Club History

Lions International is the world's largest service organization, with over 1,000,000 members in over 150 countries. Members are dedicated to helping others without desire of return or personal publicity. The purpose of the club partially states: "to bring together public-spirited and progressive men, that their combined influence may be systematized and utilized for the welfare and up building of our Community".

On April 18, 1968, Woodville Lions Club was organized in the Legion Hall under the sponsorship of the Cannington Lions Club. Meetings were to be held the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Legion Hall. Dinners were catered by the Legion Ladies' Auxiliary.

The Woodville and District Lions Club received its Charter at a banquet held on Wed. June 19, 1968, in the Woodville Town Hall . The first project undertaken by the newly-formed club was the installation of an artificial ice plant in the Memorial Arena. On Sept. 18, 1968 , a letter was sent to the Council asking permission to proceed with this project.

The first money-making scheme towards this goal was a walk-a-thon to Lindsay, which took place on Sat. Nov. 9, 1968 . Over 100 participants entered the walk-a-thon, having already collected pledges of money based on mileage covered. About $2,000 was raised for the artificial ice plant. Other money-making projects were - a turkey shoot, a $25.00 a plate dinner, summer carnival held in the arena and a wrestling match arranged by Whipper Billy Watson.

The Woodville Memorial Arena was packed to capacity Saturday, November 1, 1969, for a history making evening entitled "Woodville on Ice '69", presented by the Woodville District Lions Club, with Cliff Fletcher directing. The event was the opening of the Arena with artificial ice which had been installed by the efforts of the Lions Club.

The Woodville Memorial Arena was condemned in 1976 when it failed to meet the new Ontario Building Code. It was not in use during the 1976-77 or 1977-78 season. On Thursday, December 16, 1976 , a public meeting was held in the Town Hall to discuss building a new Arena and Community Centre. In March, 1977, the executive met with the Arena Building Committee and suggested that the Lions might dismantle the arena. It was also suggested that the front of the arena might be left standing to be used for a Lions Den, and as a meeting place for other groups.

The demolition of the arena proceeded in December of that year. The materials were to be stockpiled for sale later. The sale of the arena materials took place on June 24, 1978 with proceeds of the sale going to the building fund for the new arena. At the same time (1977) the Lions undertook extensive renovations at the ball park. These included levelling the ball field, installing new chain link fencing and backstop, new bleachers for the fans and most importantly floodlights designed for softball games. This meant that games which had to be played away from home could now be played on the home field, attracting more fans and giving a decided financial advantage. Hearing of a chip wagon for sale, the Lions discussed its purchase as a money-making scheme. On April 4, 1979 , a motion was passed to purchase the chip wagon at a price not to exceed $3000.00. After a thorough cleaning, the wagon was set up at the intersection of Hwys. 46 and 48 on weekends operated by Lion members. It was also set up at Kinmount, Beaverton and Lindsay Fairs and at the International Plowing Match.

Since December 1979, the Lions have sold tickets on a 3-minute shopping spree at McKague's store. Other fund-raising projects have been: turkey shoots, carnivals, passport draws, bingos, dances, millionaires' nights, white elephant and bake sales, sale of metric, imperial thermometers, light bulbs, donkey baseball, street dances.

Among the many worthwhile projects are: packing Christmas boxes for the sick and shut-ins, cash donations to local ball and hockey teams, Red Cross Water Safety Program, figure skating club, White Cane Club, Medical Centre, Leader Dog School, effective speaking, sponsored Youth Exchange, Hearing Conservation School for the Deaf, $1500.00 for heating seats in arena.

Lions have collected eye glasses, conducted the canvass for the C.N.I.B., installed seating in the arena lobby, erected arena directional signs around town. Since the opening of the new arena, the Lions have co-operated with the Recreation Committee in the annual Draw, Dinner and Dance held at the end of August. In 1983 the Lions Club donated a wheel chair to Extendicare Ward of Ross Memorial Hospital.

Woodville and District have benefited greatly from the efforts of the Club. Where there is a need they seek to fill it. They have indeed fulfilled their purpose of promoting the general welfare of the community.