Author: Mark Deeley
In this, the second of four articles, we have decided to profile one of our most prolific, longest serving, and dedicated members. If you have lived in Tumbler Ridge for any amount of time, participated in any community events or are just plain lucky, then you have encountered this gentleman and his wonderful wife Grace. Over several decades, Frank and Grace Walsh have made it their passion to better our community through hard work, dedication, and simple overwhelming kindness. I do not exaggerate when I say that Frank and Grace Walsh exemplify what it means to be a Lion and to serve others.
Recently, our current club president, Bob Rimes, sat down with Frank (our past club president) to ask him the; what, why and where of being a Lion. Here is that interview, (please note that some answers have been paraphrased from the original).
What year did you join the Lions Club?
I joined the Grand Isle Lions Club in 1985 and transferred to the Tumbler Ridge Lions Club in 1996.
Why did you join the Lions Club?
I saw the good work they do and wanted to be part of it. The Lions Club helps people in many ways.
How does the Lions Club serve the community at large?
The Lions club does fund raising so that they can benefit the community such as helping seniors, helping the disabled, helping people who struggle with a loss of community and/or a loss of their home.
How does the Lions Club help the disabled and seniors?
They help by contributing to medical travel expenses, equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, scooters), meals on wheels, medical treatment, and emergency housing (e.g., Bultery’s House)
How does the Lions Club help its members?
The Lions provide members with access to all the things we provided other community members. We also provide them with up-to-date training and news regarding the International Lions Clubs. Next year is the fortieth anniversary of the Tumbler Ridge Lions and we will be planning a celebration for our members to mark this wonderful milestone.
How do new members get into the Lions Club?
Anyone can become a member. Some are invited to join by current members and others merely start by attending our monthly meetings. New members need to attend three (3) meetings before they can be accepted into the club as a full-fledged Lion.
Is there any minimum time that a member must volunteer their services for events?
To remain in good standing, members must help out for a minimum of three events per year.
Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month, do members have to attend every meeting?
Yes, members need to attend all monthly General Membership meetings whenever possible or let another member know if they cannot attend due to sickness, work or out of town commitments.
Is there any cost to becoming a member?
Yes, at the present time there is a cost of $25 per year to join.
How does the Lions Club grow its membership?
There are three ways that the membership grows:
- By invitation
- Membership Drives
- Through Information such as this article posted in the local newspaper
What are some of the duties/tasks that members are asked to do for events?
Members are asked to help however they can, but some specific ways include:
- Coming out and talking to the community that we serve.
- Making telephone calls to organize club volunteers to help.
- Take the Food Safe course provided by the Lions Club.
- Sit and take payment at fund raisers.
- Organize raffles when required (e.g., Christmas Raffle, School Raffles).
- Help with the Barbeques, Arena Concession, and the Bingo events.
In the next two articles, we will be highlighting other aspects of the club such as our future short- and long-term goals.
If you are interested in exploring how to serve the community through partnering with like-minded individuals, please contact one of the following people:
Mark Deeley……… (250)242-1475
Rob Rimes……….. (780) 916-5747
Janeth Barker…… (250) 242-8371
Or stop by one of our meetings. They are held the first Thursday of every month at 7 pm in the Community Centre, in room 4. We even have coffee and treats!
Above Photo: Lions Frank and Grace Walsh. Photo provided
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.