Kleinburg Leo Club donates proceeds from snow removal service to The Gatehouse

Vaughan Weekly
April 1, 2014
By Angela Gismondi

A small act can make a big difference in the lives of others.

That is the philosophy behind the Winter Snow Removal Service Program run by the Kleinburg Leo Club, a youth organization of Lions Clubs International. From November to March, the local club provided snow removal services for 20 regular customers, many who were unable to remove the snow themselves.

“We’re extremely happy with how the service turned out,” said Anthony Vani, who organized the service. “We’re thankful to those who participated in the service. They have shown how generous the Kleinburg community is.”

The program raised $2,520. All the funds raised were donated to The Gatehouse in Toronto, which provides support for sexually abused adults and children. Members of the Kleinburg Leo Club were at The Gatehouse on Sunday to present the cheque.

“Our goal for this service was to make a small and simple gesture touch the lives of many people,” said Vani. “At first it sounds like a tough job, however, you feel extremely good once the day is completed, knowing you helped seniors who are unable to do the physical activity themselves. The time spent is worth it.”

They were also given a tour of the facility.

“Being there and taking the tour assured us that we made a great decision to donate the money to The Gatehouse,” said Vani. “It provides a comfortable place for people who have been sexually abused rather than being institutionalized.”

When asked why the club chose to donate the money to The Gatehouse, Vani pointed out that the Lion’s Club is an international organization which provides assistance to people all over the world. The service allowed them to reach a larger population in addition to assisting their local Kleinburg community.

Vani thanked Leo Club members Maddalena Vani, Alisia Lagrasta, Julia Baldesarra, and Christopher Kerschbaumer for their help with the snow removal program. Leo member Danielle Sannuto also did a great job creating the snow service flyer, he said. High school volunteers Mackenzie Lamb and Michael Rigato also volunteered their time during the March Break.

Although they are hoping to continue the program, the Kleinburg Leos are unsure if they will be able to provide the winter snow removal next year due to a lack of resources.

“We hope that other young adults are inspired to come out and participate,” said Vani. “It may be time consuming but it is also very rewarding. We hope to be able to offer the service again.”

As for upcoming events, the Leo Club is currently planning a yard sale for Sunday, May 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Kline House on Islington Avenue in Kleinburg. The money will support the Kleinburg Leo Club.

They will also be volunteering at the Maple Lions Club Pancake Festival on April 26 at the Maple Community Centre.

The Leo Club is always running its eye glasses campaign, accepting used eyewear to donate to those in need. Those wishing to drop off donations can do so at Advantage Physiotherapy on Islington Avenue in Kleinburg.

The Kleinburg Leo Club meets every second Sunday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Kline House. All those who are interested are welcome to attend.

For more information or to become a member of the Kleinburg Leo Club email kyarecruitment@outlook.ca.