A flag raising ceremony was held on Thursday to honour the 100th year overall for the Lions Club and to celebrate the launch of the brand new club in Wallaceburg.
“Internationally, on the 7th of June, the Lions Club is officially 100 years old and so the flag both signifies the 100 years of Lionism internationally and the start of the new Wallaceburg Centennial Lions Club on the 21st of June,” Lorne Brock told the Sydenham Current at the event.
Wallaceburg Coun. Carmen McGregor said she was happy to attend the flag raising on behalf of the Mayor and council.
“It’s really nice to recognize the club and their 100th year, but especially that you are now going to be in the community,” she said.
“What keeps communities strong are the groups and the clubs in the community that people can join and then find a way to participate. Not everybody wants to go out and do anything on their own but when they belong to a club, then they can be a bigger part of the good things that happen that these clubs do in our community to help keep us strong.”
McGregor added: “On behalf of Council, congratulations and I hope that your membership grows large and strong in the community.”
Cheryl Schleihauf, the district cabinet secretery, said she thinks it’s a great idea to launch in Wallaceburg.
“The Lions celebrating 100 years is kind of emotional for me,” she said.
“I have been in the Lions family for 33 years now and coming down and seeing a club be started, doing the ground work, doing the leg work, was quite interesting.”
Schleihauf added: “I would also like to say that the Petrolia Lions are very proud that we were able to charter a club in Wallaceburg and we will be there to help them in any way that we can.”
Brock said the new club currently has 24 members, but they are always looking for more.
In order to inquire about becoming a member, people can call 705-321-1192 or email at lornebrock@hotmail.com.
– Photo credit: Dana Haggith
