BANNER YEAR FOR SASKATCHEWAN LIONS FOUNDATION

In spite of Covid-19, the Saskatchewan Lions, through the Saskatchewan Lions Foundation had a banner year, completing the Retinopathy of Prematurity Program at the Saskatchewan Children’s Hospital, and making a major commitment to STARS Saskatchewan.

The Lions of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Lions Foundation, and Lions Clubs International Foundation were instrumental in purchasing ophthalmological equipment for the screening of retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that can lead to poor vision or blindness.  The equipment cost about $138 000 – equally paid for by the Lions of Saskatchewan and a grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).  An additional $40 000 collected for the project from the Lions of Saskatchewan has been turned over to the Children’s Hospital for support services for the program, services that could not be applied for in the LCIF Grant. The final portion of the funds were recently presented by Saskatchewan Lions Foundation Chair PDG Ron Belke, and the plaque signifying the donation by LCIF by LCIF Trustee Garnet Davis.  This involvement in the provision of equipment for the new Children’s Hospital is representative of one of the priorities of the Foundation – that is, children’s health.  The Foundation will continue to take donations directed toward the improvement of health services for children in Saskatchewan.

In addition to this milestone event, the Saskatchewan Lions Foundation recently presented a cheque for $20 000 to STARS.  This represented contributions directed to STARS through the Foundation.  At the same time, recognition was made of approximately $32 000 donated directly to STARS by Lions clubs.  STARS is a priority of the Foundation, and the Foundation will continue to take donations directed to STARS.

At its most recent meeting, it was noted that several clubs had cumulatively contributed over $5000 to the Foundation and its projects – Bulyea, Esterhazy, Eston 95, Fillmore, Katepwa, Moose Jaw, Regina Beach, Saskatoon Centennial, Saskatoon Downtown, Saskatoon Nutana, Shell Lake, and Unity. Thirty-five clubs have contributed over $1000 – Balcarres, Broadview, Burstall, Cabri, Carlyle, Central Butte, Churchbridge Lioness Branch, Cupar, Dorintosh, Duck Lake, Ernfold, Estevan, Eston, Fort Qu’Appelle, Historic Battleford, Indian Head, Kipling, Lake Lenore, Leader River Hills, Maryfield, Meadow Lake, North Battleford, North Battleford Bonaventure, Preeceville, Prince Albert, Regina Lakeside, Richmound, Rosetown, Rosthern, Spiritwood, Strasbourg, St Louis, Tompkins, Turtleford, and Yorkton.

Two hundred twelve Marvin Chambers Fellowships have been presented, and there are 154 which are yet to be named.  Nomination Forms for Marvin Chambers Fellowships are available through the link in the regular issue of Lions Pride.

Lions continue to SERVE!  Even through Covid-19!