Steeped in the tradition of helping the community and spreading holiday cheer, it was a special night at the Innisfil Lions Club on Tuesday night as members of the Innisfil Lions Club gathered to present three local charities with cheques of $1,000.
The Innisfil Food Bank, Christmas 4 Kids and Barrie & District Christmas Cheer/Innisfil Christmas Cheer were the recipients of the donation, fundraised through the Club's many events.
“The Innisfil Lions Club is pleased to support the local Innisfil charities that work tirelessly to help those in need during the Christmas season," said Innisfil Lions Club President Alison Jacks. "The Innisfil Food Bank, Christmas 4 Kids and Barrie & District Christmas Cheer are just a few of the amazing organizations that work to make Innisfil such a great community to live in."
According to the Lions Club International website, being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships and improving the world through kindness with 1.4 million caring men and women serving together so they can make a lasting impact and change more lives. Lions around the world support five global causes, including hunger.
“Very special thanks to the Innisfil Lions Club for supporting our charity. They are long-term partners of ours. Over 40 years, they’ve been supporting Christmas Cheer and we’ve been supporting the community of Innisfil and trying to get families a beautiful Christmas and a beautiful dinner,” said the President of Innisfil Christmas Cheer, Beth Leonienco-Burke.
“The Innisfil Lions Club donation of $1,000 is so thoughtful. We are seeing more and more families coming through our food bank, and this one thousand dollars will buy some of the staples for our food boxes. We are so grateful,” said Innisfil Food Bank Coordinator, Donna VanBodegom.
“Christmas for Kids has been working in the community for 25 years. We have helped many thousands of children experience the magic of Christmas thanks to the generosity of the Innisfil community and the hard work of service groups. The Lions Club works hard all year to assist local charities. This year, the demand for our assistance is up 25 per cent and with everyone’s generosity, we will bring that magic to children — to all the children — that require our assistance. We appreciate that the Lions have supported [us] for decades. Innisfil is a wonderful, generous community,” said Myrlene Boken, president of Christmas 4 Kids (All Year Round) (also known as C4Kids).
“The Innisfil Lions Club is committed to making a meaningful contribution to the Innisfil community through service, community events and financial support. Our Club has gone through some recent changes, our membership is growing and we are looking forward to 2023. With the pandemic restrictions lifted, the Innisfil Lions will be once again hosting our annual events and more. Thank you to those who came out to support our Pancake Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 27th. It was great to see the community come together for breakfast and a visit with Santa.” Jacks said.
For more information about getting involved with the Innisfil Lions Club and their upcoming events (which include nights devoted to playing Bingo, darts, and Euchre) please visit their website or follow Innisfil Lions Club on social media.
Amber Green is a freelance journalist with Village Media.
