SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A little compassion went a very long way for one woman, who was welcomed into the Summerside Lions Club during the club’s 65th-anniversary celebration.
“Some people have never felt that hand of respect, honour and love. It can change a person’s life,” said Nancy Beth Guptill, who officially joined the Summerside Lions Club on Saturday evening at the Wilmot Community Centre.
“Many years ago, I assisted a young gentleman and a few years later he called me to say, ‘It was your kindness and just treating me like a regular person – with respect – that saved me because I was about to commit suicide.’ For me, [all I had done] was invite him in and had a cup of coffee," she said.
"A lot of people are shunned in society because maybe they are not the status quo or have the privileges a lot of us have. We may not intentionally do it, but I think it’s important for us to have an open heart, mind, and eyes.”
Guptill had been looking for a service organization to invest in and volunteer her time.
“I’ve seen the great work the Summerside Lions Club has done in the community, including the Lions International. What I’m excited about is that they are looking for diversity and equity, which is something in my background. I’m looking for gender equity, parity and to do good service work,” said Guptill.
Lion Don Reid, membership chairman for the Summerside club and sponsor of Guptill, said the Lions [organizations] are the biggest donors to non-profits in the world.
“It’s a whole ceremony when you join the Summerside Lions Club. Our district governor (of Atlantic Canada) Lloyd Soucy will be here for the induction of Nancy Beth and I will stand beside her as the sponsor during the evening ceremony, comprised of a dinner,” explained Reid.
Reid said he joined the club three years ago for a very simple reason: to serve.
“The mission statement of the Lions Club is every cent that comes into the organization goes back out to charity,” he said.
The club hosted an open house from 1 to 3 p.m.
After, the 22 Lions Clubs from around P.E.I. came to celebrate the milestone year for the Summerside club, since its inception in 1954, with fun activities and dinner.
“I’ve always been involved in community-focused work and looking at the various social concerns, but it’s usually been in a work or consultancy role. Now I can really have my feet on the ground and see how it impacts people,” said Guptill, who is excited about her new role.
