District Governor Larrie Taylor
Vice District Governor Patti Hill
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Welcome to District 37B
Alberta/N.W.T. Nov/2000 Newsletter Pg 2
District Governor Larrie Taylor Vice District Governor Patti Hill |
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| DISTRICT FORUM |
| LIONS
CAVALCADE
The first meeting for this Lion's year was held in Stettler on September 24 with 10 Lions in attendance along with 2 executives from Canadian Diabetes Association Alberta & NWT Division.
The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a cheque for $40,000 to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
The total amount raised for Lions Cavalcade for 1999-2000 was $45,190.74. Our District, 37B, raised $14,305.00 which was 31.65% of the total. Congratulations for a great effort! 16 Lions Clubs contributed the above total, so you know there is room for many more clubs to get involved.
Jodi Abbott, executive director of CDA - Alberta & NWT Division, reported that the Travelling Diabetes Resource Program van and coordinator are in great demand in towns throughout northern Alberta. They are working on putting a second van on the road.
Lions Cavalcade for 2000-2001 will be held in Cold Lake on June 2, 2001. Mark this date on your calendar.
LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND
I am pleased to present this brief on the Leader Dogs for the Blind program. Without any doubt, this is one of the most dramatic and best known service activities of the Lions organization. The program has been providing independence and mobility to the visually impaired community for over 60 years. Through the help of 105 employees, some 400 volunteers and numerous friends and donors, Leader Dog has been offering the best in training, quality of dogs and comfortable accommodations to its students.
Beginning with the dream of three Lions, four blind individuals were offered new found freedom. Today, Leader Dog graduates approximately 300 persons per year. In 1939, Lions Nutting, Schurr and Dodge were frustrated over the wait required to obtain a dog guide. To imagine someone having to be on a list to receive independence - something most of us take for granted each day. They recognized the urgency and quickly began to research ways to remedy the situation. After some struggles, they had a class, an instructor, and a 14-acre parcel of land in Rochester, Michigan on which to build what has become a life altering facility for nearly 12,000 people.
Sixty one years later, Leader Dog still enjoys the support of Lions clubs internationally, as well as graduates from all corners of the globe and the most noteworthy staff available. It is clear the founding fathers would be proud. To add to the many accomplishments of the school, Leader Dogs for the Blind is in the process of erecting a new Residence and Training Center, scheduled to break ground in the spring of 2001. The new structure will allow individual rooms, baths and "park" areas for students and their dogs. The offering of private space will provide an environment more conducive to the quick bonding needed between the student and their new guide. The time saved by having individual park areas will allow for additional training time - over an hour each day.
Leader Dogs for the Blind provides its service for no charge to the visually impaired. The cost of producing a team is approximately $25,000. The funding for its operating budget of nearly $8 million is provided through Lions clubs, an endowment fund and the generosity of private donors, corporations and foundations. It is only through the benevolent support of others that Leader Dog is able to continue its mission and provide uninhibited travel to the visually impaired community.
District 37B became involved in the program several years ago. Over the past 10 years the District has seen over 15 graduates who are ever grateful to the Lions for this invaluable contribution. Over that time the District has also contributed over $18.000 towards its various activities. As District Chairman for the current Lionistic year, I want to urge all clubs to continue their support towards this invaluable service.
PEACE POSTER CONTEST
You will find a form entitled 'District Governor Notice of Participation' in each of your Peace Poster kits. Please submit these to me for each school your Club enters in the contest. These completed forms permit me to know how many schools we have participating in the contest.
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