Central Manitoulin鈥檚 mayor and local leaders praised the Lions Club for nearly 50 years of service, highlighting their crucial fundraising for hospital equipment and post-secondary student bursaries.
CENTRAL MANITOULIN鈥擳he Lions Club motto 鈥淲e Serve鈥 is heavily evidenced through the work of the Central Manitoulin Lions Club and there are many groups who have greatly benefited from this club.
Central Manitoulin Mayor Richard Stephens is one of the remaining charter members of the Central Manitoulin Lions Club. He, along with the late Bob Runnalls, Peter Stiles and Moe Keller, founded the club in 1976.
鈥淒ale (Scott) has been president for some time and does a super job,鈥 said Mayor Stephens.
鈥淚ntroducing Ribfest into the program has brought in more patrons to the community,鈥 the mayor added. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a long haul for the Lions, and they continue to find ways and means of staying active, expanding with new ventures and activities that keep the club more in tune with what the community wants.鈥
Mayor Stephens called Homecoming a 鈥渂ig benefit,鈥 noting the hundreds of extra people who visit the businesses as a result. 鈥淓veryone gets a piece of the pie. I thank them for their long-time contributions to this community.鈥
Paula Fields, CEO and president of Manitoulin Health Centre (MHC) echoed the mayor鈥檚 sentiments.
鈥淭he Central Manitoulin Lions Club continues to demonstrate extraordinary commitment to our community through its extensive fundraising efforts in support of local hospital care. At a time when hospitals receive little to no provincial capital funding for many essential pieces of equipment 鈥 including X-ray machines, IV pumps, patient beds, and ultrasound equipment 鈥 community fundraising has become absolutely critical.鈥
鈥淭he Lions Club has consistently gone above and beyond to help ensure our hospital can continue providing safe, modern and reliable care close to home,鈥 Ms. Fields continued. 鈥淭heir dedication, volunteer spirit and generosity are making a direct and meaningful impact on healthcare services for residents across Manitoulin Island and surrounding communities.鈥
鈥淥n behalf of the MHC board of directors and our entire team, we would like to extend our sincere best wishes to the Central Manitoulin Lions Club for another successful Homecoming Weekend!鈥 added Dennis McGregor, MHC board chair. 鈥淢ore importantly, we would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Central Manitoulin Lions Club for your ongoing support of all out fundraising campaigns over the years. Unfortunately, hospitals are underfunded in Ontario and we have to rely on fundraising campaigns for equipment and infrastructure and your organization has always stepped up and supported MHC.鈥
鈥淲e look forward to our continued relationship with the Central Manitoulin Lions Club and we again thank you for all you do for the people of Manitoulin Island,鈥 Mr. McGregor continued.
Karlene Scott is one of Central Manitoulin鈥檚 most prolific volunteers, organizing events like Pearson Cup, Providence Bay Ambassador of the Fair contest and so much more.
鈥淭he Central Manitoulin Lions Club stands out as a remarkable organization comprised of devoted volunteers who consistently invest their time and energy to enrich the Central Manitoulin community,鈥 Ms. Scott told The Expositor. 鈥淭heir steadfast dedication to service reflects a true passion for having a positive and lasting impact on residents in their community. Their unwavering generosity shines through in their ongoing financial support, which plays a vital role in nurturing the community and fulfilling a diverse array of local needs. The Central Manitoulin Lions Club consistently gives back, offering substantial assistance to students at Central Manitoulin Public School and Manitoulin Secondary School (MSS), by supporting numerous extracurricular activities鈥攊ncluding sports teams, robotics programs, breakfast initiatives and ice time rentals. Each year, the Central Manitoulin Lions Club exemplifies their dedication to education by awarding three generous bursaries of $750 at the MSS Awards Night. This initiative makes a meaningful difference, enabling Central Manitoulin graduates to pursue post-secondary studies and move closer to achieving their academic aspirations.鈥 (This year鈥檚 awards went to Rhys Allison, Ethan Cooper and Zachary Gibbons.)
鈥淏eyond supporting students, the Lions Club actively encourages a variety of youth programs within the community, fostering growth and opportunity for young people,鈥 Ms. Scott added. 鈥淭heir commitment extends even further as major supporters of the MHC in Mindemoya, highlighting their ongoing investment in the well-being of the region. The Central Manitoulin Lions Club truly embodies their motto, 鈥淲e Serve.鈥 Through their unwavering dedication and generosity, they set a remarkable standard for community involvement, inspiring others to follow their lead and make a positive impact throughout Central Manitoulin.鈥
The Central Manitoulin Lions Club has, for almost 50 years, supported its community through donations to important causes and giving back through community events like Homecoming Weekend, a thank you to the people who support their important efforts all year long.