Shelagh Rogers at Christmas/Holiday Dinner 2014

CBC Radio broadcasting icon Shelagh Rogers gave a stimulating and entertaining presentation as guest speaker at our annual Christmas/Holiday Dinner on December 8, 2014. Ms Rogers is an Officer of the Order of Canada, has hosted several well-known CBC radio programs including Morningside and Sounds Like Canada and currently hosts The Next Chapter. Ms Rogers is also chancellor-designate of the University of Victoria.

Service Pins Awarded, 10 November 2014

Several Lions were awarded their long service chevrons during the annual visit to our club by District Governor Georgia Medwedrich and Zone Chair Betty Anne Herbert. Shown here are Lion Graham Miller (10 yrs), Zone Chair Betty Anne Herbert, Lion Mike Phillips (10 yrs), District Governor Georgia Medwedrich, Lion Paul Kuszyk (10 yrs), Lion Eric Boulton (40 yrs). Yes, that's right, Lion Eric has been a Lion for 40 years! Missing from the photo is Lion Olga Korinek (15 yrs). Congratulations Lions and thank you for your dedication and service! (Photo:BK)

A New Lion, 22 September 2014

Lion Joan Ensor "pins" new Gabriola Lion Kathy Ensor at her induction ceremony. (Photo: BK)

Past District Governor Leslie Smith, Lion Joan Ensor, Lion Kathy Ensor and Zone Chair Betty Anne Herbert enjoy the moment after Lion Kathy's induction ceremony. (Photo: BK)

$4,000 for the Food Bank, 16 June 2014

President Graham Miller is pleased to announce a $4,000 donation to the Food Bank of Gabriola's People for a Healthy Community. Seen here from the left are: Lion Bill Kalbfleisch; Sacha Petersen, Food Bank and Garden Co-Coordinator; Wayne Howard, General Manager Village Food Market; President Graham Miller; and Brenda Fowler, Executive Director of People for a Healthy Community. The Village Food Market provides fresh fruits and vegetables to the Food Bank at reduced prices.

New Members' Induction, 14 April 2014

Lion Bill Moisuik (left) sponsors new Lions John Van Praet and Dianne Cohen into the club at their induction ceremony. (Photo: BK)

Lions Walk for Dog Guides 2014

Lions, friends and furry friends getting ready to head out on the walk in support of the Lions Dog Guide program. Walkers and their sponsors raised over $1,500 for the Dog Guide program. (Photo: DB))

For more information see: Lions Dog Guide Program

Lion of the Year 2014

President Doug Cavill presents Lion Anne Banford with the Lion of the Year Trophy at our Christmas/Holiday Dinner on December 8, 2014. Lion Anne was voted Lion of the Year based on her excellent contribution to Lionism and to the club throughout the year. Heartiest congratulations Lion Anne!

Winter Landscaping at the Clinic, Jan 18

Rakes, clippers, ACTION: Lions getting the medical clinic grounds ready for spring growth. Click here to see a larger version of the photo. (Photo: DB))

Jude and Merrilee trim the shrubs (Photo: BK)

Carol and Don at work (Photo: BK)

GERTIE, 18 February 2014

Gabriola Lions Club president Graham Miller presents a cheque for $3,000 to Fay Weller of Gabriola's GERTIE Committee. (Photo: BK)

GERTIE stands for Gabriola's Environmentally Friendly Responsible Trans-Island Express, a bus service serving our community. The funds are to subsidize Youth Fares on GERTIE so fares for riders up to age 18 can remain at $1.50 per ride or $10 for a book of 10 tickets or $35 for a monthly pass for unlimited ridership. Adult fares are $2.25/ride. Half the money came from funds raised by the Lions and the other half is from funds provided to the Lions by BC Gaming. In the photo from the left are youth rider Lindsay Richards, Fay Weller of GERTIE, Lions president Graham Miller, youth rider David Cosbey and GERTIE's Bob Andrew.

Valentines Day Poem Contest

To prepare club members for the rapidly approaching Valentines Day, Tail Twister Lion Paul Kuszyk challenged members to bring a "Poem To Your Loved One" to our 10 February meeting (or be fined a Loonie!). Several excellent poems were presented, making the judges' task of picking a winner most difficult. In the end, the Tail Twister himself submitted the winning poem:

My Farm Love

A Poet I do assure you I am not
A simple farmer's husband is my lot
Oh but what joy that brings
When spring is in the air
When the young lambs frolic on the grass
When the hay is stacked in the barn
When all the animals are silently content
But the greatest joy of all for me
Comes when your work is over
In the evening after all your toils
When you finally relax
When your radiant smile confirms
That God's work is done for another day
You are truly the Lord's Shepherd on this earth
Janet, I am truly blessed
To love and be loved by a farmer.

Paul Kuszyk

Back from Peru!
Youth Exchange Program 2014

Lion Sharon Robert, the club's Youth Exchange Program (YEP) coordinator, joins our 2014 YEP travelers Sabina Rainbird (centre) and Maya Jackson at our 27 October Lions Club meeting. Sabina and Maya came to tell us about their time in Peru in July and August. They had a wonderful time with their host families and learned much about Peru and its culture. Both said they would like to go back to Peru in the future to explore more. Our search for YEP candidates for 2015 has begun. (Photo BK)

Wood Splitting

Lions Larry, Dixon and Doug with help from Gisela are hard at work at a "wood splitting party" in preparation for next winter's Firewood For Those in Need program. (Photo: BK)

Scholarship 2014

15 year old Alex Swift-Scott receives a $2,000 scholarship cheque from President Graham Miller. Alex completed high school in 1.5 years through the UBC Transitions Program for gifted students, was named a Chancellor's Scholar and has been accepted into the BSc program at UBC. Additional scholarships will be presented by the club at the Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation "District Honours Night" on June 10. (Photo: BK)

Drumbeg Road Repair

Lions Eric (on tractor), Bob, Graham, Guy, Dianne, Bernard and John relax after filling potholes on the Drumbeg Provincial Park Rd. (Photo: BK)

Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue

Lions Ken, Jon, Graham, Bill, Jude and Mike present a cheque for $1,500 to Ladysmith and District Marine Rescue Society volunteers to purchase needed equipment for their new rescue boat at a fundraising event at Pages Marina on 3 May 2014. (Photo: DB)

Youth Exchange Program 2014

Lion Sharon Robert, coordinator of our Youth Exchange Program, and President Graham Miller welcome our 2014 YEP participants Sabina Rainbird and Maya Jackson. Sabina and Maya will travel to Peru for 4-6 weeks this summer. (Photo: BK)