ATHABASCA – A good investment is a good investment, especially when the funds that go into that investment are returned in short order.
In May, Lions’ members David Maguire and Mark Neaves approached town council on behalf of the club to request a loan to provide power to the Lions Campground, just north of town on Highway 813. Council approved the request for $7,500, and the Lions, along with many helping hands, were able to install the electrical upgrade.
Maguire returned to council Dec. 7, with cheque in hand and a very positive update on the success of the campground this summer, which saw more than 200 guests, ranging from golfers to wedding guests to day campers
“It's a pleasure to be here tonight — a double pleasure because I'm paying back the money that you loaned us in May,” Maguire told council. “With the $7,500 we were able to complete the task, and the campground I believe was very good success and will only get better with age, like many of us get better with age. I gotta say, we were really up against it this year.”
Like most service groups, fundraising opportunities dried up for the Lions during the pandemic, including several casinos, but the campground, along with a 50/50 draw earlier this year helped improve the club’s fortunes.
“We did have over 200 guests this year alone, and those people who come to play golf spend money in town, buy meals, buy this, buy that I'm sure there's a few bottles of liquor bought too and it just provides something extra in this town. And we're happy — we have worked together before and we’ll continue to work together,” Maguire said.
Maguire not only thanked the town profusely, but Fortis and Summit Electric as well, his fellow Lions members, and Troy and April at the Blueberry Hill RV Park, located just north of the Lions Campground across the highway, who help manage the campground. He also mentioned the addition of the tamarack and blue spruce trees that were planted in the area, which came via the Athabasca Rotary Club and Home Hardware.
“That's what a community effort is really, really like, and I love living in little towns for those very reasons. I really do,” said Maguire. “It was a great pleasure to plan and to make it happen. It has just been a wonderful experience.”
As far as future plans for the campground, Maguire said the club is hoping to expand to 15 sites from the current 10.
“All I can do is echo what has already been said,” said mayor Rob Balay. “I think our entire community benefits when we collaborate on projects. We saw great value in that when we made the decision, and we commend you for that and I look forward to working with you in the future as well.”
