SOOKE DISTRICT LIONESS OUR PROUD HISTORY

Sponsored by the LIONESS MULTIPLE DISTRICT 19-I and the Sooke Lions Club, the Sooke District Lioness are a group of service-minded women of varying interests and backgrounds, working in harmony with our sponsor and sharing a single vision: to make the world a better place to live - now and in the future.

The SOOKE LIONESS CLUB became a chartered Club in 1982, with 15 original members. Charter President was Lioness Anne Scott.

We are a non-profit volunteer organization financed primarily through public fund-raising campaigns and by participation in sponsored events. The proceeds of charity gaming which the B.C. Government allocates to the Club enable us to continue our work of assisting the less fortunate, particularly the sick and disabled, and families with travel needs for diagnosis and treatment.

1984/85 - Toys for Kids Christmas program was initiated.

1993/94 - Pennies for Diabetes campaign initiated. Now a project of the Sooke Lioness Lions.

1999/2000 - Awarded Certificate of Appreciation by the Lions International President "In recognition of dedicated service performed with vision and the humanitarian principles of the International Association of Lions Clubs", the first Lioness or Lions Club to receive this award. In the past this award was only given to an individual.

2003/04 - In 2003, some members of the Sooke Lioness Club had "bridged" to become the Sooke Lioness Lions. Our Club name was then changed to SOOKE DISTRICT LIONESS, reflecting our interest in wider service to the Western Communities as well as the municipality of Sooke.

2004 - Teddy Bears Picnic, assisting Shirley Community Association to fundraise to purchase emergency equipment. From this delightful event came our "working uniform" - our teddy bear aprons.

2005 - Sooke District Lioness won first prize for the best dress uniform at the Spring Convention in Sidney - forest green vest with black blouse and black slacks. The uniform was designed by Lioness Pres. Bonnie and her Mother, Lioness Barb who also sewed most of the vests. We will always wear our award winning uniform proudly in Bonnie's memory. Also won at the 2005 Convention: 1st place for the Lioness Scrapbook contest, and runner-up in the Brochure contest and the Tall Tales contest.

2004/05 - Annual Oktoberfest fund raiser for Christmas projects initiated. Supporting Lions District Project, TeleCare - a new partnership with the BC Cancer Foundation of Vancouver Island - video-teleconferencing between Nanaimo and Campbell River and Victoria to bring patients in touch with the specialists at the BC Cancer Centre in Victoria. "Bringing Cancer Care...Closer to Home". Two new members, Lionesses Heather N. and Gail N. welcomed.

2006 - 3rd Annual Yard Sale in March. At the Spring Convention April 8 - 9 in Duncan, Sooke District Lioness were the runners-up in the Work Uniform and brochure competitions. Lioness Jean C. won the Tall Tales competition, and also received the Jeanne Haskin Award (most improved Secretary). Oct. 21st - a very successful 3rd Annual Oktoberfest. Participated in the Purina Walk for Dog Guides - supporting the training of service dogs for hearing and vision and other special skills for Canadians so "They'll never walk alone !". Two new Lionesses Rebecca L. and Isabella N. welcomed.

2007 - Our ongoing Literacy Project providing the students and teachers of Port Renfrew Elementary School with needed books. Our 4th Annual Giant Yard Sale in support of camperships for Camp Shawnigan (Lions Easter Seal Camp for Hanicapped Kids). May 5th, we joined the Sooke, Metchosin, and South Van Isle Lions Clubs for their 4th Annual 32 Km Galloping Goose Walk, also in support of Camp Shawnigan. Assisted with Purina Walk for Dog Guides June 3rd. "Adopted" a Dog Guide puppy. 4th Annual Oktoberfest to raise funds for our Christmas Santa Sacks. Supported local charities such as Transition House and the Sooke Food Bank, as well as members of our community in need of financial assistance due to various crises.

2008 - our District Project is "Angel Flights" - a non-profit organization that assists BC patients who need transportation to health care services not available in their own area. 5th Annual Yard Sale to raise funds to send children with disabilities to the Easter Seal Camp Shawnigan. 5th Annual 32 Km Galloping Goose Walk (working with the Sooke Lions Club as well as the Metchosin and South Van Isle Lions Clubs), again in support of Camp Shawnigan. Assisting with Flu Clinics and Well Baby Clinics at the Sooke Child, Youth and Family Centre where our monthly meetings are also held. We will be involved in Sooke's celebrations of the British Columbia 150th Anniversary. Fundraising and collecting donations as well as purchasing books and gift items for Sooke Santa Sacks - we hope to include more seniors in cheery gifts this year. Our 2007 Album won a prize at the Sooke Fall Fair.

2009 - At Spring Convention in Port Alberni, the Sooke District Lioness were runners-up in the brochure, business card and album contests, and winner in the website contest. Our annual Yard Sale in March was a great success, despite the rainy weather. Funds raised were in support of Easter Seal Camp Shawnigan. In September, we assisted the Sooke Lions Club at their 3rd Annual Great Chili Challenge. The 6th Annual Oktoberfest was unforgettable, with guest artists Sooke's songbird Janet McTavish, accordionist Mary Ross and yodeller Anthony Brouwers - great food and excellent entertainment - raising funds for our Santa Sacks and books for Port Renfrew Elementary School and Ed West Alternative School. On October 31, 2009, we participated in the Olympic Torch Relay by preparing and serving the breakfast after the relay. Sooke was the first community after the start of the relay in Victoria, and even though it was a dark 7 a.m. start on a rainy morning, hundreds of Sooke residents turned out to cheer on the runners.

2010 - We assisted with the District Project which was to help provide funding for improvements to Camp Shawnigan. Due to last year's rainy weather, we moved our annual Yard Sale to the Sooke Community Hall, and of course, the weather was beautiful! Again, our sale was a success, with the funds going to provide a campership for a disabled child to attend Camp Shawnigan. At the 19-I Spring Convention in Comox, our scrapbook, brochure and musical performance took runner-up, and the website, business card, and our new work uniform were winners! In June, we welcomed a new member, Lioness Diane L.