New Lincoln Lions Club working through planning process

A new Lions Club, the Lincoln Lions is taking shape.

The new club has been created with a steering committee and is a branch club of the Grimsby & District Lions Club.

When setting the goals and aspirations for the new club, the committee focused on having an inclusive, community-oriented group of willing individuals, said club president Gord Gerrie.

“As such, the Lincoln

Lions have explored several different fundraising activities and service projects that do not parallel that in which other clubs in the area are currently involved,” said Gerrie.

As well, organizations to be supported will be different from what the other clubs are supporting.

Gerrie said he is very confident that they will have at least 15 members by the end of June 2023.

“Our secretary is

Holly Cavanagh who has been a Lion for about 20 years and comes from a family of many Lions Club members. Chris Bailey is our treasurer and is new to Lionism,” said Gerrie. Lions Clubs International requires new clubs have at least 20 members before a charter can be granted. Gerrie said they plan to have their Club Charter by January 2024. The group’s first Information Evening was held last night, Jan. 25, at the Lincoln Lions Club meeting hall located at 4996 Beam St. in Beamsville.

The club meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

For further information, call Gerrie at 905650-1420 or by email at: lincolnlions@cogeco.ca

Lucien Rene

Helping a little at a time

What started out as a one-time thing to help out a group in need has become a year-round activity for Smithville’s Lucien Rene.

Rene, 78, has a “route” of 20-25 homeowners who give bottles and cans monthly with the results being converted to cash donations to local groups. So far, about 25 different groups have received donations.

“This fall, a hockey team from town is going to Europe for a tournament. I spoke with a board member and we’ll try to help them with some money,” said Rene.

“I do collections every month. This month we did great. It should be close to $200. I gather $500-$600 and then I start to give it out.”

Rene said he recognizes that others

- like the West Lincoln Kiwanis Clubalso do bottle drives, so he respects their work and keeps to his “route”.

“I just cover my friends. It’s just word of mouth. Whatever I gather, I gather,” said Rene.

“It keeps me busy and in shape, It’s fun and it keeps cans and bottles out of the dumps.”

He even keeps track of donations throughout the year and when they accumulate to over $25, he “tries to be fair” and gives contributors a tax receipt if the funds raised went to an organization such as West Lincoln Community Care, which can generate those receipts.

If you would like be on Rene’s route, email him at: delftblue@outlook.com

Lucien Rene of Smithville is in constant motion with bottle/can drives yearround with, so far, about 25 different groups and organizations benefitting from proceeds. Walker - Photo

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