The Lions motto: To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. Our Vision. To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.

Bringing kind-hearted people together to serve their communities is what Lions clubs are all about. Local residents involved with area Lions clubs see a problem and take action to solve it. Lions build relationships with their communities, with one another and with the people they serve. Everyone’s life is improved through their kind actions. Local men and women donate their time to raise money in an effort to give back to local residents, civic groups, churches, youth organizations, individuals and families in crisis. 

I attended a benefit Sunday, March 21st, hosted by Santiago Lions and Bailey Rays to help raise money for Princeton residents Cindy and Shawn Reese. Cindy Reese is fighting breast cancer. The idea for a fundraiser came from Shawn Reese’s boss, Corey Nelson, longtime resident of the Santiago area along with Shawn Reese’s brother (Russell Reese). Corey Nelson and Shawn Reese work together at Federated Propane. 

Planning for the benefit began last fall. Despite facing challenges due to COVID-19 shutdowns, the organizers of the benefit prepared for the worst case scenario of hosting just a raffle drawing in Bailey Ray’s parking lot if area bars and restaurants were still shut down.  As things opened up, they were thrilled to be able to plan for an inside event at Bailey Ray’s. Santiago Lions were able to implement safe distance activities such as a bucket raffle and selling breast cancer related accessories. 

There was a good turnout for the event, as local residents came together to show their support for the Reese family. The Lions raised over $11,000 for the family at the benefit through a main raffle, bucket raffle and donations, plus an additional $550 raised through the meat raffle and other games. Proceeds raised will help with medical expenses associated with Cindy’s battle with breast cancer. 

Santiago Lions meet the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7pm. Darcee Larsen is a Santiago Lion. She has been a member of the Lions since 2005. She shared these sentiments about being an active Lions member: “It is so awesome to be to able to bless others in our local communities.”

If you are interested in getting involved with Santiago Lions, contact Donna Pozorski, 763-856-8474. 

Many other area communities have active Lions clubs, as well.

Becker Lions meet at Becker City Park the second Monday of the month at 7pm. For more information, contact Emma Cook, 763-691-3852

Big Lake Lions meet the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 7pm at Big Lake Lions Park, 21960 Co. Rd. 5, Big Lake. For more information, contact Norm Leslie, 763-263-2218

Clear Lake Lions meet the first and third Tuesday at Palmer Town Hall. For more information, contact Al Fahsl, (320) 743-3759. Al Fahsl of Clear Lake, has been a member of the Clear Lake Lions for the past seven years. Heshared: “I enjoy helping people in the community. The Lions help a lot of people. It really feels good to give to people in need.”

Clearwater Lions meet the second Tuesday every month at 8pm September through May at the Clearwater Lions Pavilion (1100 Co. Rd. 75, Clearwater). For more information, contact Jim Eich, 320-237-3870. 

I am encouraged by people in our communities, such as local Lions members, who give the precious gift of time to care for others and are willing put forth effort to help people in need. I find it especially touching after the stressful year we have had due to COVID. My family has been touched by the generosity of several area Lions clubs. A great nephew of mine had a very serious accident the summer of 2013 and the Lions stepped up with a generous donation. We had a fire on our family farm three years ago around this time, and the Lions came through with a generous gift to my family. A lifetime Becker resident in her upper nineties was blessed by the construction of a ramp at her house. My brother ended up being able to use that same ramp later at his house when he needed a wheelchair the final months of his life. Tinville Lions from Sauk Rapids also hosted a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at Rollie’s for one of my brother in laws after he suffered a stroke several years ago.

Research suggests that helping others can benefit our own physical and mental health. It can reduce stress as well as improve our moods, self-esteem and happiness. It helps get our minds off our own problems when we are helping others. There are many ways to help others as part of our everyday lives. Thank you to everyone in our community who helps others.