Kingsville Lions Club donates to the Hospice at Erie Shores Campus

The Kingsville Lions Club has long been a contributor to the Hospice Erie Shores Campus and last week, they were able to add another $2000 donation to their list of good things they’ve done for the local organization.

Through volunteers working bingos at Chances Gaming Lounge in Leamington, the Lions Club has been able to pledge about $5000 a year to the hospice, but this past year has been a challenge.

“We’ve struggled this year to come up with the donations,” said Lions Club Bingo Chair, Fred Cross. “But we were able to contribute $2000 to the cause and we’re happy to do that.”

Cross said that with bingos on hold for so many months in 2020, the usual revenues haven’t been there.

"COVID has hindered the revenues, but we will do what we can,” he said.

The Kingsville Lions Club is no stranger to the Erie Shores Health Foundation, particularly at the Hospice location.

Kingsville Lions Club Bingo Chair Fred Cross and President Debbie Cross, present a $2000 cheque to Erie Shores Health Foundation Executive Director, Christine Colautti.

They teamed up with the Leamington and Wheatley Lions Clubs a few years ago to help equip a Lions Room at the hospice. The cost of that project was about $40,000, according to Cross.

The Foundation is equally grateful to the Lions Club.

“For the past 26 years, the Kingsville Lions Club have been steadfast donors to the Foundation, supporting both the hospital and hospice,” said Erie Shores Hospital Foundation Executive Director, Christine Colautti.

“It is a beautiful thing to witness their kindness in action, and I cannot thank them enough for their dedication to serve our community.”

It’s a cause that’s very worthy, according to Cross.

“Everyone will eventually know someone who will use the Hospice,” he said.

The Lions Club is currently in the midst of also raising funds for the revamped of Lions Park in Kingsville — another project that is near and dear to their hearts.