Service agencies are part of the backbone of a community.
The Gananoque Lions Club received its charter in 1939. 84 years later the organization has dozens of active members including its new President for the year, Debbie Donaldson.
We caught up with the busy President, who spared a few moments for myFM on the phone.
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Wherever its located, Donaldson says a Lions Club chapter is a community connector.
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In a bid to broaden the Gananoque Lions club reach, Donaldson tells us the local chapter is exploring establishing a Youth Exchange club through Lions Club International.
Donaldson says it’s important for young people to see the world piece by piece, as part of forming the bigger picture.
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Donaldson’s family has hosted exchange students and she tells us the experience is an eyeopener for everyone.
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2023 has been an active year for the Gananoque Lions Club and Donaldson says it isn’t over yet.
Audio PlayerNone of what a Lions Club chapter accomplishes in the community is by accident. In Gananoque, Donaldson says programs and services are driven by brainstorming, planning and volunteers. Donaldson says as big part of their success comes down to keeping and recruiting new volunteers.
Audio PlayerThe work the Lions Club does in Gananoque and the region speaks for itself. It’s volunteers go into schools to help with eye testing. Recently the organization helped fire victims, donated 10 thousand dollars to the Salvation Army to update their kitchen. Money has been donated to Brockville Hospital’s eye program and Kingston Health Sciences Centre, for its Pediatric Oncology Department to purchase new chairs for children undergoing chemotherapy.
Gananoque Lions Club is also a world player. Through Lions Club International, the local chapter has supported disaster relief programs and environmental initiatives.
So if the Lions Club sounds like an agency you’d be interested in joining, Donaldson wants to hear from you.
