CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Fergus Lions Club donated $40,000 to the Groves Hospital Foundation at the club’s 45th annual Home and Leisure Show on May 28.
The donation will go towards buying new paediatric colonoscopes, allowing enhanced endoscopic services for young patients at Groves hospital, states a media release.
The gift marks the Fergus Lions’ 21st year of giving to the hospital and its 47th year as a club.
“The Fergus Lions have been steadfast supporters of our hospital for over two decades now,” said Groves Hospital Foundation executive director Lori Arsenault.
The Lions have given a total of $170,000 in donations to the hospital – “Truly an incredible accomplishment from this dedicated group of volunteers,” Arsenault added.
“We are so thankful for the Fergus Lions’ continued support, which allows us to meet the vital and growing needs of Groves hospital.”
Since establishing the Lions for Groves Initiative, the club has also funded diabetes education items for the new hospital, as well as “vital” equipment.
“This year’s home show is the largest on record. The funds for Groves will come directly from that endeavour,” stated Fergus Lions treasurer Michael Fleming.
“We have two major fundraisers – the home show and our Gift of Christmas Lottery – with the home show being the biggest.”
The club raises funds through various projects including bottle drives, home shows and the Christmas lottery to name a few.
“The Fergus Lions contribute to several entities in the county, mostly for the less fortunate,” added Fleming.
The hospital foundation has released an equipment list for 2024-25, which can be found at grovesfoundation.com. The areas in need total to $1.9 million.
“We, as a club, like to try to support all of the different age groups of patients that require services at Groves,” said Lions president Margaret Murray.
Giving back – The Fergus Lions Club donated 50 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to Centre Wellington Fire Rescue on May 28. From left: Margaret Murray, deputy fire chief Jason Benn and Dennis Culbert. Photo by Georgia York
The home show, held May 28 to 30 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus, boasted 145 vendors and welcomed over 1,000 visitors each night, club co-chair Dennis Culbert told the Advertiser.
Centre Wellington Fire Rescue officials attended to inform the public about home fire safety, burn permits and other useful tips.
The Lions presented a $2,000 cheque to deputy fire chief Jason Benn for 50 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“We use them for when we go on calls for faulty alarms … because we can’t leave the home without detection,” Benn told the Advertiser.
The 46th annual Fergus Lions Home and Leisure Show will take place in late May of 2025 at the Fergus sportsplex. New vendors have already asked to be placed on the list for next year’s show, Culbert said.
For information about the Fergus Lions Club, visit ferguslionsclub.org.
