Winchester Lions Club news
by Lion Bob Porteous
Having been a Lion for slightly more that 50 years, I have not seen a more difficult year to be a Lion. First, we have been required to stay home, restrict socializing, and rely on social media to determine what is happening in our community. In my opinion, it is very difficult to identify social, community, and individual needs under these conditions. A concerned and active Lions Club needs community input, either directly, via community scuttlebutt, the rumour mill, or maybe even conversations at a hockey game. Without these things, it is difficult to know the problems that are out there.
Second, by having to stay home and keep within your bubble, it is practically impossible to raise funds and be able to help those less fortunate. With this pandemic, I am sure there are those out there that could use some assistance. Thirdly, Lions Clubs throughout the Multiple District of Ontario and Quebec are staggering through this unusual circumstance, just like we in Winchester are. Governors and Chairpersons of various programs that usually visit Clubs in their area to inform and inspire are not able to do so. This means that Lions programs like, Leader Dogs, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Diabetes, CNIB, and other initiatives will suffer severely because of an inability of Clubs to fund-raise.
Finally, throughout our communities, valuable, respected, and well-loved people, including Lions, have “passed on”, and we who loved them, and thought highly of them, have not been able to “properly” pay our respects to them and their families. We do, however, deeply feel the loss, and we hope their families and loved ones are aware of our feelings.
Lion Suzanne is pleased to announce that the Lions Club of Winchester’s Thrift Store at 541 St. Lawrence street will open at 9 a.m. on February 18. Due to Covid restrictions a maximum of eight (8) customers will be allowed in the store at one time. Masks must be worn, and customers are asked to respect the social distancing protocols. It is the current plan to have the store open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday through Friday. Until further notice the store will not be open on Saturdays or Sundays. Donations of clean, reusable and smoke free goods can be made on or after Monday February 22.
The Lions Club is very appreciative of the public’s awareness that we are a volunteer organization and that funds raised, through this project, return to our community through donations and assistance to those less fortunate. Please help us by ensuring you are pleased and proud of the articles you donate.