Since founded in 2003, the Chestermere Lions Club (CLC) has proven to be an integral service group within the town of Chestermere and surrounding area. Some of the projects that they have been involved with are the setting up of the Chestermere Food Bank and supporting it financially. Each October, the Chestermere Lions Club host an event called the Lions Pumpkin Patch. It is a fun event where both children and adults pick their special pumpkin for Halloween. Also, in partnership with the Town of Chestermere, the Lions set up and operate the beer gardens at John Peak Park during the Chestermere Annual Waterfest and who can forget those yummy pancakes the Lions serve up at the Chestermere Fall Fair. Aside from those very popular events, the Chestermere Lions Club has also played a major role in both building and funding various recreational structures within the Town of Chestermere.
During the eleven years that the CLC has been around, they have proudly donated over $75,000 to various organizations. Those include the Whitecappers Club, YELL Mountain Bike Park, Rainbow Creek School playground, Chestermere Minor Hockey, Chestermere Public Library, CRCA Recreation Programs and Chestermere Food Bank – just to name a few. They also look for other opportunities to help out in the community on a regular basis.
The club was originally chartered by the late Les Knuttila with the help of Doug Goudie and Don Edy…whom are still members of the CLC. The club has grown to around 20 members with their sights always set on how to make our community a better place.
One of the CLC, Don Edy was just honoured with becoming the newest District Governor of district 3t-O. Don was born in Winnipeg and moved to Calgary where he completed his schooling. In 1965 he joined the RCMP and trained at Depot Division in Regina. His twenty-six years of service were all in British Columbia and he retired in Vancouver at Division Headquarters. Public service has always been an important part of Don’s life. Coaching Special Olympians was a special endeavour dear to his heart.
Lion Don joined the Lions in Nanaimo in 1971 and has served with six clubs over those years. Throughout the years, Don has fulfilled the duties of most club positions, notably club president four times, tail twister thirteen times and zone chairperson twice. He has received numerous awards and many certificates of appreciation. He has also sponsored sixteen new members. Don has proven his dedication to Lions, and has engaged eagerly in any new roles and duties. He looks forward to his year has District Governor.
“When it comes to meeting challenges, our response is simple: We serve. Our volunteer projects unite Lions around the world. And our work is unconditional. We aren’t limited by continents or restricted to certain causes. Lions help wherever, whenever and however we can” – Lions International
For anyone wanting to look into joining the Chestermere Lions Club, they meet the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 7pm at the Mountain View Funeral Home or you can email chestermerelc@gmail.com.
