to our new members - April Fox sponsored by Lion Sharon Cain and Carl Sellers sponsored by his brother Frank Sellers of Nova Scotia. Zone Chair Sharon Cain led the Candle Light Induction ceremony, Lion Kevin Lyon read the Code of Ethics and the Objectives of Lions and our Membership Chair, Lion Trudy Parke presented the pins and certificates.

October 5 - Representing the Vernon Lions Club, Lions Sharon and Ken Cain attended the lovely Three Club Anniversary for Penticton (75 years), OK Falls (45 years) and Oliver (45 years). The dinner and program was held at the Penticton Golf & Country Club. Congratulations to these clubs on reaching these major milestones.

ZC Lion Sharon Cain, PZC Lion Ken Cain

October 3 - Zone Chair Sharon Cain visited the Vernon Lions Club. She shared information on Service. The Lions motto is We Serve - to make a difference in our community, our country and our International community. All clubs do service projects and then report that service to MD19. Reporting is a way to share service ideas with other club, it lets MD19 know that you are an active club and it helps our multiple district recieve more funding for training, for some activities through grants and it gives your club Bragging Rights.

Treasurer Lions Dave, Secretary Lions Judy, President Lions Brian and Zone Chair Sharon Cain

September 2024

September 29: Five members of the Vernon Lions Club attended the first ZC Sharon Cain's Zone Meeting with Lake Country/Winfield Lions hosting. Judy Louis - Secretary, Brian Barnett - President, Dave Connor - Treasurer, Trudy Parke - Past Pres/Membership, and Ken Cain.

September 19: Past Zone Chair Ken Cain led the nomination and election by acclamation for the new Executive member replacements for the Vernon Lions Club.

Installation of new Executive members:
Judy Louis - Secretary, Dave Connor - Treasurer and Ron Mare - Director/Marketing

September 14: Our annual shreeding event took place at the Wholesale Club parking lot. A very successful fundraiser.

Vernon Lions ready for shredding to begin.

September 13: The club served the staff of Nixon Wenger LLP at their year end family picnic. It was hamburger, hotdogs and salads.

Vernon Lions having fun at the Nixon Wenger BBQ.

September 5: Our first meeting of this fiscal year was held Sept. 5. We welcomed our newest member, Lisa Briggs to our club with a lovely candle ceremony.

Michele Materi-Baker sponsored Lisa Briggs. Induction by ZC Sharon Cain

July 2024

July 6 AND 7, the Vernon Lions Club served pancakes for the Sun Valley Cruise In. July 6 was held at Watkin Motors (major sponsor) and Suday, July 7 at Polson Park at the main show. Thanks to Sun Valley for having us partner with you to serve breakfast both days. We netted $3850 to help us serve in our community.

Thursday Morning, July 11, several members of the Vernon Lions (Ron, Bobbe, Marnie, Jackie, David, Brian W., Brian B.) had the privilege of witnessing the opening ceremonies of the new Lake View Wade Pool, aka, the "Peanut Pool"

The Mayor thanked the Lions for the sponsorship of the aquatic chair, and the lift that has yet to be installed, and the crowd gave the Lions a warm appreciation of applause.

We were most fortunate to experience that the lead engineer of the pool construction brought their daughter to the event, a young girl with severe physical disabilities. They strapped her in the Lions aquatic chair, and rolled her gently into the new pool. It was very touching.

The Morningstar interviewed Bobbe and centred on the fact that the Lions had been a key player in constructing the original Peanut Pool back in 1958, with Bobbe's Dad as a leader with the Lions at that time.

It was a special moment, and a proud day for the Vernon Lions. And a big, big thank you to Ron Mare, for being the lead in this entire endeavour.

Being delivered soon is the Lift and Rails to assist caregivers with the moving of clients to the Aquatic Wheelchair. Yet to come is the Adjustable bed in the Barrier Free Disabled Change Room Facility. This will be next year's project. Your commitment to community though our charity poker tournaments makes this all possible. Thank you Greater Vernon Poker Players. and the people of Vernon.

Events in 2023-24

Ducks for Dogs - June 22, 2024

Polson Park was the scene of a riveting race down Vernon Creek as 4,000 rubber ducks hit the water to raise funds for a service dog to be given to an autistic child. During the race, Vernon Creek was lined with spectators - people who had purchased ducks and those who simply wanted to watch an exciting race to the finish line. The first place winner was duck #2947 awarding Jill Power with $1,000. Second place duck #0642 was purchased by Sylvia Herchen and was valued at $500. Third place duck # 2581 earned Rick White $250. The Lame Duck #1942 valued at $100 was won by Kim Creed .

The race was preceded by some games for children provided by Protective Services, a Fish Pond, some displays, a maze for blind folded people to be led through by a Guide Dog and a BBQ provided by the Lumby Lions Club.

Thank you to all the grocery stores for allowing us to sell our Duck race tickets, to all of our sponsors to help fund the event and to all the volunteers who made the event such a success - the Fly Fishermen, the RCMP Volunteers, the Kalamalka Pipe Band, the sponsors with displays and the Vernon and Lumby Lions who worked the event.

With all the help of the stores our volunteers were able to raise $22,227 for another Service Dog in our area.

May, 2024

May 26 - Vernon Lions Golf Tournament raised funds for Camp Winfield. (story and pictures to follow)

May 16 - Lions Mike Smith and Jackie Tardell chaired a successful BBQ for the employeed of Woodtone.

May 11 - Vernon Lions served a pancake breakfast at the Hospice fundraiser.

May 5 - Vernon Lions served a pancake breakfast to the particpants of the Independent Living Walk.

May 4 - Several Lions attended Camp Winfield Clean Up. Lions Judy and Jackie prepared the lunch for the Easter Seals Camp Winfield Improvement meeting on May. 5.

APRIL, 2024

April 22 - Another successful "Texas Holdem' Poker Tournament was held at the ANAF under the leadership of Lions Ron Mare. A beautiful perpetual memorial trophy in honor of Lion Bill Friend, who passed away in December, was presented to Bill's son and grandson at the event. Bill's son Kelly was very honored to accept this trophy at the tournament and he also had a hand in making the base.

April 15 - 19. Several Vernon Lions visited the Elementary schools in SD22 for an information session on Earth Day, environment and the value of trees. Each grade 3 student recieved a Lodge pole pine tree to plan at their homes. The children were very attentive, full of questions and so excited to have their own tree.

A huge thank you to Allan Rasmusson, Plant Biologist, for getting us the trees, to Kawkeye Holdings Ltd for storing the trees until needed, and to Pryce Landscaping for soil to plant the trees in small containers for the children. We do appreciate this help from our community businesses.

Lions Sharon Cain, Tracey Voorthuyzen Lion Trudy Parke and grandchildren

Lion Ron Mare and the Friend family

March 22 to June 22 - Vernon Lions are selling tickets for the Ducks for Dogs duck race at Polson Park on June 22. All proceeds go to bring another service dog to a child with autism.

MARCH, 2024

March 18 - a lovely Candle ceremony was held to induct two new members: Kevin Lyon sponsored by Lion Ken Cain and Betsy Concha sponsored by Lion Sharon Cain. PZC Sharon Cain led the ceremony assisted by Lion Michele Materi, Lion Valene Reckhard and President Trudy Parke.

March 15 - Vernon Lions give back to its community by supporting other Service Groups.
Each year, we provide funds to other Service Groups so they may in turn help more people in
Vernon. This year the recipients were: NOCLS, Camp Winfield, Salvation Army, Santa’s Anonymous, Independent Living, Vernon SARs, Vernon Community Dental and Parkinson Society. These groups help a wide range of people in our community. (all pictures not available)

MARCH 21 - William (Bill) Thornton, founder and CEO of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs spoke at our general meeting about the expansion of their dog programs and the plans for their new facility in Ladner, BC. Always enjoy Bill's visits and look forward to seeing him again at our Golf tournament and Duck race.

MARCH 22 - Vernon Lions are out and about again - this time we are fundraising to bring another Service Dog for a child with autism in our area. Ticket sales have started - check our Ducks for Dogs page for locations of ticket sales.

FEBRUARY, 2024

February 17 - Another successful Poker Tournament was held at ANAF. It was chaired by Lion Ron and assisted by several club members

JANUARY, 2024

January 18 a special Candle ceremony was held to induct two new members: Shauna Lyon sponsored by PZC Sharon Cain and Mandeep Singh sponsored by Lion Mike Herrling. Lion Mike Smith conducted the ceremony assisted by Lion Michele Materi.

A committee of Lions have been updating our Food Trailer and it is looking fantastic with new decals. Good job Lions.

DECEMBER

December 21 the Vernon Lions gathered for their annual Christmas party chaired by Lion Valene. Lots of fun, great food prepared by Lions Simon and Carolynn.

William (Bill) Friend passed away after a brief illness on December 19, 2023 at the age of 86. Bill was a member of Lions for over 60 years and during that time served several positions including President on the boards of the various clubs he transferred through. He also served as Zone Chairperson and then District Governor. During his 60 years of membership he only missed one convention. He was a role model for us all. He was a bright light for our club and for all who knew him. Blessings and condolences to his wife Adele, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will truly be missed.

NOVEMBER

November 25 the Winter Carnival sponsored a "Light Up" near City Hall. Vernon Lions served hot chocolate to raise funds for Diabetes. The event had a small turnout of visitors this year so was less successful than normal.

November 18 was Poker Night at the ANAF with Lion Ron as chair. Many volunteers came out to help with this great event. Each one gets better. Thank you Ron and team for a wonderful job.

November 11 Lions Ralph and Peggy attended the Remembrance Day service at Kal Tire Place.Some grandchildren of our members also laid a wreath at the Indigenous Memorial on Westside Road.

Patrick Garry Rutten was born on December 31, 1945 in Lethbridge, AB and passed away on November 9, 2023 in Vernon, BC. Pat was a member of the Vernon Lions Club since 2015 and during that time served on the Board of Directors and as President of the club for 2017-1018 and Zone Chairperson in District 19 D for 2018-2019. Our sympathies to his brother Robert and son Cam and family.

November 8 Vernon Lion members attended the No Stone Left Alone ceremony at Coldstream Cemetary.

OCTOBER

Vernon Lions provided lunch for the fall Camp Winfield meeting at the camp.

The Teddy Bear Picnic went over very well and they ran out of food. Lions cooked and served over 100 hot dogs for the picnic goers. We served as friends of the Teddy Bear Picnic.

October 13 and 14, Lions Ken and Sharon Cain attended the annual MD19 Fall Convention in Surrey, BC. Always fun and a great way to learn about Lions as well as meeting old and new friends.

SEPTEMBER

September 9 Lion Ralph chaired the annual pancake breakfast for the walkers raising funds for the Parkinsons Society.

Several Lions volunteered at a very successful Shredding event was held September 16.

September 17 our food truck was on site at Paddlewheel Park for the Jubilee Hospital Family BBQ.

September 21 our club was honored with a visit from Vancouver Lions. PDG Peter Chang from Vancouver Cathay Club, PZC Pollyanna Lui from Vancouver Legacy Club, President Euclid Cheng, CP Danny Li, Director Anne Li, members Tenniel Cheung and Jeff Hu from Vancouver Midas Club.

WELCOME: September 21 we welcomed Mike Smallenburg as a member of the Vernon Lions Club. Congratulations Mike.

September 23 was the final BBQ with Buy Low Foods. Buy Low provided all the food and Lions cooked and served. Fun event.

Check out our "Projects" page to see what Vernon Lions have accomplished.

Closing out our 2022-2023 Year.

At our year end awards evening, 22 members received perfect attendance pins, the President, Secretary and Treasurer were honored with a plaque and a pin, Dianne McIntosh, Jackie Tardell and Peggy Price were honored with President's Choice awards. Lion of the Year was presented to Ralph Whittle for his dedication to Lions and our club in particular. President Sharon Cain was honored with a bouquet of roses as she leaves the President position this year.

What's happening next?

1. Feb. 17, 2024: Poker Tournament at ANAF

2. April 26-27, 2024: District 19 I Conference, Ramada Inn, Kelowna, BC

3. May 5, 2024: Garage Sale (pending)

4. May 11, 2024: Hike for Hospice Pancake Breakfast

5. May 23-25, 2024: MD19 Annual Convention, Ferdale, Washington.

6. May : NW Lions Leadership Institute - details to follow

7. May: Annual Golf Tournament - details to follow

8. June 9, 2024: Creative Chaos Pancake Breakfast

9. June 21-25, 2024: LCI Convention, Melbourne, Australia

10. June 22, 2024: Ducks for Dogs at Polson Park.

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