Md 19
District D
Quesnel Lions Club

Activities :

The Lions Club was organized in 1949 by Roy Freeman, a representative of Lions International, and sponsored by Kamloops Central (now Brock Central) Lions Club. In it?s early years, the club was instrumental in leading the campaign to build the first indoor arena in Quesnel. This project filled a large void in wintertime activities for the town.

Charter Officers/Directors

Charter President - Jim Kinley, 1st VP - John Harvey, 2nd VP - Dr. Jarvis Tompkins, 3rd VP - H. Box, Secretary-Treasurer - Paul Werbecki, Lion Tamer - Les Bonar, Tail Twister - J. A. McMillan

Directors - William Griffith, Paul Gauthier, A. R. Limacher, Goeff. S. Burton

Other Charter Members were Leslie Cashman, W. J. Griffith, O. Issacson, Charles Keen, Albert Mill, Walter Redel, Fred Robb, Earl Sarsiat.

The club responds to many of the programs of Lions International, including Sight Conservation, Diabetes Awareness, International Understanding, Youth Outreach, and Youth Exchange. In Quesnel, assistance is also provided for family health care and support. In addition, other local organizations involved in similar activities are assisted through donations.

Membership in a Lions Club provides an opportunity for people of good will to serve their fellows. You enjoy the fellowship of some of the finest people in our city. You learn about your neighbour?s problems and lighten your own by sharing theirs. You learn the fun of working with others and directing their efforts through committee service.

If you are interested in Lions membership, contact any of the following:

Membership Director ? Len Van AAlst, 992-8001

Secretary/Treasurer ? Ron Silver, 747-3758

It is said that volunteerism produces it?s own rewards. The feeling of satisfaction from knowing that by a few working together many in need are being assisted is sufficient reward. All volunteers know this ? it?s what keeps them involved. However, Lions Clubs are quick to recognize exceptional service to others, and the following Quesnel members have been recognized by the Melvin Jones Fellowship.

The Quesnel Lions Club has honoured four of their members to date,

Charles Keen, now deceased. Charlie was a charter member and served his community well for many years as a Lion, and as a Mason. He quietly provided assistance to others personally to help them to reach their educational goals. He was received into the fellowship in 1994. After he passed away, the club established a Bursary given annually in his name to a student who went beyond normal school activities by demonstrating a penchant to assist others. A Lion reviews the applicants and makes the selection.

Frank McKelvie, a current member. Presented in 1994, entry to the fellowship recognized Frank?s devotion to family. His tender care and affection to family members stricken by medical problems have impressed all that know him. He is a shining example in this world of growing indifference to commitment.

Ron Silver, a current member and the editor of this web page. I felt honoured to be selected for this award in 1996. My sense of modesty prevents me from speaking further.

Phil Vandervelde, a current member. Presented in 2002 in honour of this Lion?s hard work in guiding the club in its financial affairs. In addition, going "beyond the box" to aid sight impaired golfers throughout Western Canada by coordinating two tournaments.

In addition, Frank McKelvie, Ron Silver and Dennis Asher have been made Life Members.

Many programs are directed to youth ? Youth Exchange, Peace Poster contest, Lions Quest,sponsorship of a soccer team, financial support to the Quesnel Sea Lions swim Club, support for the Lions Society of BC through direct donations, Snowarama and by providing an annual campership for a handicapped youngster. As well, our medical aid committee?s efforts are directed towards the needs of families. That committee has purchased four Insulin Pumps for youths suffering from Juvenile Diabetes.

Many smaller equipment items have been donated to G. R. Baker Memorial Hospital over the years. In 2007, the club raised $10,676 to provide funding for equipment for the new Chemo room at G R Baker Hospital. Also, in 2007, we had the opportunity to sponsor a Lions Quest workshop for 25 teachers and instructors at Voyageur School. This will be a tremendous benefit for the youth of our community.

Lions International main focus has been sight conservation since 1925 when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become "Knights of the Blind". The Quesnel Club has taken up that challenge. We assist the CNIB by fund raising for their programs. Our annual Journey for Sight Walkathon raised over $51,000 since 1991 as direct donation to CNIB. As well, in the past, we provided assistance to their fund raising by selling their raffle tickets and their cash calendars.

Fund raising for the club is from a variety of areas, such as our TV Bingo, garage sales, chocolates and cake sales, pull tabs collected and sold, pancake breakfasts. We are always on the lookout for additional opportunities and would welcome any suggestions.