Lions Club donates time and money
By Mark Schadenberg
There are two specific charitable organizations I donate my time to – Relay For Life for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Lions Club of Woodstock.
The Lions Club is always an interesting point of discussion in the Christmas season because ‘it’s better to give than to receive’. Also: charity begins at home.
The Lions give of their time and donate dollars 12 months of the year, but there is more to do this time of year.
I read a story in The Sentinel-Review recalling the humble and small start-up of Operation Sharing exactly 30 years ago.
The Christmas Place is another important cause to remember. I believe I heard it was the late Valerie Drane who was the fuel for the engine that pulled Santa’s sleigh in developing that important seasonal charity.
I mention The Christmas Place as I have volunteered time to this specific group previously as the Lions Club of Woodstock transports the belongings of The Christmas Place from a donated storage unit to College Ave. United Church, and then following its wrap up (pun intended), it’s the Lions Club returning everything (mostly boxes, storage shelves, display stands, and a few remaining presents that will be used next year) back into storage.
By the way, if you have to time to assist on Thursday, Nov 29 in the afternoon, give me a call at 537-1553 and I will let you know where we meet.
The recruitment process for you to join the Lions Club will happen at a later date.
Inn Out Of The Cold is the third of four seasonal groups which also receive time, donated items, and money from the Lions Club. At our meeting tonight, for example, we passed a motion to re-direct all the funds raised from the Ladies’ Night Out event held at the Legion back on Oct. 22 to be divided among four Woodstock winter charities.
One other Lions event to be mentioned is our annual Christmas Santa turkey dinner we host for members of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Woodstock. I’ve committed to bringing my CD player, so guests can plan on hearing ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ by Burl Ives.
Any local Christmas charity accepts money in any amount, but also in any form. If you have a large stack of Canadian Tire money, for example, consider donating some to benefit one of the groups I have already mentioned. Gift cards to stores selling merchandise geared to teenagers is also a good idea.
Community Corner
Another quiet way the Lions receive money, is a program many local restaurants participate in called Community Corner, where some proceeds from sales at a certain table every month are directed to the Lions Club. Local restaurants involved include Fritzie’s (both), Boston Pizza and Ody’s. In the month of November, the restaurants to visit are both The Pub at Norwich Ave and East Side Mario’s. In December, it’s Simon’s turn as the Lions Community Corner will be designated at both Montana’s and Kelsey’s.
Since the Santa Claus parade locally ends with Santa following the Lions Club fire truck, this contribution will end with our fire truck.
(519) 537-1553
Email: mschadenberg@rogers.com
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