Eight local foundations and organizations gratefully accepted donations of $1,000 apiece from the Innisfil Lions Club during their June 4 meeting.
The donations were provided to a wide array of causes, which included supporting artistic growth and literacy, community engagement and fitness, independence for disabled individuals, and support for women and children rebuilding their lives after escaping abuse or human trafficking.
“I would like to thank our volunteers and community supporters,” club president Alison Jacks said. “Because of this support and the hard work of our board members, the Innisfil Lions Club has donated over $20,000 to various community groups and Lions' initiatives again this year. It is very rewarding to be a part of such a great organization in a great community."
Recipients included Triton Music from Nantyr Shores Secondary School, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, COPE Service Dogs, DeafBlind Ontario Foundation, CMHA, the Women and Children’s Shelter of Barrie, the Innisfil ideaLAB and Library, and Diabetes Canada. All parties were very thankful to receive the Lions Club’s donations.
“The donation from the Lion's Hall is very special to us,” said Nantyr music teacher Danny Vaz. “(It's been) two years in a row now that they've helped our program get to nationals. This year, with all the unexpected changes and costs, their very generous donation is going to help us lower the cost of the trip for students and make our program even more accessible to all who are part of it. We really are so very grateful for this continued support from the Lion's Hall and the community here in Innisfil.”
“The Lions Club of Innisfil has long been a pillar of our community,” said Kate Hicks, Diabetes Canada’s senior planned giving manager.
In a speech after the cheque presentation, she told members of the Lions Club, in part: “Your donation will directly impact the lives of these young campers. Enabling them to experience the joy and freedom of summer camp, while learning essential skills to manage their diabetes. Your support helps ensure that Camp Huronda continues to be a beacon of hope and a place of empowerment for these children. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership.”
“As we celebrate National Deafblind Awareness Month this June, this support is more important than ever,” DeafBlind Ontario Services/DeafBlind Ontario Foundation chief executive officer Roxanna Spruyt said. “It helps us empower individuals who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are deaf, hard of hearing or use non-traditional forms of communication, to live their best lives. We are happy to be able to work with the community to raise awareness and promote inclusivity. A big thank you to the Lions for their incredible support.”
Barb Degagne, a part-time COPE volunteer coordinator, says, “We train and provide placement of skilled service dogs for people living with mobility issues and for certified facility dogs who provide support to our community in many ways. Elementary students benefit from our reading buddy program, high school students learn literacy, leadership and employability skills in the Canines in the Classroom program and, after refinement training, COPE service dogs are partnered with individuals with disabilities to help facilitate a more independent life.”
YMCA community engagement manager Dale Rowe said the $1,000 donation would support his organization's Move to Give campaign.
“We help people who can’t access programs and services because of their financial situation. We don’t want anyone to be turned away,” Rowe said. “We will financially assist families to be able to attend programs and services, so like, swimming lessons, wellness, (and) fitness classes.”
That amount could help support one family for a year or allow five or six children to attend swimming lessons.
The women and children's shelter, meanwhile, aids those experiencing violence and human trafficking.
"The shelter has seen a steady increase in women fleeing violence and women from the Innisfil community are actively using their services," executive director Teresa Maclennan said in a statement. "The women in our shelter need to know the community supports them and wants them to succeed. Financial support from the community is the only way we can continue to meet the increased needs for abused women and their children."
Library board member Sue Bennett called the Lions the "best service club in Innisfil."
"This donation will enable the library to continue to offer and expand services to the community," she said.
To learn more about the Lions, check out its website or Facebook page.