The Carlyle Lions Club held a supper on May 15 to give back to the community after raising a record $40,000 at their annual Supper and Auction held in March. President of the Lions Club, Wayne Wilson, stated that "the majority of the money that the Lions raise goes back to the community, but we do give on the provincial, national, and international levels as well. Most of it we like to keep in the community though."
Stretching from Manor to Arcola with donations this year the Lions did their best to share the wealth. After raising the money in March a committee of Lions members vote on who was to receive it. The Carlyle Lions Club is made up of 24 dedicated members and are supported by many businesses and individuals around the community. It is this relationship that ensures success.
This year donations were made to a variety of groups. The first presentation was made to Manor Skating Rink, which is more than just a rink. After the rink was condemned a few years ago, the community decided to build a new one. It is now affiliated with the school and will also be used for track and field, but the Rink committee is in the process of building an area for badminton as well. The posts are being made and the nets are to be bought using this donation of $1,000. Presented by Gord Paulley, both Rylan Weir and Mike Riddell were happy to accept it.
The Carlyle Curling Club received $5,000 on behalf of the Lions Club. Kirk Himmelspach and Mike Lothian were thankful for the donation presented by Kent Holland. This donation will help with redoing the basement and upgrading the main floor.
The Carlyle Sports Arena received $3,000 for fixing and repainting the bleachers in the complex. Krista Ruckabar accepted the cheque from Lions member Ron Paul.
The Carlyle History Book was given $2,000 towards seeing it completed. Lynn Brady and Audrey Brady accepted the money on behalf of the History Book from Frank Faber.
The Moose Mountain Jumpers based in Arcola, take gymnastic students from across the area: Kenosee, Redvers, and Manor to name a few. They have been operating for 19 years and after that time are in need of new equipment and a new practice space. The $1,000 Claudia Mullis accepted from Don Corrigan will be put towards new balance beams for the club.
Rusty Relics Museum, who also provided the supper for the evening, was given $2,000. Lion's member Bev Rutten presented the cheque to Audrey Young and Ron Paul. This money will be put towards flooring the front end and the old freight room. While they have also received a CPR bunkhouse and storage shed from the railway, so they will need to move them to the site.
The Carlyle Library was presented $2,000. Lions member Pat Anderson handed the cheque to Lauren Hume. The money, however, is not going towards books like many assumed it would be. They will be using it as part of the summer student's salary. The summer student runs a reading program and other activities for youth to partake in.
Five hundred dollars was then given to the Carlyle and District Food Bank. George Anderson happily handed the money to Mavis James, who told those in attendance a little about what they have been doing. They cover all of southeastern Saskatchewan and have seen an increase in hampers, being able to give out 30 to 48 a month. The donations after Christmas tend to taper off, so the Lions donation was greatly appreciated. This money will go towards both fresh and preserved food products.
The Fire Chief, Trent Lee, accepted $1,000 from Lions member Keith Walker. Lee stated that the Fire Department is in need of a meeting/training facility. An area that is clean and quiet in order to teach the members of the Department. This will help in keeping them safe when they go out on a call.
Memorial Hall was given $3,000, as well as a donation of tables and chairs. Wade Trippel gave out the money to Diane Tweitmeyer and Marion Biram. They explained that this money would be put towards redoing the bar and dance floor, which will make a fantastic area for gatherings and improve the overall atmosphere of Memorial Hall.
Finally the Carlyle Happy Gang was given $2,500 and a new refrigerator. Accepting the cheque was President of the Happy Gang, Cliff Walker, from Myrla Holland. Jokingly asking if it was his name on the cheque Walker then explained that the Happy Gang wants to upgrade the front entrance as it is in poor condition.
In addition to this money given out for the night the Lions decided to put $5,000 into a GIC. This is to save for a major project for a community in the future, last year money was given to Lions Park for the new washrooms there.
Another $5,000 will be put into a different GIC to help with basic things throughout the year that might come up, while $7,000 was given to Lions Park for upgrades. The night was a great success.
After the donations were presented, Alicia Robinson, and a trainer from Dog Guides in Oakville, ON spoke a little about Robinson's dog, Elf. The Carlyle Lions Club had discovered that Robinson had been approved for receiving a guide dog and wanted to help in some way. They decided to make a donation to the Dog Guides, which would help with the costs of a dog. Dog Guides works solely on donations with no government funding and provides free services to those that are approved for the program.
If you would like to be involved in the Lions are always looking for new members. They hold meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month, all one has to do is attend a few and decide if they would like to join. To do so either contact a member of the Lions or simply show up at one of the meetings.
