Winnipeg River Area Lions

March 2023 - July 2024

This past year (our very first!) has had many milestones. We welcomed our first two members on Mar 10, 2023, which grew to twenty-one by Mar 2024. Our very first donation was made in the fall of 2023 with $300 going to the Pine Falls Arena. Before that, we supported many community events starting with the Great Falls Centennial Celebration in summer 2023 followed by hosting free Barrel Train rides for the kiddos at the 4P Festival and parade. Another donation went to the inaugural Winter Wonderland event where we also ran a fun hockey station. The first annual Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides at the Village Green in Apr 2024 raised funds benefitting all Canadians in need of a service dog while bringing our community together for a few hours of fun; plus providing smiles to residents of the long-term care home when the pups stopped for a visit. We have partnered with Winnipeg River Seniors Services to start up a Men's Shed, for men looking for a fun and welcoming place to hang out - next meeting in July. We regularly team up with other Lions and volunteers for Kidsight vision screening throughout the Eastman area. The screening technology identifies vision issues in children as young as six months. Another vision-related project involves recycling eyeglasses using the collection boxes we’ve distributed around the region - helping our community to help others in need. We are active in the region’s food security network, collaborating with various agencies to get food to those in need. In June-July we were honored to prepare and serve hot meals for those in need in Pine Falls. These are the highlights of our first year and while there’s more to mention, there is so much more to come! The types of service projects we do are determined by the needs of the area and the members of the club. Lions International offers many resources to help clubs lead successful projects. It’s one of the many positives of belonging to an international service organization. Lions guarantee that 100% of all funds collected from the public go back into the community. Therefore, membership fees are necessary for ongoing administration. Our current membership is a fantastic representation of folks in our region. From Great Falls, Silver Falls, St. Georges, Powerview-Pine Falls, and as far away as Tyndall. We are a compassionate diverse group that includes single people, couples, working professionals, retired & semi-retired. Many members are involved in other community groups as well. The common quality is a dedication to improving and giving back to the community. We try to meet only as needed and can offer a Zoom connection. Winnipeg River Area Lions were recognized by Lions International as an official club on April 26, 2024. Anyone who joins before July 25, 2024, will be welcomed as a charter member and formally acknowledged at our charter celebration planned for Sep 22, 2024. It is an exciting time to be a Winnipeg River Area Lion!

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