Lions Club thanks volunteers of all kinds at 2nd Annual Friends of Lions Appreciation Dinner

By Rubyyy Jones

Paris Lions Club is known in the community for their civic support, and formidable fundraising for important community causes and initiatives, but did you know that once a year they gather to specifically celebrate the people and committees that make that possible?

Tuesday, November 19th was the 2nd Annual Friends of Lions Appreciation Dinner at the Paris Fairgrounds; an evening with libations, community building, sharing the wealth and ‘Lionism’ ‘Lionism’ - I was happy to find outis an emphasis on democratic operations, expanding diversity, volunteering, and engaging with “an amazing cross section of community,” said official ‘Tail Twister’ and meeting Jester, Ken Linington. The room represented a few corners of society, and I could tell that there has been some concerted effort to diversify the group, evolving and engaging directly with true spirit of the modern Lions Club, which is incredibly diverse with over 48,000 clubs worldwide, in 200+ countries

The 2nd Annual Friends of Lions Appreciation Dinner is to thank their many volunteers, some full-time members and others who are, specifically, Friends of Lions, people who volunteer for vital smaller roles and periodic support. This year they had 40+ people who collectively volunteered 500 hours of time. These volunteers are not committed to Lions Club membership, but they’re committed to supporting community efforts and they - students, local residents, people from other Lions chapters - make a huge impact on the Paris Lions Club operations.

There was also the presentation of funds to five fantastic local charities and organizations that are so important in our wider community: Stedman Community Hospice, The Salvation Army, Burford Lions Club, Paris Community Christmas Hamper and Toy Drive and Good Will, Good Karma

Julie Powell of Stedman Community Hospice accepted a cheque for $5,000 to go towards their annual fundraising goal of $1.5 million which goes towards servicing hospice care for over a thousand individuals in the area Both the Salvation Army and the Paris Community Christmas Hamper and Toy Drive received $2,000 for their services which bring a lot of hope and vital support to as many people as possible in Paris and Brant.

Continued on page 9

A final group photo of the evening which included long time members, brand new members (Congratulations Vlad and Stacey), Friends of Lions volunteers and invited guests at the Lions Club of Paris appreciation dinner hosted November 19th at the Paris Fairgrounds. Photo by Prinx Lydia