A new Lions club in the region is looking for members for what club president Kat Chatten describes as a more technology-based Lions group than the traditional model.
“Most of our meetings are held online, or through conference calls, Facebook, and email newsletters,” explains Chatten. “There aren’t as many traditional meetings. Most clubs require members to attend a certain number of meetings a year, but we don’t have that prerequisite. All we ask from members is that they come out and help us with one event per year. They can decide which one.”
The new club—which is now official—is a branch of the longstanding Ashcroft and District Lions Club, but is a separate entity. Chatten notes that the names was chosen to indicate the region rather than a specific town, to appeal to people in Cache Creek, Clinton, 70 Mile, and Savona, all of which have lost Lions clubs. She adds, however, that people in Ashcroft who are interested can also join.
She says that while Lions clubs nationally have stayed more or less the same in terms of membership numbers, they aren’t increasing in size. “Traditional clubs don’t fit in with some people’s lifestyles, but others do still enjoy the social aspect of them.
“It’s easier for many people to join a tech-based club. There’s no travel. We’ll see if we can attract and maintain members. But for anyone who wants to join a traditional club, the Ashcroft and District Lions are looking for new members as well.”
The Desert Mesa club’s first event was this year’s Ashcroft and District Fall Fair, although Chatten says the club will generally be looking for smaller projects to work on. “The Fall Fair is the biggest thing we’ll take on, and we help with Graffiti Days.
“We’re planning a winter event: a dinner and social evening with entertainment, probably in February. And as another fundraiser, we can provide bartending services. Some members are Serve It Right certified.”
Chatten says that the club has focused on three areas where the majority of the funds raised will go.
Locally, funds will go to volunteer firefighters, and regionally to the BC Wildlife Park. Nationally, we’ll donate to the Lions Foundation of Canada Guide Dogs.” The foundation’s mission is to assist Canadians with a medical or physical disability by providing them with Dog Guides at no cost.
Chatten says that if anyone in the area wants to join, or has any ideas for events, they should contact her at attackkat@hotmail.ca.
“And if people are holding an event and want assistance, call us and we can help if we’re able. We’ll come in, help, and then leave.”
editorial@accjournal.ca
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