New records set by Timmins-area Lions Club’s holiday efforts

Two records were set in Timmins on Saturday – but one is a record that the Schumacher Lions Club’s volunteers wish was never broken.

This year saw the Stan Fowler Christmas Fund set records for funds raised and for the number of grocery vouchers delivered.

Volunteers with the Schumacher Lions Club delivered 503 grocery vouchers to local families on Saturday. Each voucher is for $150. Here, Stan Fowler Christmas Fund Chair John McCauley provides instructions on the use of door hangers to volunteers, which are used if voucher applicates aren’t home. (Schumacher Lions Club/Supplied by Wayne Snider)

“So far, we’re at 503 vouchers that are out for delivery and counting,” said John McCauley, the chair of the Christmas fund, in a news release Saturday.

“I still have people calling in today and still looking for a voucher. We’ll try to help as many as we can, but time is running out.”

This year the Lions Club raised more than $102,450 smashing last year’s record of $93,000.

 “The total raised to date is $102,465.26,” said McCauley.

“We’ve never (before) even come close to giving out 500 vouchers.”

Volunteers said the totals were this high because there are more families than ever needing help in the region.

Volunteers with the Schumacher Lions Club delivered 503 grocery vouchers to local families on Saturday. Each voucher is for $150. Here, Lion Mike Charette, wearing the yellow vest, and Stan Fowler Christmas Fund Chair John McCauley go over delivery procedures. (Schumacher Lions Club/Supplied by Wayne Snider)

“If we didn’t have to give out a single voucher, I’d be the happiest guy in the world because then you know people are being taken care of and they don’t require this,” said McCauley.

“Unfortunately, we’re living in a society where it’s just not feasible and the struggle is real. It’s not just a few. It’s becoming more and more every year.”

A local radio station held a radiothon to support the fund this year and Mikey’s General Sales donated a generator, for which ballots were entered when donors contributed $50 or more to the fund.

“Then there was the generosity of local businesses and individuals,” said the club.

“When delivery day arrived, the Lions were joined by friends and family to get the job done.”

McCauley said he was “blown away” by the amount of people helping – adding more than 30 people were giving out vouchers on Saturday.

“If we missed you today, we left a door hanger, a yellow card, and we’ll be here Monday 1 - 5 p.m.,” he said.

“If you can’t make it then, give us a call. The phone number is on the door knocker. We’ll do our best to get you that voucher.”

The vouchers can’t be applied to alcohol or tobacco and are valid at any grocery store in Timmins except Walmart, which opted out a few years ago. The Lions also noted that no change is provided so the groceries must be purchased in a single visit and individuals must show ID to redeem the voucher.

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Volunteers with the Schumacher Lions Club delivered 503 grocery vouchers to local families on Saturday. Each voucher is for $150. Here, many of the volunteers display their voucher bundles before heading out for delivery. (Schumacher Lions Club/Supplied by Wayne Snider)

Volunteers and club members said as long as there is a need in the community, they will do their best to live up to the club’s motto, “We serve.”

“We’ll do our part as long as we’re all kicking to try and make life a little easier on people,” said McCauley.

“Especially at Christmas and especially with children.”