I recently had the opportunity to take part in a celebration of community support put on by the Chatham Lions Club. It was a brunch event, followed by a short celebration, with certificates of recognition handed out to groups involved in regard to support for residents at 99 McNaughton who were victims of arson last summer.
The fire last August left roughly 127 people temporarily homeless.
As soon as members of the Lions heard about the fire, and that was mere hours later, the service club began to mobilize in support. They were on scene to co-ordinate assistance that very day.
It truly is amazing how the people of Chatham-Kent rally when others are in need. The people of C-K are the best part of living here.
The Lions put out requests for help, and other clubs, organizations and individuals stepped up.
In short order, the Lions had gathered $19,000 in support, $18,000 of which was given out in the form of grocery store gift cards to the victims.
The municipality, owners of the building, worked to find temporary shelter to the victims.
Support through the Lions arrived in bunches. The club had initially hoped to raise $10,000. Little more than a month later, they had reached that point. So, naturally, they kept going.
Leading the way in support was the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 642 and Legion Auxiliary, as the group donated $6,000 in support.
Neighbouring Lions stepped up as well. Aid rolled in from clubs from around southwestern Ontario and beyond.
The Kiwanis assisted, as did the Masons and various church groups, a local realty firm, and private individuals.
It is said it takes a community to raise a child, but it also takes a community to support those in need.
The effort was incredible.
As for why I had the opportunity to sit with Dick, Lawrence and the gang from the Kiwanis Club that morning in celebration, well, Cynthia Hiatt, president of the Chatham Lions Club, said The Chatham Voice was integral to helping the Lions get the word out on their efforts.
We are happy to help amazing people such as Cynthia, the rest of the Lions, and everyone involved. Your efforts put smiles on faces. We merely try to help facilitate and generate interest.
“It was awesome to see so many people from different organizations across this region…for one cause and to be recognized,” Hiatt said of the celebration event.
