For the Lloydminster Lions Club, the mission is simple: raise money and give it right back to the community.
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That mission was on full display during the club’s recent giving night, where members distributed $10,000 among several local organizations, sports clubs and initiatives.
Shelley Tatro wears many hats for the club, serving as vice-president, treasurer, program director, co-fundraiser and coordinator for the Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year awards. She said nights like this make the volunteer effort worth it.
“It feels wonderful,” Tatro said. “That’s what we do. We go out, we make money, we help where we can. That’s what it’s all about.”
The $10,000 total was split across numerous beneficiaries, including the St. Mary’s school playground project, Lloydminster Region Health Foundation, Kiwanis Music Festival, SPARK Foundation, Lloydminster Minor Hockey Association, The Olive Tree and Torrent Tae Kwon Do.
While some groups are annual staples, others are selected through a letter-request process based on financial need.
A major highlight of the evening was a $2,500 donation to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Canada (DRIFCan). The funds support Edmonton Protocol regional research into islet stem cell transplants aimed at curing Type 1 diabetes.
The cause hits close to home for the club, as Lions members Brent and Kathy personally travelled to Edmonton to deliver the funds.
“It’s nice that we can support something that’s so important to one of our members,” Tatro said.
The club is already focusing on its next fundraiser, the fifth annual Lions Club Golf Tournament on June 12 at Rolling Green Fairways. Registration is $135 per person or $500 per team, which includes a steak supper and prizes. Teams and players are still needed.
The Lions will also host its Crown and Anchor booth at the Lloyd Ex Fair this summer, followed by its annual Medieval Feast fundraiser in September. Tatro encourages residents to keep reaching out for support.
“Anybody you think deserves it, give us a shout,” she said.
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