CLIFFORD – The Clifford and District Lions Club participated in Operation Christmas Child. Three shoe boxes were filled with gifts to send to children in developing countries. They chose to fill one box for a girl aged two to four, another box for a girl aged five to nine, and another for a boy aged ten to 14.
Lion Ivan Campbell said, “A letter was placed in each box informing them that the gifts came from the Clifford and District Lions Club explaining some of the services we do in our community and worldwide. Our motto is, ‘We Serve.’”
The Lions Club currently consists of president Sheila Campbell, secretary Ivan Campbell, treasurer Judy Worsley, and members Fay Binkley, Margaret Penfound, Allan Manning, and Ho Park.
The Lions sent towels, blankets, and mats for the Guide Dogs Puppy Program to the training centre in Oakville.
Sheila maintains the flowers at the Friendship Arch at the north end of Clifford.
Twice a year, the Lions hit the ditches, collecting trash along the highway from the Redwood Restaurant corner to the first intersection. They collect pop cans to crush and sell for scrap.
Sheila and Worsley attended a seminar on assisting with the upcoming vision program at the public school. The club also collects used eye glasses to send with doctors to third world countries. They also support Diabetes Canada.
They partner with the Clifford firefighters to host the annual pumpkin carving contest at the fire hall.
Sheila placed a wreath at the Remembrance Day service held Nov. 10 in Clifford. She notes she likes to walk along the main street and see the banners that honour the veterans.
Club president Shelia Campbell says banners honoring local veterans are a great addition to the town’s main street.
Sheila said she was quite impressed with the story boards with the faces and names of the local service men and women who served the country. These memory boards were created for the Clifford Homecoming celebration in 2017 and are stored away neatly in boxes until the next time they are needed.
Peter Buhrow and Mary Jean Hartwig and their committee researched and compiled the photos and information.
Centennial celebration
2020 begins the 100 Years Celebration of Lionism in Canada. The Windsor Lions Club was chartered 100 years ago. To help celebrate, a dinner cruise on the MS Chi-Cheemaun is booked for June 6 and a new District A-9 history book will be printed.
The Clifford and District Lions Club members used to meet at the local fire hall, but some members are finding the steps a little too steep, so the members choose to meet in their homes. Larger celebrations will be held at the community hall.
Anyone who would like more information on the Clifford Lions, their projects, and how to join should contact Lion Ivan Campbell at 519-327-8132.
