Lions gather in Grande Prairie for 10th Annual Multiple District C Convention

By Haylee Winger
The 10th Annual Multiple District C Convention of Lions Clubs International was held in
Grande Prairie on April 10 and 11, bringing together members in a celebration of leadership,
unity, and service.
Multiple District C, which includes Districts C-1 and C-2, serves communities throughout
Alberta and parts of the Northwest Territories and represents a large geographic region within the
organization. District C-1, formed in 2015 through the merger of Districts 37L and 37I, includes
St. Albert, Legal, and Morinville, and is recognized as one of the largest geographic districts in
the world.
The convention welcomed guests from Brookfield, Connecticut; Bozeman, Montana; Stratford,
Ontario; and Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, along with delegates from 32 locations across
Alberta. Attendees included Lions, Leos, Leo Lions, guests, and supporters. Six members of the
Morinville Lions Club were in attendance.
Dignitaries addressing the convention included Past International Director Marvin Chambers,
First Vice President Mark Lyon, Grande Prairie Deputy Mayor Kevin O’Toole, and County
Reeve Amanda McDonald. MLA Ron Wiebe, who was unable to attend, provided a letter that
was read aloud by Council Chair Lank.
In remarks to delegates, Lank highlighted the convention as both a milestone marking a decade
of shared service, leadership, and purpose, and as a point of opportunity for future growth. The
address emphasized the increasing need for Lions’ involvement in addressing mental health
challenges, food insecurity, youth support, and environmental stewardship. The importance of
collaboration and partnerships was underscored, along with the need to strengthen connections
between districts through shared resources, joint service initiatives, coordinated training, and the
exchange of ideas and best practices. Lank also encouraged the development of new leaders and
the inclusion of emerging voices, noting that collaboration is central to the organization’s identity
and future direction. In closing, Lank reflected on the collective role of members in shaping the
future of Multiple District C.
The flag ceremony was conducted by Second Vice District Governor Zella Gardiner, First Vice
District Governor Danielle Hamelin, and Grande Prairie cadets. Flags presented included those
of the United States, Canada, Alberta, British Columbia, Lions International, and the State of
Connecticut.
The convention featured a range of guest speakers and display booths. Kelly Sisak of the Royal
Alexandra Hospital Foundation presented on the RetCam Envision, an imaging tool used in
operating rooms to obtain diagnostic retinal images under anesthesia.
Laura LaValley, CEO of the Northwestern Alberta Foundation, discussed the organization’s
focus on connecting with rural, Indigenous, and remote communities, as well as its role in
linking people to causes and resources that address community needs. The foundation manages

more than $15 million in assets and over 200 uniquely tailored funds, including permanently
endowed, temporarily endowed, and non-endowed funds.
Glenda Farnden spoke about the ongoing support of Lions Clubs for STARS Air Ambulance,
noting cumulative contributions exceeding $3 million. The Dr. Gregory Powell Fellowship
STARS Critical Care Academy, created by Lions in 2012, has raised $147,500 and supported 295
fellowship recipients.
Additional presentations highlighted initiatives such as the Alert Trailer, vision screening, service
projects, and environmental efforts.
As part of the convention’s outreach efforts, attendees were encouraged to donate backpacks
containing youth or baby supplies. Nicole Rachinski of the Morinville Lions Club coordinated
the assembly of donated items, which will be distributed to Sunrise House, foster care programs,
and child-in-care programs supporting children in the Grande Prairie area.
Morinville Lions Club Secretary Bev Lussier contributed auction items for the event fundraiser.
The convention concluded with a continued focus on service, collaboration, and community
support across Multiple District C.