Lions club stays relevant despite pandemic
TRURO, N.S. — The recent past year is not at all what Truro & District Lions had hoped for. Indeed, we had anticipated numerous activities and events in celebration of our 75th charter anniversary, which is Feb. 16.
Instead, in the months since our last column, Lions have been finding new and different ways to serve, while by government mandate keeping a lower profile. It has been almost impossible to hold in-person meetings, and Zoom has become our new best friend, along with telephone chains when a vote is required.
District (Nova Scotia) meetings, too, have been subject to restrictions. Last summer’s District Governor’s Organizational (DGO) meeting, where 2020-2021 DG Lion Jane Gregory revealed her theme of “Hope” and outlined her plans for the year, was virtual but the fall cabinet meeting allowed Lions to get together, albeit with social distancing. This was an outdoor meeting held at Valley Drive In in Cambridge Station, owned and operated by the Coldbrook Lions Club.
There, clubs and individual Lions received awards for the previous year, and Truro & District members were pleased with our earnings.
We were honoured to receive the following:
- Autism Assistance Dog Award - for the most support for the Lions Foundation of Canada (LFC) Autism Assistance Dog Guide program.
- Lions Foundation of
Nova Scotia Award - for the greatest financial contribution to LFNS, which sponsors projects that benefits people throughout the province.
- Public Relations Trophy - for the scrapbook that best portrays, through newspaper clippings, photographs, and interLion printed communication, the club’s fundraisers, service, educational opportunities, and social interaction throughout the Lions’ year.
We thank Saltwire Network and Colchester Weekly News/Colchester Wire for publishing so many of our articles and photos throughout the year, making it possible for us to receive the PR Trophy.
- The Rosebowl Trophy - awarded to a club at each cabinet meeting and convention, based on percentage of members and officers attending, and distance travelled to be there.
While many clubs have opted for fundraisers involving takeout and delivered meals, Truro & District, due to COVID-19 vulnerability of many of our members, has opted not to do this. Our primary fundraiser continues to be Radio Bingo, held from the clubhouse in collaboration with 99.5 FM Pure Country.
Some of the funds raised have gone to the Colchester Food Bank, Christmas Daddies, sponsorship of an Autism Assistance Dog (assisted by Annapolis Valley
100 Women Who Care), and a district project that supports the Hope theme - building of a brand new Ronald McDonald House near the IWK hospital in Halifax.
We have also provided grief kits from LionsQuest for children who have lost someone in their lives and are unable to participate in the traditional celebrations of life due to COVID-19. The kits consist of a book and a keepsake box in which a child can store a cherished memento of a loved one.
Please let us know if there is a chid in your life who could benefit from one of these kits. Visit Truro & District Lions Club on Facebook and leave an inbox message, or call 902-893-4773 for a list of contacts.
Joyce Gero is a member of the Truro and District Lions Club.