Erin Meadows and the Mississauga Credit Valley Lions Club
Kristian Partington

In 2004, members of the Lions Club of Erindale Mississauga, now known as the Mississauga Credit Valley Lions Club, abruptly learned they could no longer use the Erin Mills Community Centre for regular meetings and events; the club, which exists to support its community, was effectively homeless.

Bob Emond and his fellow Lions Club members in Mississauga are proud of the relationship they have with the team and residents at the Village of Erin Meadows.

When approached by club members, the team at the Village of Erin Meadows opened their arms and welcomed the service club for dinner meetings twice monthly and a monthly board meeting in its board room.

“They became our lifesaver,” says club member and past district governor Bob Emond, whose ties to the village stretch well beyond his role as a Lion.

“It all ties in with the care, the friendliness, the love and the compassion that was extended to my aunt, who passed on on the 19th of June at Erin Meadows at age 99,” Bob says.

But even before his aunt moved to the village, he and fellow club members were aware of the warmth of the Erin Meadows community and its position as a true community hub.

For the past nine years, Lions have volunteered to run regular bingo nights at the village, and every summer they help out with the annual summer community fun fair there.

Bob says it’s a relationship he’s proud to be part of.

“It all works out beautifully and that connection goes way, way back,” he says.

Being part of community events at the village, such as the Aug. 26 fun fair where generations of families came together for games, barbecues and laughter, is a special thing, Bob adds.

“It’s a great feeling, what more can I say,” he says.

Recreation director Sami Kermani holds nothing but respect for Bob and his fellow Lions Club members.

“They are a wonderful support for us,” she says, eager to capture any opportunity she can to show her gratitude.

The appreciation, Bob assures the Village Voice, is reciprocal.

“We love to contribute, we love to visit there, we know an awful lot of the residents and there are always lots of nice hellos from everybody,” he says.

“It’s just the idea of a smile and a good handshake or a hug; it just makes all the difference in the world.”

If you have questions, comments or a story to share, please contact kristian(at)axiomnews.ca, or call 800-294-0051, ext. 24.