Sponsored
by the LIONESS MULTIPLE DISTRICT 19-I, 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.
