A number of Virden organizations received help to better serve in the community, thanks to the Lions Club’s donations on May 17.
Treasurer Barry O’Grady, emcee for the evening, reported, “The club gave away $43,700 on Tuesday evening with another $13,000 mailed out the following day, totalling $56,700 in donations.”
The Lions Campground has been tidied in preparation of its spring, summer and fall use. The campground continues to be one of the Lions’ largest sources of revenue. Cubs and Scouts as well as Girl Guides were commended for their help with clean-up.
Skate Virden picked up their donation after the picture (they were playing ball); Wallace-District Fire Department Chief could not attend as he was called to a fire. Recipients unable to attend due to distance and other commitments: Canadian Red Cross; CancerCare Manitoba Foundation; Heart and Stroke Foundation; and STARS Foundation.
Along with Virden Lion President Lloyd Williams and club members, the Lions District Governor Chris Miles from MacGregor brought greetings. He said, “This year our organization has also been challenged by the needs of Ukraine.” The 48 clubs in the district have sent more than $50,000 to a refugee relief fund for Ukraine.
Of the 23 groups receiving cheques, local groups who were on hand told how the funds will help their organizations.
For ACL Shelly, Savy described an outdoor enclosure that will be created at their facility with a fenced area where the people supported by ACL can enjoy the outdoors and even hold a barbecue.
For Manitoba Brain Injury Association, Kevin Tutthill and Chance Toder presented the Lions Club with a certificate of thanks noting the club’s continued support for those injured and their families.
The representative from Diabetes Canada explained the donation would help with D Camps, where type 1 diabetic youth get to enjoy a full camping experience, learning independence with medical staff on site for support.
Oak Lake Cottage Owners Association received a donation to help with the installation of lighted fountains designed to keep the beach water algae free.
A donation to S.A.I.L. will go towards Emergency Response Information Kits (ERIK) given with no charge to those who want one. Mounted on the fridge these provide first responders with important medical information about you during an emergency in your home.
Sherwood Nursing Home relies on donations for their activities department for new games and to update electronics.
The Southwest Judo Club will use their donation for development camps and travel to competitions.
The Aud Theatre will use their donation for upgrading sound and lighting as needed.
The breakfast club provides kids ages 6 to 16 with an opportunity for free ice time twice weekly and instruction by the Oil Caps players. A free breakfast is served before the kids head to school. They rely upon donations.
The Girl Guides will use their donation to offset costs to parents and to pay for rented space.
Virden Minor Hockey had 168 kids and 19 teams this year. “The donation will go towards development of our young kids,” said the rep.
A donation to Palliative Care will enable the group to provide special beds for patients and the special training needed for those who wish to support palliative patients on their final journey.
The Food Cupboard supports between 30 and 40 families every month and with the rising cost of groceries, “every donation helps.”
The Skate Park will use their donation to provide cement picnic tables, one to be wheelchair accessible, and benches for families using the facility.
Youth for Christ has enjoyed the support of the Lions Club which has provided a cement recreation pad for outdoor sports. With this year’s donation they plan to purchase a storage shed for sports equipment and perhaps some additional equipment. In one short hour on Tuesday evening all these organizations received a leg up for another year.
