Nearly a quarter of a million dollars disbursed through charity program

STEPHENVILLE, N.L. — Frank Gale
The Western Star

STEPHENVILLE, N.L. – Derek McKay would love to see more groups and associations apply for funds available through the Stephenville Lions Club/Indian Head Co-op Charity Program.
He said since the Lions and the Co-op partnership began in January 2016, they have disbursed nearly a quarter of a million dollars to 35 charitable groups.
“We would just like to see more groups apply for this money,” McKay said. “We’re sure there are more than 35 groups and organizations in the area.”
Members of the Indian Head Co-op can purchase $2 tickets each week to participate in the 50/50 draw; if their number is drawn, they get 50 per cent of the pot. If a number that’s not paid for is drawn, the amount builds.
McKay said a committee of two Lions and two members of the Co-op meet quarterly to carry out disbursements of the funds for charity.
For a group or organization to receive funds, a letter must be submitted to the Indian Head Co-op. The only stipulation is the group or organization has to be based in the Bay St. George area.
While some groups were one-time recipients, others have received multi donations during the time the partnership has been in place.
McKay said it's touching when they receive thank-you cards and messages from some of the organizations supported by the program, displayed on a board in the Co-op. The most special to him are from groups supporting autistic children and Special Olympics.
Only two donations have been made to groups outside the Bay St. George area: the Lions Max Simms Camp for a handicapped playground project and Daffodil House, to renovate a room.
McKay said both organizations have ties to people in Bay St. George who use the facilities.

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Twitter: @WS_FrankGale

Stephenville Lions Club/Indian Head Co-op 50/50 Donations:
• Stephenville-Kippens Port au Port Search and Rescue - $19,000
• Stephenville Emergency Food Services (Food Bank) - $29,500
• Kids Eat Smart (School Breakfast Program) - $50,000
• Daffodil House - $5,000
• Bay St. George Historical Society - $4,500
• No’kmaq Village (Flat Bay) - $1,000
• Bay St. George Fire Department - $1,000
• Lions Max Simms Camp - $4,000
• Stephenville Theatre Festival - $10,400
• Bay St. George Sick Children’s Foundation - $58,346
• Camp Ashanti (Boy Scouts) - $4,000
• Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital Foundation - $18,000
• Indian Head Co-op (for small grants) - $13,000
• Addictions Recovery Drop-In Centre - $5,500
• Twilight Seniors 50-Plus Club (Port au Port East) - $3,000
• Camp Evergreen (Bay St. George South) - $9,000
• Mazol Shriners - $4,000
• Our Lady of Mercy Church (Port au Port West) - $4,000
• Stephenville Taekwondo - $7,000
• Bay St. George Skating Club - $1,000
• Bay St. George Community Garden - $3,000
• Stephenville Community Garden - $1,500
• Stephenville Athletics - $3,000
• Bay St. George YMCA - $4,000
• Bay St. George Status of Women - $1,500
• Bay St. George Baseball Association - $1,000
• Stephenville Rotary Club - $1,000
• Stephenville High School - $500
• Southwest Coast SPCA - $2,000
• Aunt Jean’s Place (Transitional and Emergency Housing) - $6,000
• Bay St. George Long Term Care Centre - $5,000
• Kindale Public Library - $2,000
• Bay St. George Special Olympics - $5,600
• Town of Kippens - $700
• 194 Calypso Sea Cadets (St. George’s) - $500
• Stephenville Jets - $500
• Stephenville Leo Club - $1,000
• Community Café - $1,000
• Cape St. George Regional War Memorial - $1,000
• Ride for Sight - $500
TOTAL $244,046

Source: Stephenville Lions/Indian Head Co-op Charity Committee