THANKS TO LIONS CLUB YOU CAN SALUTE CANADA’S FLAG ALONG MUSKOKA ROAD CANADA DAY

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Here’s a salute to the Lions.

For 40 years the Gravenhurst Lions Club has added some colourful pizzazz to the local main street each summer with its signature project.

Their annual Canadian flag program got underway again early Saturday as members carried out a tradition since the 1980s.

Unfurling the maple leaf is as much fun for them as it is patriotic for the world’s largest service organization.

Chasing after their purple trailer hauling the flags, members dash from pillar to post hoisting the crisp red and white flags that flutter in the breeze and make you stand at attention.

Thanks to the Lions you can salute Canada’s flag along Muskoka Road Canada Day.

You could say they’re taking back the flag — if really it was ever truly lost or stolen.

Lion Marjorie Lewis and club members unfurl a Canadian flag at the Opera House early Saturday morning the way service members have for more than 40 years on Gravenhurst’s main street.

It was the first of two days of flag-raising.

They say they’ve been asked to space out the flags a bit more on Muskoka Road.

And due to volunteer and supply shortages, they will be putting up additional flags July 11.

If you need to contact them because of a damaged or missing flag, their email is [email protected].

And if you wish to support them you can do so by any of the following methods:

Any donation is appreciated, but a sponsorship of $50 or more will be recognized on their webpage, on social media and on a sign board at events they do around or take part in around town. Like their brat booth as the recent Chamber of Commerce Car Show — and their many charitable works they provide to those in need locally.

Funds will be used to purchase flags and poles and replace those lost due to vandalism.  Any additional funds raised will be returned to the community via service projects.

(Ed. note: C’mon, town, help out this worthwhile project with a donation.)

For more information about the Gravenhurst Lions Club, visit www.GravenhurstLions.org or go to https://www.facebook.com/GravenhurstLionsClub

Lions Clubs International is the largest service club organization in the world, with 1.4 million men and women in more than 46,000 clubs serving communities in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the globe.

Since 1917 Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired, championed youth initiatives and strengthened local communities through hands-on service and humanitarian projects. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org

It’s fun and patriotic at the same time for the Durants who have been doing it for decades, including Dave who takes orders from Nancy on where to place his maple leaf.
From one end of town to the other Lions began spacing out flags Saturday. They will continue July 11 as they get more donations and volunteers to help.

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