PREECEVILLE — The Preeceville and District Lions Club has been providing service to the Town of Preeceville, the local area and national charities for more than 66 years.
The first meeting to discuss the formation of a Lions Club in Preeceville was held at the Legion Hall on Feb. 28, 1960, as stated in the Town of Preeceville’s history book, Lines of the Past.
There were 37 people present at this meeting, overseen by Doctor Reg Forshner, where everyone agreed to form a Lions Club. The first president was Forshner, Peter Predy was secretary and Reg Roberts was treasurer. The first meeting of the newly formed club was held a week later with the balance of the executive elected. Dave Slinn, first vice-president; Russel Long, second vice-president; Orval Jones, third vice-president; Myron Swiderski, Lion tamer; and Stewart Butler as tail twister. The club was named the Preeceville and District Lion’s Club.
The first charter night was held on March 31, 1960, with 49 charter members installed.
The first project as a club was a children’s park and playground with a paddling pool, erected on the east side of the Town of Preeceville. Washroom facilities were added to complete the park.
Another project for the club in the first year was the purchase of land two miles east of town on Highway 9 and 49, and additional land was donated by Premier Producers Ltd. The land was cleared, marking the beginning of a roadside park. Later, it was turned over to the Department of Natural Resources for completion and maintenance.
The first sports day was organized and sponsored on July 10, 1960. The first Christmas party was organized that same year, with a movie and Santa Claus, and free bags of candy, nuts and oranges given away.
In 1961, the club assisted with the installation of heating and flooding equipment in the skating rink.
With funds from the annual winter carnival, the club was able to take on another project: the building of a senior citizens’ home.
In 1965, the practice of selling Christmas cakes was started to raise funds. In 1967, the club donated 12 street garbage containers to help keep the streets clean. In 1970, a new sound system was installed in the skating rink. The club also donated $40,000 toward the building of a new rink. They also donated money toward renovations at the Legion Hall, repairing the curling rink roof, establishing new playgrounds and a tennis court, and contributing toward artificial ice in the curling rink. In 1982, they made a donation toward a level-three nursing home.
“Today, the club has continued its tradition of helping and providing funds for Town of Preeceville residents and its facilities,” said Agnes Murrin, president of the club. “We currently have 20 members who joined at separate years.”
The latest updated projects the club has taken on include creating cross-country ski trails around the outskirts of the Town of Preeceville. A special groomer was purchased to help in this process, and the trails are approximately one-third done with more to be created as the project continues. The club is responsible for maintaining the sports grounds track. The trails will also have benches along the route in memory of deceased members. The club is also paving around LTC for easier walking for seniors and families.
The two main fundraisers are the Chase the Ace fundraiser, scheduled to begin January 9, 2026, with the first draw held January 15. Tickets will sell for $5 each. Western Weekend is the club’s other main fundraiser, held in the summer months.
“The club that was a traditional all-male club has now moved to encourage and allow females to join,” said Murrin.
“We also sponsor two high school scholarships, rent out three tents, tables and chairs for any occasion, and participate in the annual Remembrance Day Service,” stated Murrin. Some other organizations and groups the club gives back to are Diabetes Canada, Whitehawk Arts Council, Filling the Gap, free skating at the arena in Preeceville and Sturgis. The Lions are also looking at upgrading the sound system at the Preeceville Sports Grounds.
Other activities the club has been involved in over the years include a kiddies Christmas party, winter carnival (1960–1996), selling Christmas fruit cakes and chocolate Easter bunnies, Shrine Circus, trade shows (1995–2014), bingos (1960–2014), tent rentals and Western Weekend from 1995 to present.
Current executive members are Ralph Ager, president; Karen Berezitzky, treasurer; Wyatt Cook, secretary; Brian Yates, rental coordinator; and James Bodnar, vice-president.
