Innisfil Lions give back to the community
By Wendy Soloduik

Tuesday evening, the Innisfil Lions Club donated a portion of their Monday Night Bingo proceeds to four local non-profit groups.

Each of the groups were presented with a cheque for $750 by the Innisfil Lions Club president, Steve Haskin, in a ceremony preceding their regular meeting.

Benefitting from the Lions fundraising was: the Simcoe County Services Foundation, the Barrie chapter of the Parkinson's Foundation, the SPCA of Barrie and the Canadian Paraplegic Association of Simcoe County.

Each group had a representative on-hand to receive their cheque in person.

This is the second of two annual cheque presentations by the Innisfil Lions Club, who raised $19,600 in their last fiscal year (July, 2006 until the end of June, 2007).

"On behalf of the staff and families we serve, we'd like to thank you for your support," said Karl Kadera, foundation resource director for the Simcoe Community Services Foundation (SCSF), which helps people with developmental disabilities.

"Your very generous donation will go a long way to maintain the people we support," added Bonnie Martino, SCSF chair of the board.

THE PICTURES - (Above, right) Lions present to the Simcoe Community Services Foundation. (Above, left) Lions present to the Barrie OSPCA. (Left, top) Lions present to the Paraplegic Association of Simcoe County. (Right, bottom) Lions present to the Barrie chapter of the Parkinson's Association. Each group received a cheque for $750, from the proceeds of the Lions Monday Night Bingo. Last year, the group raised more than $19,000 through this initiative. Photos Wendy Soloduik

The Barrie Parkinson's chapter, represented by vice president, Greg McGinnis, was next to say thank you.

"This money is going towards our Super Walk, which raises money for research for a cure," said McGinnis, "which will one day help many people."

The Barrie SPCA, which also serves as Innisfil's pound, was represented by Sandra Kiyonaga, branch manager, and Tanya Thompson, community and media relations manager.

""I'd like to say thank you to all the Innisfil Lions members," said Kiyonaga, who went on to explain that the shelter had recently lost it's food sponsor, and that the money would be used to purchase dog and cat food.

The final cheque presentation was to the Parkinson's Foundation, which was accepted by regional service coordinator, Heather Hollingshead, who had client Rick Winson with her.

"I want to say thank you very much. Rick and I are both from Innisfil," Hollingshead explained. "We provide service to people with spinal cord injuries, like Rick, who was in a snowmobile accident, six years ago. I truly appreciate this help that the Lions have given us on this, and other occasions."

The Innisfil Lions Club continues to fundraise with Monday Night Bingo.