Lions auction returns
By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Strathmore Lions Club has announced the return of their dinner and auction fundraiser, scheduled to take place Apr. 12.
Partnered with the Wheatland Leos, the event was announced on Dec. 19. Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dinner and auction fundraiser was an annual event, and was among the Lions’ largest events of the year.
“It happened usually around Easter every year and it is a nice dinner, a silent auction, a live auction, and (features) lots of ways to get involved to win prizes, bid on things, chat with your neighbours, (and) get to know people in the community,” said Grace Schoute, who spoke on behalf of the Strathmore Lions Club. “It helps the Lions raise money for the projects that they target in the community. The last auction was two years ago, and before that, during COVID-19, they had gone online and done auctions.”
Schoute explained the decision to host another auction in 2025 largely revolved around there being someone able to facilitate the hosting of the event.
As the Strathmore Lions Club has decreased in size and membership, remaining members who are getting older are less able to bring large events together.
“In 2024, there was a feeling that there just was not enough help to make it happen. In 2025, Brad Walls stepped up as auction chair, and we agreed to help, and he got some other support in the Lions Club and we are trying to put it together and make it happen for them,” said Schoute. “It is a big deal. The Lions Club are instrumental in the community, building the outdoor rink, building the swimming pool, and helping the Handi-Bus; they had the first ambulance, they built the splash park, they built the skate park. All of the things happening in the community are usually by way of the Lions Club.”
Throughout its history in the local community, the Strathmore Lions Club has donated approximately $5.5 million to local programs and initiatives.
The goal of the 2025 Dinner and Auction fundraiser is to raise $50,000 in net profit, which would then be filtered back into the local community.
All of the auction items will have been donated from across the community and from locally operating businesses.
Ticket sales will begin in mid-January. The Strathmore Lions Club is also actively seeking sponsors for the event.