UNITY — The pandemic halted opportunities for many avenues in life, including community service clubs.
The Unity Lions Club are happy to be back in action now that life is starting to return to normal. The club currently has 20 members and has recently been joined by two new members. They meet the second Monday of each month at the Adanac Hall and are always ready to welcome new members to help with the many tasks they provide in service and fundraising in the community.
A Lions Club spokesperson said recently, community projects club members volunteered at included a booth at Unity Trade Show, admission gate at Unity Miners games, bartending at functions, set up and take down of the Hospital Auxiliary Christmas greeting board, admission gate for Unity Western Days and games for children at the museum’s Canada Day event.
The club also undertook fundraising with their grey cup tickets, annual Christmas tree sales and game rentals. New for 2023, the club will operate the lunch concession at Unity’s Canada Day festivities in addition to hosting children’s games at the event. The club has also offered gate services for Unity Minor Ball for a big tournament being held June 22-25.
Unity’s Lions Club have greatly enhanced Unity’s paved pathway program. Members continue to commit funding, as their most recent pledge is to pave the path from 4th Avenue close to the dog park.
The Lions contribute to a number of causes and actions in Unity that include the Christmas greeting board, a scholarship and bursary for graduating students at Unity Composite High School, the Secret Santa campaign, Unity Music Festival, Unity Legion Remembrance Day, UCHS SADD and proficiency awards, trade fair table, medical assistance when requested, and Western Days parade participation.
Provincially, the Unity Lions Club supports Lions District 5SKHN, Lions newsletter, Sask Lions Foundation, Cavalcade for Diabetes, Quest Canada and Lions Club International Foundation.
The Lions Club of Canada website outlines their global causes which include diabetes, childhood cancer, vision, hunger and the environment. Their mission is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.
Lions Club International recognized Unity Lions members as outstanding individuals by bestowing awards that are named after the club’s founder, Melvin Jones.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. The recipient of this award becomes a model because of their exemplary service to their home club, and the community for which their club serves.
The award is given to recognize individuals who display qualities such as generosity, compassion, and concern for the less fortunate. Every $1,000 U.S. dollars given to the foundation qualifies for an award.
The Unity Lions Club presented awards to Lee Mamer, Jim Sego, Doug Zunti and Keith Wilson, presented by club president Ron Pethick.
The Unity Lions Club was chartered in 1946, making 2023 their 77th anniversary.
The Lions’ motto is, “We Serve” and this is certainly a large part of their identity in Unity. Did you know Unity Lion’s Club donated $50,000 to the Unity Credit Union Aquatic Centre when it was being built?
The Lion’s Club has stood the test of time and members say they are committed to serving for many years to come, but they need the help of new members to help renew and grow their club’s membership in order to fulfill their goals.
