Joining the Lions den
By Chris Simon

Photo by Chris Simon Barrie South Leo Club president Jessica Day was at the Innisfil Lions Club hall Sunday. She helped launch a recruitment drive for the town's Leo Club.

Jessica Day always wanted to be a Leo.

As a child, the now 14- year-old always helped her parents and grandparents during Lions Club fundraising initiatives. Once old enough, she joined the Lions' junior group, called the Leo Club. It seemed like a natural fit, and she's since risen to club president. The group has given her an opportunity to get involved in the community, raise money for local charities, and travel. She's even attended Lions international conferences in the United States and Hong Kong.

"I always wanted to be in the Lions," she said. "If you're lucky, you get to travel the world."

Along with several members of the South Barrie and Innisfil Lions Club branches, Day attended the kick off of a new Leo Club in Alcona Sunday. The club is attempting to recruit about 18 members between 12 and 18 years old from across Innisfil, in order to be recognized by Lions Club International.

"We're recruiting members to charter the Leos," said program advisor Sharon Hunt. "There's no Leo Club in Innisfil at the moment. Innisfil's really grown and we have a lot of kids here that want to help their community. They can get their (school curriculum mandated) community (volunteer) hours, and it gets them off the street and gives them something to do."

The Leo Club, which was first established in the US in 1957, now includes over 140,000 members in 138 countries. Members participate in local and international fundraising efforts, and volunteer for community organizations. Leos are responsible for planning and implementing community activities, electing a governing body, and financing their projects. Some Leos even have the opportunity to participate in international conferences, youth camps and exchanges.

Locally, members would be expected to meet twice a month, and volunteer for the Innisfil Public Library, retirement homes, or any other community or charitable organization, said Hunt.

"It gives them independence," she said. "It gives them a good knowledge."

Anyone interested in joining must pay a $10 membership fee.

For more information, call Hunt at 431-6168.