The Lakefield & District Lions Club is celebrating their 80th anniversary of serving the community.
To celebrate this milestone, the club is hosting a community party on June 20 at Isabel Morris Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The club was founded in 1946 with 170 dedicated Lions during their charter night eager to give back to their communities locally, district wide and globally.
While numbers of charter members have dwindled in the last several years, the hard work and dedication they show their community has not.
Over the 80 years the club has been operational, their members have served with enthusiasm, and dedication.
Their community engagement has included: support of the Lakefield Arena and Ball Park, PRHC Foundation and Pediatric Cancer Bunker, The Morton Community Health Centre, Lions Camps for children with diabetes, cancer & children on dialysis.
They also conduct vision/hearing screening for Sr. Kindergarten and Grade 1 students, support local food banks and Community Care, the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and the YWCA initiatives.
In the past they have also donated emergency response vans to the local fire department, supplied waste containers and flower pots to beautify the downtown area, cleaned up local parks and adopted a road in the area for cleanup. The Lakefield & District Lions Club support the local youth through hockey sponsorships and also sponsors and runs the Santa Claus Parade annually and assist local families in need.
The Lions are planning a grand celebration on June 20 to thank the community for their support over the years.
They will have a time capsule available for members of the public to place small items of their memories of the club which will be opened on their 100 Charter Anniversary.
At the park there will be face painting, a bouncy castle, scavenger hunts for children, vision/hearing screening and diabetes screening in the River Den and the Lions Food Trailer will have select items for only $0.80 to commemorate their anniversary. There will also be an Ice Cream truck and children’s decorated bike and wagon parade at the park.
The Lakefield & District Lions Club is always evolving with new projects and innovative fund raisers while also honouring their roots. Throughout the year they host fundraisers that include their food trailer, golf tournament, and bingo.
They encourage anyone looking to volunteer and help the community to step up as a new member as the club is aging and younger members are needed.
The 80th anniversary community party will be a free event for all to enjoy.
